Respiratory Therapist / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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 Tennessee data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Becoming a licensed respiratory therapist in Tennessee means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,878 training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Tennessee regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $126, and renewal costs $107 every 2 years. 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 Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,878 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$126
Renewal Fee
$107
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee requires 1878 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $126. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as a respiratory therapist in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist: 1878 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Verify the specifics with the Tennessee licensing board.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Licensed respiratory therapists in Tennessee must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $107.

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.