Louisiana — French Quarter balconies and live oaks

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners — RT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Oath or Affirmation — A notarized document affirming the truth of the application. Any 'yes' answers to background questions require a separate sworn affidavit. Form Link
  • Third Party Authorization — A notarized form authorizing the Board to obtain information from third parties. Form Link
  • Certified Birth Certificate — A certified copy of your birth certificate or valid U.S. visa/naturalization documents to prove legal right to work.
  • NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of RRT or CRT credentials sent directly from the NBRC to the Board. NBRC Portal
  • Passport Quality Photo — A 2x2 color passport-quality photograph taken within the last 60 days.

How to Apply

  1. Create LaMED DashBoard Account
    Register for an account on the LSBME online portal (LaMED DashBoard) to begin the application process.
    Register/Login to LaMED
  2. Submit Online Application and Fee
    Complete the online initial application for Respiratory Therapist and pay the non-refundable $125 fee via credit or debit card.
    Start Online Application
  3. Mail Supplemental Forms
    Print, sign, and notarize the Oath or Affirmation, Third Party Authorization, and Statement of Legal Name forms. Mail these to the LSBME office.
    Download Supplemental Forms
  4. Request NBRC Verification
    Contact the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to have an official credential verification letter sent directly to LSBME at licensing@lsbme.la.gov.
    Request NBRC Verification
  5. Complete Criminal Background Check
    After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to complete a background check via IdentoGO. Do not attempt this before applying, as it will cause significant delays.
  6. Complete Online Education Course & Quiz
    Once your application is received, LSBME will email instructions for a mandatory online course and quiz regarding Louisiana respiratory therapy rules.
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Licenses
    Request official license verification from every state board where you have ever held a healthcare-related license. These must be sent directly to LSBME.
  2. Submit NBRC Credentials
    Ensure your NBRC credentials (RRT/CRT) are current and request a verification letter be sent directly to the Louisiana Board.
    NBRC Verification
  3. Complete Louisiana Application
    Follow the standard initial application process via the LaMED DashBoard, selecting the appropriate path for out-of-state applicants.
    LaMED Portal
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners — RT

Keeping Your License Active

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners — RT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Premature Background Check
Submitting fingerprints before the application is filed prevents the Board from linking the results to your file, causing significant delays.
Incomplete Employment History
Applicants must account for all time from high school graduation to the present. Any gaps (excluding summer vacations) will stall the application.
Missing Third-Party Verifications
Delays often occur while waiting for other state boards or the NBRC to send official verifications directly to LSBME.

Questions

Does Louisiana issue temporary permits for Respiratory Therapists?
No, the LSBME no longer routinely issues temporary permits for this license type.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
Licensed Respiratory Therapists must complete 10 contact hours of approved continuing education annually.
When does my license expire?
Licenses expire annually on the last day of the month in which the licensee was born.
How do I track my continuing education?
Louisiana uses CE Broker for tracking. Licensees must create a free account to report their hours before they can renew.

Board Info

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners — RT
Sources
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners — RT
Last verified 2026-02-25