Professional respiratory therapists are required to obtain licensure, either temporary or permanent, before practicing in any state. It is important to note that state licensure boards hold the authority to deny licensure to individuals with a criminal history, other than minor traffic violations. Prospective applicants with a criminal record are advised to consult their respective state licensure boards for guidance.

Upon fulfilling degree requirements, students must apply to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Licensure requirements, including the credential level, vary depending on the state of application. Students may access the State Licensure/Professional Certification Disclosure Information document on the South College website (https://www.south.edu/consumer-information/), which contains more information on state requirements for eligibility for licensure or reciprocity.