Respiratory Therapist / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Rhode Island's path to respiratory therapist licensure runs through 2,243 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Rhode Island folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $199, with renewal running $161 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.

On reciprocity, respiratory therapists should know: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
42/100
Respiratory Therapist · Rhode Island

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
2,243 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$199
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$81/yr
$161 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,243 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$199
Renewal Fee
$161
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
In Rhode Island, the license path calls for 2243 education/training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), and a $199 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Rhode Island, you must meet the state's requirements including 2243 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
For respiratory therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the respiratory therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued respiratory therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $161 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this respiratory therapist license

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

  • See how Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Rhode Island overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Rhode Island 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.