STATE LICENSURE
As of October 1, 1984, the State of Florida adopted a State Licensure Regulation for Respiratory Therapists and Respiratory Care Practitioners.  It states in part, that no person in the state of Florida shall perform respiratory care procedures except under the provisions of the Respiratory Care Act, FSS Chapter 468.  Examination and licensure procedures are to be followed by all respiratory care personnel.
Students graduating from this program should apply to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for licensure.  Forms will be issued at the appropriate time and assistance will be offered in the proper completion of these application forms.  Any modification in the current application process will be disseminated to students.
Certain conditions including criminal convictions of certain types, alcohol and other drug related offenses, and psychological disorders, may create some difficulties in obtaining licensure.  Students with concerns about any of these related areas should contact the program director at PSC or the DPBR.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): Graduates of this program are required to take the entry-level examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).  Upon passing the national NBRC examination, the student will reciprocally be granted the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential by the NBRC in accordance with the agreement between the DPBR and the NBRC.
Effective January 1, 2005 sections 468.356 (Approval of education programs) and 468.357 F.S. (Licensure by examination) are repealed. Students who apply on or after January 1, 2005 will be required to apply directly to the National Board for Respiratory Care to take the NBRC exam and upon successful passage of the exam; apply to the Board for Respiratory Care for licensure by endorsement. All important notices, questions and announcements will be placed on the web page at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/respiratory/rt_home.html. In addition you will find the Practice Act, rules, discipline actions, minutes from board meetings, renewal information and revised licensure application.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Once graduates of this program have passed the entry-level examination, they are eligible to sit for the NBRC Written Registry and Clinical Simulation examinations. Upon passing both parts of the registry examination, endorsement through the state of Florida must be obtained by completing required forms issued by the DBPR.
Beginning in January of 2000, all NBRC credentialing examinations will be given via computer. The tests will be available to candidates, year-round on a daily basis. 
The practice of Respiratory Therapy in the state of Florida is regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation under Florida Statute, Chapter 468 and accompanying rules and amendments.
Respiratory Care and associated web sites:
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC):    		www.nbrc.org
American Association for respiratory Care (AARC)   		www.aarc.org
Florida Society for Respiratory Care (FSRC )   		www.fsrcweb.com
Florida Department of Health (FLDOH)      			www.doh.state.fl.us