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Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License

Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care

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

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
  • NBRC Verification — Official documentation of CRT or RRT certification sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — A report from the National Practitioner Data Bank submitted without modifications. NPDB Self-Query
  • Notarized CORI Form — Signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information acknowledgement form.
  • Passport Style Photo — A 2x2 color photo with a white or off-white background.

How to Apply

  1. Create a Licensing Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal to begin the application process.
  2. Submit Online Application and Fee ▾
    Complete the online application for Respiratory Therapist licensure and pay the non-refundable $260 initial license fee.
  3. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Request that your respiratory care program send official transcripts directly to the Board. Transcripts must show the degree and date conferred.
  4. Verify NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to send official verification of your RRT or CRT certification directly to the Board.
    Request NBRC Verification
  5. Complete NPDB Self-Query ▾
    Request a Self-Query from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and submit the unmodified report to the Board.
    Start NPDB Self-Query
  6. Submit Notarized CORI Form ▾
    Download, complete, and have the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form notarized before uploading it to the portal.
  7. Complete Chapter 260 Training ▾
    Complete the mandatory one-time training on Domestic and Sexual Violence as required by Massachusetts law.
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. Portal Registration ▾
    Create an account on the Health Professions Licensing Portal.
  2. Select Reciprocity Path ▾
    Choose the 'License by Reciprocity' option in the online application system.
  3. Verification of Other Licenses ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state or jurisdiction where you hold or have held a professional license.
  4. Submit NBRC and NPDB Documents ▾
    Provide NBRC certification and an NPDB Self-Query report as required for initial applicants.
    NPDB Self-Query
  5. Submit Notarized CORI Form ▾
    Complete the notarized CORI background check authorization.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care

Keeping Your License Active

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Third-Party Document Delays ▾
Transcripts and NBRC scores must be sent directly to the Board; documents submitted by the applicant are not accepted and will cause delays.
Improper Notarization ▾
The CORI form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Forms without a valid notary seal or signature will be rejected.
NPDB Report Modifications ▾
The NPDB Self-Query must be submitted exactly as received. Any alterations or missing pages will result in the application being flagged.
Missing Chapter 260 Training ▾
Failure to complete the mandatory Domestic and Sexual Violence training will prevent license issuance or renewal.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Licensees must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle.
When does my Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire on May 31st of every even-numbered year.
Are new graduates exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal? ▾
Yes, licensees renewing for the first time after their initial licensure are exempt from the 20-hour CE requirement.
What is the fee for license renewal? ▾
The standard renewal fee is $110. A late fee of $57 is applied if renewed after May 31st.
Can I obtain all my CEUs online? ▾
Yes, Massachusetts does not currently limit the number of hours that can be completed through approved online or home-study courses.

Board Info

Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care
Phone(800) 414-0168
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25