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South Dakota Respiratory Therapist License

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — RT

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 completion of a CoARC-accredited program.
  • NBRC Credential Verification — Primary source verification of CRT or RRT credentials sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
  • Fingerprint Cards — Two completed fingerprint cards (one state, one federal) and a signed authorization and release form. Fingerprint Instructions
  • Verification of Other State Licenses — If you hold or have held a license in another state, you must provide verification from each state board. VeriDoc (if applicable)

How to Apply

  1. Create a MySD Account
    All applications must be submitted through the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) online portal. You must first create a MySD account to access the licensing system.
    Account Login
  2. Start Initial Application
    Log in to your MySD account and select 'Start a New Application'. Choose 'Respiratory Care Practitioner' from the list of professions.
    Application Tutorials
  3. Submit Educational and Exam Verifications
    Request official transcripts from your CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program and primary source verification of your credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
    NBRC Verification
  4. Complete Criminal Background Check
    Submit a full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. You must obtain fingerprint cards from the Board or the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
    DCI Fingerprinting Info
  5. Pay Application Fee
    Pay the non-refundable initial licensure fee of $75 through the online portal.
    Pay Fee
  6. Board Review
    The Board reviews completed applications. This process typically takes 1-4 weeks once all documents, including background check results, are received.
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Current License
    Ensure your current out-of-state license is in good standing and that you have actively practiced within the last two years.
  2. Submit Online Application
    Complete the same universal application through the MySD portal, selecting the appropriate licensure path.
    Application Portal
  3. Request License Verifications
    Request official license verifications from every state where you have held a healthcare license to be sent directly to the SDBMOE.
    VeriDoc
  4. Background Check and NBRC Verification
    Complete the fingerprinting process and request NBRC verification as required for all initial applicants.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — RT

Keeping Your License Active

South Dakota Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — RT 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

Incomplete Background Checks
Background checks involve both state (DCI) and federal (FBI) agencies and can take several weeks. Submit fingerprints early in the process.
Missing Primary Source Verifications
The Board requires transcripts and NBRC credentials to be sent directly from the source. Hand-carried or applicant-uploaded copies are not accepted.
Unresponsive Out-of-State Boards
Delays often occur when waiting for other state boards to send license verifications. Use VeriDoc where available to speed up the process.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
Respiratory Care Practitioners must complete 20 credit hours of CE biennially. Programs must be sponsored by the AARC or be an approved hospital in-service program.
When does my South Dakota RT license expire?
Licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year.
What are the fees for initial licensure and renewal?
The initial license fee is $75. The biennial renewal fee is $60.
Is there a temporary permit available for new graduates?
Yes, a temporary permit may be granted to new graduates. it is non-renewable and valid for 3 months or until the applicant fails the licensure exam.

Board Info

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — RT
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25