Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License
Arkansas State Medical Board — RT
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Completed Application Form — The primary application for licensure, either submitted online or via the paper form in the packet. View Form
- NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of RRT or CRT status sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts from an accredited respiratory care program sent directly from the institution.
- Criminal Background Check (CBC) Packet — Fingerprint cards and authorization forms mailed to the applicant by the Board after application submission.
- Medical Practices Act and Rules Affidavit — A signed statement confirming the applicant has read and will comply with state laws.
- Current Resume — A copy of your current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
How to Apply
-
Download and Review Application Packet ▾Obtain the official Respiratory Therapy Licensure Information Packet which contains all required forms and detailed instructions.
Download Application Packet -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the initial application through the Arkansas State Medical Board (ASMB) online application system.
Start Online Application -
Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the required initial licensure fee (typically $75) as part of the online application process.
Pay Fee -
Request NBRC Verification ▾Contact the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to have your credential verification sent directly to the Arkansas State Medical Board.
Request NBRC Verification -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request that your respiratory therapy program send official transcripts directly to the Board. Transcripts must show the degree and date conferred.
-
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾After your application is received, the Board will mail a fingerprint packet to your private address. Complete the fingerprints and return the packet as instructed.
-
Submit Medical Practices Act Affidavit ▾Read the Arkansas Respiratory Care Act and submit the signed affidavit included in the application packet.
Read Medical Practices Act
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
-
Submit Standard Application ▾Applicants licensed in other states must complete the same application process as initial applicants.
Apply by Credentials -
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of all current and past respiratory therapy licenses from every state where you have held a license.
-
Verify NBRC Credentials ▾Ensure your NBRC credentials are active and have the verification sent to the Arkansas Board.
NBRC Verification
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas State Medical Board — RT
Keeping Your License Active
Arkansas Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas State Medical Board — RT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
The state and federal background check can take 2 to 6 weeks to process. Delays occur if fingerprints are rejected or forms are incomplete.
Missing Primary Source Verifications
▾
The Board requires NBRC credentials and transcripts to come directly from the source. Hand-carried or applicant-mailed copies are not accepted.
Incomplete Application Fields
▾
Failing to answer every question or leaving fields blank (instead of using 'N/A') will result in the application being returned.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Arkansas requires 12 hours of CE annually, including at least 1 hour specifically on ethics or professional boundaries.
When does my Arkansas Respiratory Therapist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire annually on the last day of the licensee's birth month.
Can I complete all of my CE hours online?
▾
Yes, the Arkansas State Medical Board allows all 12 required CE hours to be completed through online or home-study courses.
Is a temporary permit available for new graduates?
▾
Yes, a temporary permit may be issued to graduates of approved programs who are awaiting their first examination results.
Board Info
Arkansas State Medical Board — RT
Phone(501) 296-1802