Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

Tennessee Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

12 Hours every year (24 Total per cycle) - Strict Annual Requirement

• Annual Requirement: Tennessee is unique because it enforces a strict annual requirement of 12 hours, even though the license is renewed every 2 years. You cannot cram all 24 hours into the last month of your renewal cycle; you must complete 12 hours in *each* calendar year.
• Live/Interactive Hours: You must complete 5 hours of live, real-time education every year (10 hours total per renewal). This includes in-person conferences or real-time interactive webinars.
• Online/Self-Study Limit: You may take a maximum of 7 hours of non-traditional/self-study courses every year.
• Mandatory Topics (Annual): Each year you must complete: - 1 Hour in Patient Safety - 1 Hour in Professional Ethics - 5 Hours relevant to Clinical Practice or Respiratory Research
• Management/Education: The remaining 5 hours (of your annual 12) may cover non-clinical topics such as management, education, or general professional standards.

Tennessee License Renewal Process

1. Expiration Date: Licenses expire every 2 years on the last day of your birth month.
2. Renewal Window: Renewal typically opens 120 days prior to your expiration date.
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the Tennessee Department of Health (LARS) online portal.
4. Fees: The standard renewal fee is approximately $110.00 - $150.00.
5. Audit: The Board conducts random audits. Because the requirement is annual (12 hours/year), you must be able to prove you took the courses *in the correct year*, not just total_hours. Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
6. Late Renewal: Failing to renew by the end of your birth month results in a lapsed license. You may have a grace period with a late fee, but practicing on a lapsed license is prohibited.