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Maryland Respiratory Therapist License

Maryland DOH — Respiratory Care Practitioners

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

What You'll Need

  • Verification of Education Form — Must be completed by the educational institution and sent directly to the Board.
  • Official Transcripts — Official transcripts from an accredited respiratory care program sent directly to the Board.
  • NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of CRT or RRT status sent directly from NBRC. NBRC Portal
  • CHRC Fingerprint Receipt — Receipt or confirmation number from your LiveScan or fingerprint card submission.
  • Verification of Other State Licenses — Required if you have ever held a healthcare license in another state; must be sent directly from that state's board.

How to Apply

  1. Criminal History Records Check (CHRC)
    Apply for a state and FBI background check through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). It is recommended to do this no more than 45 days before submitting your application.
  2. National Certification
    Obtain and maintain certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
    NBRC Website
  3. Online Application
    Complete the online initial license application for Respiratory Care Practitioners on the Maryland Board of Physicians portal.
  4. Verification of Education
    Download the Verification of Education form and have your respiratory care program send it directly to the Board along with official transcripts.
  5. Fee Payment
    Pay the non-refundable initial application fee of $200 via the online portal using a credit card.
  6. NBRC Verification
    Request that the NBRC send official verification of your certification directly to the Maryland Board of Physicians.
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.

Steps

  1. Submit Initial Application
    Maryland uses the standard initial application for endorsement applicants.
  2. License Verification
    Request official verification from every state where you have ever held a healthcare license.
  3. NBRC Verification
    Ensure NBRC sends your current credential status to the Maryland Board.
    NBRC Website
  4. Background Check
    Complete the Maryland-specific Criminal History Records Check.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Maryland DOH — Respiratory Care Practitioners

Keeping Your License Active

Maryland Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maryland DOH — Respiratory Care Practitioners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Expired Background Check Results
The Board only retains CHRC results for 90 days. If your application is not completed within this window, you may need to re-fingerprint.
Third-Party Verification Delays
Waiting for NBRC or other state boards to send official verifications is the most common cause of delay. Request these early.
Incomplete Supplemental Forms
Forms like the Verification of Education must be sent directly from the institution. Hand-carried forms are not accepted.

Questions

How long does the application process take?
On average, the process takes 3 to 6 weeks once all documentation is received.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
Licensees must complete 16 hours of Category I CE every two-year renewal cycle.
When do Maryland respiratory care licenses expire?
Licenses expire on May 30 of even-numbered years.
Is implicit bias training required?
Yes, a one-time implicit bias training course is required for all healthcare practitioners at the time of their first renewal after April 1, 2022.
Can I practice before my license is issued?
No. You must have a valid Maryland license to practice respiratory care in the state.

Board Info

Maryland DOH — Respiratory Care Practitioners