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Missouri Respiratory Therapist License

Missouri Board for 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

  • Application for Licensure — Notarized application form with all sections completed.
  • 2x2 Photograph — A recent head and shoulders photograph attached to the application.
  • Fingerprint Receipt — A copy of the receipt from IdentoGO/MACHS substantiating proof of fingerprinting.
  • NBRC Verification — Official verification of RRT credentials sent directly from the NBRC to the Board. Request NBRC Verification
  • Verification of Education — Form completed by your educational program and mailed directly to the Board.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education ▾
    Graduate from a respiratory care educational program accredited by CoARC or its predecessors.
  2. Pass NBRC Examinations ▾
    Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the RRT credential.
    NBRC Website
  3. Register for Fingerprints ▾
    Register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) using the 4-digit registration code 2967. Complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
    MACHS Fingerprint Portal
  4. Submit Application ▾
    Complete the Application for Licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The application must be notarized and include a 2x2 photograph.
  5. Request Primary Source Verifications ▾
    Request that the NBRC send verification of your credentials and your school send a Verification of Education form directly to the Board.
  6. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Submit the $40.00 application fee via check or money order made payable to the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care, or pay through the MOPRO portal if applying online.
    MOPRO Portal
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 ▾
    Ensure you hold a current, valid license in another state and have been licensed for at least one year.
  2. Submit Reciprocity Application ▾
    Complete the 'Application for Licensure - Reciprocity' form, which must be notarized.
  3. Complete Background Check ▾
    Register with MACHS (Code 2967) and complete the fingerprinting process as required for all new applicants.
  4. Request License Verifications ▾
    Request that every state where you have ever held a license send a Verification of Licensure form directly to the Missouri Board.
  5. Request NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request that the NBRC send your official credential verification directly to the Missouri Board.
    NBRC Verification
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Missouri Board for Respiratory Care

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Incorrect Fingerprint Code ▾
Using the wrong registration code on the MACHS site will result in the Board not receiving your background check results. Ensure you use code 2967.
Missing Notarization ▾
Paper applications must be notarized. Failure to have the application signed by a notary will result in it being returned.
Non-Direct Verifications ▾
The Board requires verifications (NBRC, Education, Other States) to be sent directly from the source. Copies provided by the applicant are not accepted.
Incomplete Work History ▾
Failing to provide a complete work history or leaving gaps in the application can lead to significant processing delays.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Missouri requires 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months. At least 12 of these hours must be from 'traditional' (live/interactive) programs.
Is my first license renewal exempt from CE requirements? ▾
Yes, licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements for the first renewal period following their initial licensure.
What is the application fee for a new license? ▾
The initial application fee for a Respiratory Care Practitioner license is $40.00.
When does my Missouri respiratory therapist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on July 31 of even-numbered years.
Can I work while my application is pending? ▾
You may apply for a Temporary Permit or Conditional Permit if you meet specific criteria, allowing you to practice under direct clinical supervision while the full license is processed.

Board Info

Missouri Board for Respiratory Care
Phone(573) 751-0098
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25