Respiratory Therapist / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

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

Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the West Virginia data shows for Respiratory Therapists

West Virginia sets the entry bar for respiratory therapists at 1,784 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 West Virginia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $107 to get started, plus $93 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,784 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$107
Renewal Fee
$93
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with West Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires 1784 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $107. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia?
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in West Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 1784 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the West Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia. Verify the specifics with the West Virginia licensing board.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing?
Background screening is part of the respiratory therapist licensing process in West Virginia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia?
To stay licensed as a respiratory therapist in West Virginia, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $93.

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