New Mexico Respiratory Therapist License
New Mexico Board of 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
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board.
- NBRC Credential Verification — Proof of RRT credentialing from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Request NBRC Verification
- Professional Resume — A resume detailing your employment history for the five years immediately preceding the application.
- Verification of Licensure — If you hold or have held a license in another state, verification must be sent directly from that state board.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from a respiratory care education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass National Exams ▾Successfully pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
NBRC Website -
Create NM-PLUS Account ▾Register for an account on the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's online portal (NM-PLUS) to begin your application.
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Submit Application and Fee ▾Complete the online application for Respiratory Care Practitioner and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
-
Pass Jurisprudence Exam ▾After your application is received, the Board will email you a self-administered, open-book Jurisprudence Exam. You must pass with a score of 75% or higher.
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Submit Required Documentation ▾Ensure official transcripts, NBRC credential verification, and your 5-year work history resume are submitted to the Board.
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
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a respiratory care license.
-
Submit NM Application ▾Complete the NM-PLUS online application for licensure by endorsement and pay the $150 fee.
-
Complete Jurisprudence Exam ▾Pass the open-book exam regarding New Mexico's Respiratory Care Act and rules.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Mexico Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
Keeping Your License Active
New Mexico Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Mexico Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners 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
Missing Transcripts
▾
Applications cannot be processed until official transcripts are received directly from the school.
NBRC Verification Delay
▾
Failure to request official credential verification from NBRC to be sent to the New Mexico Board.
Incomplete Work History
▾
Resumes that do not clearly cover the full five-year period prior to application may require follow-up.
Jurisprudence Exam Completion
▾
Delay in returning the Jurisprudence Exam after it is emailed to the applicant by the Board.
Questions
Is a background check or fingerprinting required?
▾
No, the New Mexico Advisory Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners does not currently require background checks or fingerprints for licensure.
When does my license expire?
▾
All New Mexico respiratory care licenses expire on September 30th of every odd-numbered year.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensees must complete 20 clock hours of CE every two years, including at least 1 hour of ethics and 1 hour of human trafficking (effective October 2024).
How long does the application process take?
▾
Once all required documentation is received, applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 business days.
Can I practice with a CRT credential?
▾
New Mexico requires the RRT credential for initial licensure. CRT is only accepted for endorsement if the applicant was licensed in another jurisdiction prior to January 1, 2018.