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Respiratory Therapist License in Louisiana

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in LA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$225

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

TMC & CSE Exams

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Respiratory Therapist training program in Louisiana.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your LA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the TMC & CSE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Louisiana licensing board and pay the $225 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in LA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Louisiana requires all applicants to pass the TMC & CSE Exams before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in LA is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

To qualify for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Louisiana, candidates must satisfy several prerequisites. LA mandates completion of an approved training program, successful passage of the TMC & CSE Exams, and a clean criminal background check. Additional requirements may include proof of residency and professional references as determined by the Louisiana regulatory authority.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in LA is $225, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $375 total when accounting for all associated costs in Louisiana.

License Fee Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana

Base License Fee$225
Estimated Total$225

Renewal Process

Maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in Louisiana requires timely renewal every 2 years. LA sets the renewal fee at $150. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Louisiana board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in LA.

License Expiry Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in LA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Louisiana requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Respiratory Therapist professionals in Louisiana continues to grow. LA offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Louisiana provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Respiratory Therapist professionals in LA report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Respiratory Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize LA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts LA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize LA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts LA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts LA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for LA license holders.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize LA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for LA license holders.

Where to File Locally in Louisiana

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Baton Rouge

8549 United Plaza Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

(225) 765-2301

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

New Orleans

1515 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 658-4000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Shreveport

505 Travis St, Shreveport, LA 71101

(318) 673-5050

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lafayette

705 W University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70506

(337) 291-8000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lake Charles

326 Pujo St, Lake Charles, LA 70601

(337) 491-1200

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Louisiana Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Louisiana state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.