Alabama Respiratory Therapist License
Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution or provided as a copy of the diploma/letter from the Program Director.
- NBRC Credential Verification — Proof of holding a valid CRT or RRT credential. The Board may verify this directly through the NBRC website.
- Passport Photo — A recent 2x2 head-and-shoulders passport-type photograph taken within the last 6 months.
- Proof of Citizenship — Copy of a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or other approved document proving lawful presence.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from a respiratory therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Verify Accredited Programs -
Pass NBRC Examination ▾Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn CRT or RRT credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
NBRC Website -
Submit Application ▾Complete the online application through the ASBRT portal or mail a notarized paper application to the Board office in Montgomery.
Online Application Portal -
Pay Fees ▾Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee and the $75 initial license fee (total $100). Fees can be paid online or via check/money order for paper applications.
-
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Provide official transcripts, proof of NBRC credentials, a 2x2 passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
-
Background Authorization ▾Sign the affidavit in the application authorizing the Board to conduct a criminal history investigation. No separate fingerprinting vendor is currently required for RTs; the Board performs the check.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official written verification of your current license from every state or territory where you have ever held a license.
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Select 'License by Reciprocity' in the online portal and complete all required sections.
Reciprocity Application -
Provide Credential Proof ▾Ensure your NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT) are active and verifiable.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Alabama Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Notarization
▾
Paper applications must be notarized. If the signature date and notary date do not match, the application will be delayed.
Incomplete License Verifications
▾
For reciprocity, failing to provide verifications from ALL states where a license was held (active or inactive) is a frequent cause of delay.
Unreported Criminal History
▾
Failure to disclose past misdemeanors or felonies that appear on the background check will lead to significant delays or denial.
Questions
How long does the application process take?
▾
Complete applications typically take 1 to 2 weeks to process and issue once all documentation is received.
What are the continuing education requirements for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 24 contact hours every two years. A maximum of 12 hours may be non-traditional (online/self-study).
When does my Alabama RT license expire?
▾
All licenses expire on November 1 of odd-numbered years, regardless of when they were initially issued.
Can I work with a temporary license?
▾
Yes, a 6-month temporary license is available for new graduates awaiting their first examination. It must be applied for within 30 days of graduation.