Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

North Carolina Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

12 Hours every 1 year - Total CE requirement for license renewal

• Total Requirement: 12 contact hours of continuing education are required annually (every year).
• Live/Interactive Hours: At least 6 hours must be obtained through 'Category I' workshops, seminars, lectures, or symposiums that provide for direct interaction between the speaker and participants. Real-time interactive webinars count toward this requirement.
• Online/Self-Study Limit: A maximum of 6 hours can be obtained through 'distance education' or self-study formats (e.g., pre-recorded videos, journal articles) where there is no direct interaction.
• Mandatory Topics: There are currently 0 specific mandatory course topics (e.g., no ethics or patient safety requirement) for standard renewal. Courses must simply be related to the practice of respiratory care.
• Clinical Precepting: You may claim up to 3 hours for clinical precepting of respiratory therapy students (1 CEU = 12 hours of student contact).
• Advanced Life Support: You can claim credit for ACLS, PALS, or NRP certifications (Category I) if they involve a live instructor component.

North Carolina License Renewal Process

1. Expiration Date: Licenses expire Annually on the last day of the month in which the license was originally issued. (e.g., If issued in March, your deadline is March 31st every year).
2. Renewal Window: You may renew your license within 30 days prior to the expiration date.
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the NCRCB Licensure Gateway.
4. Fees: The standard annual renewal fee is $75.00.
5. Late Renewal: If you fail to renew by the expiration date, you may renew late for up to 90 days. The Late Fee is $75.00 (Total $150.00). After 90 days, the license lapses and you must re-apply.
6. Audit: The Board conducts random audits. You must retain your CE documentation for at least 3 years.