Respiratory Therapist / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Kentucky data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Becoming a licensed respiratory therapist in Kentucky means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,770 training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Kentucky regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $104, with renewal running $91 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
54/100
Respiratory Therapist · Kentucky

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,770 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$104
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C+
$46/yr
$91 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,770 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$104
Renewal Fee
$91
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Respiratory Therapist All Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky? ▼
In Kentucky, the license path calls for 1770 education/training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), and a $104 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky? ▼
Certification as a respiratory therapist in Kentucky means clearing the state's checklist: 1770 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Kentucky licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
Respiratory Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Kentucky licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Kentucky does require a background check before issuing a respiratory therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky? ▼
Licensed respiratory therapists in Kentucky must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $91.

Related Guides

What to do with this respiratory therapist license

Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a respiratory therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Kentucky's respiratory therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Respiratory Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state respiratory therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Kentucky's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Kentucky overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Kentucky licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.