Delaware Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Delaware Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in Delaware. Plan on meeting Delaware's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get a Delaware Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Delaware uses an online application endorsement process for Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $153 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Delaware board portal
2. Have every state where you hold or have ever held an RCP license send a license verification directly to the Council office (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through direct verification to the Council office from every state where you hold or have held an RCP license, plus a credential verification letter sent directly from the NBRC. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: State of Delaware + FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check via IdentoGO; obtain Service Code from DPR Criminal Background Check Process page. Prior CBCs done for other purposes are NOT accepted. Child Protection Registry Consent Form also required. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.

Delaware Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Endorsement application: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Delaware Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Delaware Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Delaware Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Delaware board processes applications on a rolling basis with no published cutoff dates; applications submitted mid-cycle may wait the full 6 weeks while early submissions in a cycle complete in 3 weeks
• Verification requests to NBRC can add 1-2 weeks if the current state license verification is incomplete or has disciplinary history requiring manual review
• Background checks are conducted state-specifically and may trigger additional scrutiny if the applicant has any criminal history or regulatory complaints, delaying board review by 2-3 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Delaware Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Delaware requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Delaware Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — Varies each year via Delaware Division of Professional Regulation portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to November 30th of even-numbered years.
• Late penalty: Late renewal available up to 60 days after expiration, and must pay a late fee equal to 50% of the renewal fee in addition to the renewal fee, and must certify no practice occurred while expired. After 60 days the license terminates and requires reapplication as a new applicant

Delaware Licensing Board and Resources

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (302) 744-4500

Email: [email protected]