Pennsylvania Licensure Requirements
Respiratory Care Program
1 Examination
No Experience Requirement
3 Hours of Continuing Education
$30.00 Initial Fee
$25.00 Renewal Fee
A specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease.
Degree Requirement:
Respiratory Care Program
An applicant must graduate from a respiratory care program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Examination Requirement:
1 Examination
An applicant must receive a passing grade on the National Board for Respiratory Care entry level credentialing examination.
Experience:
No Experience Requirement
Continuing Education:
3 Hours (for initial licensure)
Applicants must complete 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting for initial licensure.
30 Hours (when renewing license)
To renew your license every 2 years, you must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education, which must include 2 hours of approved training in how to recognize and report child abuse.
Initial Licensing Fee:
$30.00
Licensure Renewal Fee:
$25.00
Licensure by Endorsement under Section 27 of the Medical Practice Act:
The Board will grant a license without restriction to an applicant who does not meet the standard license requirements if the applicant has achieved cumulative qualifications that are endorsed by the Board as being equivalent to the standard requirements for the license.
Licensure by Act 41:
Act 41 promotes licensure portability for out-of-state professionals seeking to work in Pennsylvania. Act 41 authorizes all licensing boards and commissions within the Commonwealth to endorse licenses issued by other states, territories, and jurisdictions, provided the applicant meets certain criteria. Specifically, an applicant must:
- Hold a current, active license in good standing in another jurisdiction whose licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed Pennsylvania’s.
- Have no disciplinary action or criminal convictions.
- Have been actively engaged in the licensed practice of the profession for at least two of the last five years.
- Demonstrate competence, as determined by the Board; this may include education, continuing education, or other standards set by the Board.
- Meet any other administrative requirements such as fees.