LicenseCompass

Licensed Respiratory Therapist License in Kentucky

Quick Answer

To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Kentucky, complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the NBRC entry-level certification exam. You must be 18+. The initial fee is $100 for two years, with $50 biennial renewal.

Exam
NBRC Entry-Level Certification Exam (CRT/TMC)
Total Cost
$100 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 months after program completion
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Licensed Respiratory Therapist license in Kentucky

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
$50
Total Estimated Cost
$100

Licensing Agency

Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Respiratory Care

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Respiratory Therapist license in Kentucky. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Total Estimated Cost$100

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Kentucky licensing board.

Licensed Respiratory Therapist Salary in Kentucky

Entry Level

$52,060

Median

$65,670

Experienced

$81,110

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NBRC Entry-Level Certification Exam (CRT/TMC)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 months after program completion.

Licensed Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know

Kentucky requires successful completion of a training program accredited by the AMA Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education, and passing the entry-level certification examination administered by the NBRC. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The initial fee is $100 for a two-year period, with $50 biennial renewal. Renewal notification is mailed one month in advance. Reciprocity with other states may be available through the regulatory agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Licensed Respiratory Therapist license cost in Kentucky?
The estimated total cost is $100, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Licensed Respiratory Therapist license in Kentucky?
The process typically takes 2-4 months after program completion, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Licensed Respiratory Therapist license in Kentucky?
You need to pass the NBRC Entry-Level Certification Exam (CRT/TMC). Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.