Massachusetts — Boston skyline and Charles River with sailboats

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, showing the degree and date conferred.
  • NBRC Certification Verification — Verification of CRT or RRT credential sent directly from the National Board for Respiratory Care to the Board. Request NBRC Verification
  • CORI Acknowledgement Form — A signed and notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form is required for a background check.
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — An original report from the National Practitioner Data Bank regarding your professional history. Request Report
  • Passport-Style Photo — A 2x2 color photo with a white or off-white background, taken within the last six months.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education and Examination ▾
    Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn at least the CRT credential.
    NBRC Website
  2. Create a Licensing Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal. This portal is used for both initial applications and renewals.
  3. Complete the Online Application ▾
    Log in to the portal and select 'Apply for a New License'. Choose the Board of Respiratory Care and follow the prompts to complete the application.
  4. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Arrange for official transcripts and NBRC verification to be sent directly to the Board. Upload a passport-style photo and the notarized CORI form to the portal.
  5. Request NPDB Self-Query ▾
    Request a Self-Query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and submit the original report to the Board.
    NPDB Self-Query
  6. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable initial license fee of $260 through the online portal using a credit/debit card or ACH transfer.
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. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state or jurisdiction where you hold or have held a professional license.
  2. Apply for License by Reciprocity ▾
    Select the 'Reciprocity' application type in the Health Professions Licensing Portal.
  3. Submit Core Requirements ▾
    Provide NBRC verification, NPDB self-query, and the notarized CORI form as required for initial applicants.
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

Missing Notarization ▾
The CORI Acknowledgement Form must be notarized. Applications submitted with unnotarized forms will be delayed.
Third-Party Document Delays ▾
Transcripts and NBRC verifications must come directly from the source. Delays often occur when applicants try to send these documents themselves.
NPDB Report Processing ▾
The NPDB self-query can take time to process and mail. Start this request early in the application process.
Domestic Violence Training ▾
Failure to complete the mandatory one-time 'Chapter 260' Domestic and Sexual Violence training will prevent license issuance or renewal.

Questions

When does my Massachusetts respiratory therapist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire on May 31 of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required? ▾
You must complete 20 contact hours of Board-approved CE every two-year renewal cycle. First-time renewals are exempt from this requirement.
What is the fee for an initial license? ▾
The initial application fee for a Respiratory Therapist license is $260.
Is there a mandatory training for all licensees? ▾
Yes, all health professionals in Massachusetts must complete a one-time training on Domestic and Sexual Violence (Chapter 260) as a condition of licensure.

Board Info

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