Alaska Respiratory Therapist License
Alaska DCBPL
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- NBRC Credential Certificate — Official proof of active CRT or RRT status from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
- Official Academic Transcripts — Transcripts from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program showing degree conferral.
- Life Support Certifications — Current BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS certifications as required by the specific healthcare facility.
- Alaska Business License — Required only for independent contractors or self-employed practitioners. Business License Info
How to Apply
-
Complete a CoARC-Accredited Program ▾Graduate from a respiratory therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass NBRC Credentialing Exams ▾Successfully complete the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
NBRC Exam Registration -
Obtain National Credentials ▾Receive your official credential certificate from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This is the primary requirement for practice in Alaska.
-
Apply for an Alaska Business License (If Applicable) ▾If you intend to work as an independent contractor or travel therapist, you may be required to obtain a general Alaska Business License from the DCBPL.
Apply for Business License -
Enroll as a Medicaid Rendering Provider ▾Respiratory therapists providing services for Medicaid-reimbursable equipment or home visits must enroll as a rendering provider with the Alaska Department of Health.
-
Secure Employment ▾Apply for positions at Alaska hospitals or clinics. Employers will verify your NBRC credentials and education in lieu of a state-issued license.
-
Monitor Licensure Legislation ▾Track the status of HB 362, which aims to establish a formal state licensing board for respiratory care with a target effective date of January 1, 2027.
Track HB 362 Progress
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Alaska DCBPL
Keeping Your License Active
Alaska Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Alaska DCBPL for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
NBRC Examination Scheduling
▾
Limited testing center availability in Alaska (primarily Anchorage) can delay the acquisition of required credentials for new graduates.
Transcript Processing
▾
Delays in the release of official transcripts from out-of-state educational institutions can stall the employer credentialing process.
Medicaid Enrollment Backlog
▾
Processing times for Medicaid rendering provider applications can vary, affecting the ability to bill for home health services.
Employer Background Checks
▾
Comprehensive background checks and drug screenings required by Alaska healthcare facilities can take several weeks to complete.
Questions
Is a state license required to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in Alaska?
▾
No. As of April 2026, Alaska is the only state that does not require a professional license for respiratory therapists. However, legislation (HB 362) is pending to establish licensure by 2027.
What are the minimum requirements to work as an RT in Alaska?
▾
You must have graduated from a CoARC-accredited program and hold national credentials (CRT or RRT) from the NBRC. Most Alaska employers specifically require the RRT.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements in Alaska?
▾
There are no state-mandated CE requirements. Practitioners must only satisfy the NBRC's Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) to keep their national certifications active.
How do employers verify my qualifications?
▾
Employers verify qualifications by checking the NBRC national database and reviewing official transcripts, as there is no state licensing board to query.
Is there a state board for Respiratory Therapy?
▾
No. There is no specific board for respiratory therapy in Alaska. Professional regulation is handled generally by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (DCBPL).
Can I work in Alaska with a license from another state?
▾
Yes. Since Alaska does not require a state license, you can practice as long as you maintain your NBRC credentials. You do not need to 'transfer' a license to Alaska at this time.