How to Get Your Tennessee Respiratory Therapist License in 2026

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Tennessee

Tennessee licenses respiratory therapists through the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, which administers RT licensure under the Tennessee Respiratory Care Practitioners Act. Tennessee is a uniquely significant state for healthcare professionals: it is the headquarters of HCA Healthcare, the nation's largest for-profit hospital operator, as well as home to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the South's premier academic medical centers. The result is a deep, competitive RT job market spanning Nashville's large metro, Memphis's medical district, and Knoxville's growing healthcare sector.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Tennessee requires graduation from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program. In-state options include programs at Columbia State Community College, Volunteer State Community College, Roane State Community College (Harriman), and the University of Memphis. Both AAS and BSRT pathways are available within the state.

Curriculum requirements include mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary diagnostics, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, and critical care management. Tennessee's large hospital network provides extensive clinical rotation opportunities, particularly in Nashville where Vanderbilt, Saint Thomas/Ascension, and multiple HCA facilities create one of the densest clinical training environments in the Southeast.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

Tennessee's licensure pathway requires NBRC credentials:

• TMC (Therapist Multiple Choice) Examination, 160 questions. High-cut score earns the RRT; low-cut score earns the CRT.
• CSE (Clinical Simulation Examination), 22 advanced scenarios required for full RRT designation.

Tennessee requires the RRT credential for Board of Medical Examiners licensure. CRT holders cannot obtain an active Tennessee license without passing the CSE. Pearson VUE test centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga serve Tennessee candidates.

Step 3: Apply for Your Tennessee License

After earning your RRT, submit your application to the Tennessee Department of Health through the Board of Medical Examiners:

1. Complete the RT licensure application through the Tennessee Online License Verification and Application portal.
2. Pay the licensure fee (approximately $75-$100; confirm current fees on the Department of Health website).
3. Submit NBRC credential verification.
4. Provide official transcripts from your CoARC-accredited program.
5. Complete a criminal background check as required by Tennessee law.
6. If licensed in another state, provide verification of good standing.

Processing times typically run two to four weeks for complete applications. Tennessee does not currently participate in the RT Licensure Compact, requiring full application from all candidates including those with valid out-of-state licenses.

CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires the RRT for licensure. The Board of Medical Examiners has aligned with national standards in treating the CRT as insufficient for independent practice licensure. Notably, given Tennessee's role as HCA Healthcare's home state, and HCA's national credentialing standards that require RRT for virtually all clinical RT staff, the RRT is the practical and legal prerequisite for Tennessee practice at the same time.

NBRC specialty credentials (ACCS, NPS, SDS, CPFT) are not required for licensure but are valued by Tennessee's academic medical centers for subspecialty positions in pulmonary function, sleep medicine, and pediatric critical care.

Continuing Education Requirements

Tennessee RTs must complete 30 continuing education hours per two-year renewal cycle. Accepted CE activities include:

• AARC-approved seminars, conferences, and online self-study modules
• NBRC specialty credential examinations
• Accredited college coursework in respiratory therapy or a clinically related field
• In-service hospital training that meets Board standards

The Tennessee Society for Respiratory Care (TSRC) organizes annual state conferences and CE workshops. Nashville-area RTs have abundant CE opportunities through the many professional education events hosted by HCA, Vanderbilt, and Ascension each year. Retain all CE certificates for potential audit review.

Tennessee Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Tennessee's RT market is strong, with the Nashville metro leading compensation statewide:

• Entry-level RRT (0-2 years): $56,000-$66,000/year
• Mid-career (3-7 years): $64,000-$76,000/year
• Senior/Lead RT (8+ years): $74,000-$88,000/year
• Nashville market premium: 10-15% above statewide average
• Travel RT contracts in TN: $1,850-$2,500/week

Memphis and Knoxville track roughly 5-8% below Nashville. Chattanooga has emerged as a competitive market with CHI Memorial and Erlanger system growth. Rural Tennessee positions, particularly in the eastern and western parts of the state, typically carry sign-on bonuses.

Top Employers

Tennessee's RT market reflects the state's unique position as a national healthcare industry hub:

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville), Tennessee's leading academic medical center and a national destination for complex care. VUMC employs a large RT team across its adult and children's hospitals, with specialty roles in ECMO, cardiac surgery, and pulmonary transplant.
• HCA Healthcare, With corporate headquarters in Nashville and dozens of Tennessee hospitals across Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and smaller markets, HCA is the state's largest employer of RTs. HCA's scale creates extensive internal transfer and career advancement opportunities.
• UT Medical Center / University of Tennessee Medical Center (Knoxville), East Tennessee's primary academic and tertiary care facility; employs RTs in trauma, NICU, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis), Memphis's largest health system, including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, a nationally ranked pediatric facility and significant NICU RT employer.
• Saint Thomas/Ascension (Nashville), Major Nashville system with multiple campuses; strong cardiac surgery and pulmonary programs.

Tennessee's combination of HCA's national scope, Vanderbilt's academic prestige, and a growing Nashville economy makes it one of the most dynamic RT markets in the southeastern United States.