Respiratory Therapist / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the North Carolina data shows for Respiratory Therapists

North Carolina sets the entry bar for respiratory therapists at 1,946 training hours and a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under North Carolina's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $139 to get started, plus $117 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,946 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$139
Renewal Fee
$117
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina requires 1946 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $139. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
Certification as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina means clearing the state's checklist: 1946 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for respiratory therapists nationally works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into North Carolina. Verify the specifics with the North Carolina licensing board.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for respiratory therapist licensing in North Carolina. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina ties continued respiratory therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $117 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

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