Ohio Respiratory Therapist License
Ohio Respiratory Care Board
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- NBRC RRT Credential Verification — Official verification of your RRT credential sent directly from the NBRC to the board. Request NBRC Verification
- Official Transcripts — Final official transcripts showing the degree conferred in respiratory care, sent directly from the educational institution.
- BCI & FBI Background Check Results — Fingerprint-based criminal record results sent directly to the board from an approved WebCheck vendor. Find WebCheck Location
- License Verification (if applicable) — Verification of any current or past professional licenses held in other states or jurisdictions. Verification Form Info
How to Apply
-
Earn NBRC RRT Credential ▾Successfully complete both the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the high-cut score and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
NBRC RRT Info -
Complete Background Checks ▾Submit fingerprints for both Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks. Results must be sent directly from the vendor to the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Background Check Instructions -
Create eLicense Account ▾Register for an account on the eLicense Ohio portal using your Social Security Number and a valid email address.
eLicense Portal -
Submit Application ▾Complete the online application for a Respiratory Care Professional license, upload required documents, and answer all fitness-to-practice questions.
Start Application -
Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable $75 initial application fee via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) through the eLicense portal.
Pay Fee -
Verify Application Status ▾Monitor your application status through the eLicense dashboard. The board will notify you of any missing items via email.
Check Status
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 Licenses ▾Request official license verification from every state where you have ever held a professional license. Verifications must be sent directly to the Ohio board.
Verification Instructions -
Submit Ohio eLicense Application ▾Apply for the Respiratory Care Professional license via endorsement on the eLicense Ohio portal.
eLicense Portal -
Complete Background Checks ▾Complete the required BCI and FBI fingerprinting process as specified for all initial applicants.
Background Check Packet -
Provide NBRC RRT Proof ▾Ensure the NBRC sends your RRT credential verification directly to the Ohio Medical Board.
NBRC Website
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Ohio Respiratory Care Board
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Ohio Respiratory Care Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the 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
Background Check Errors
▾
Results not sent directly to the board or using the wrong reason code (ORC 4761.051) can cause significant delays.
Incomplete Fitness Questions
▾
Failure to fully disclose criminal history or disciplinary actions, even if expunged, leads to investigation and delays.
Missing License Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send license verifications is a frequent bottleneck for endorsement applicants.
Questions
Is the RRT credential required for licensure in Ohio?
▾
Yes, as of January 1, 2015, all initial applicants for a Respiratory Care Professional license must hold the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the NBRC.
How often must I renew my Ohio respiratory therapist license?
▾
Licenses are renewed biennially (every two years). For those licensed before Oct 2019, the deadline is June 30th of even-numbered years. For those licensed after, it is the two-year anniversary of issuance.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensees must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 1 hour of Ohio Respiratory Care Law or Professional Ethics.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
No, you must have an active, valid Ohio license or a limited permit to practice respiratory care in the state.