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Respiratory Therapist License in Virginia

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in VA. 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 Virginia.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Respiratory Therapist training program in Virginia.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your VA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the TMC & CSE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

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

Step 5·Receive License

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

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in Virginia starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the VA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the TMC & CSE Exams. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Virginia state board.

Requirements

The Virginia licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Respiratory Therapist professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the TMC & CSE Exams. VA also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Virginia starts at $225 for the application fee. VA requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Virginia can add up to $75 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in Virginia

Base License Fee$225
Estimated Total$225

Renewal Process

License renewal for Respiratory Therapist professionals in Virginia occurs on a 2-year cycle. VA charges a renewal fee of $150 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Virginia at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in VA

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

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Respiratory Therapist professionals in Virginia continues to grow. VA offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Virginia provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Respiratory Therapist professionals in VA 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 Virginia 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 VA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts VA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts VA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts VA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Virginia

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

Richmond

9960 Mayland Dr, Richmond, VA 23233

(804) 367-8500

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Virginia Beach

2401 Courthouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

(757) 385-4242

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Norfolk

810 Union St, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 664-4000

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Arlington

2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 228-3000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Roanoke

215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

(540) 853-2000

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Virginia Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Virginia 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.