Indiana Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$50
Renewal: $50 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
15 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Indiana does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Indiana license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Indiana uses an online portal endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $50 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Indiana board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC credential report sent directly from NBRC to the Committee; state license verification must be submitted directly from the state of issuance (not via NBRC). Indiana requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Indiana Respiratory Care Committee (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Indiana requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Indiana-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Indiana Respiratory Care Committee (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $50 |
| Exam Application | $50 |
| Renewal | $50 (every 2 years) |
| Temporary License | $25 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $125 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Indiana issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months from date of issuance (Endorsement applicants); 6 months from date of graduation (Examination applicants); renewable for $10 with written good-cause showing, allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Complete endorsement application submitted to Indiana board
- Current valid respiratory therapist license in another US state
- No active disciplinary history or pending investigations in any state
Issuance timeline:
- Complete application package received (including verification request and background check authorization)
- Preliminary background check cleared without red flags
- Board confirms receipt and application is queued for review
Denial risks:
- Active disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation in current or prior state
- Misrepresentation or omission on application (false credentials, undisclosed violations)
- Failure to authorize background check or provide required documentation within 30 days
Important for travelers: Temporary license is revoked immediately if permanent license is denied after adjudication. Continued practice on temporary license while permanent application is still under review is permitted, but termination occurs on license issuance date or denial date—no grace period. Failure to renew permanent license before temporary license expiration results in automatic revocation and loss of practice privileges.
Processing Time
Indiana respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 2 weeks (if application is complete, verification returns immediately, background check clears without issue, and submission aligns with board meeting schedule).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on monthly cycles; submissions after the cutoff (typically mid-month) delay review by 4-6 weeks
- Verification requests to NBRC or prior state licensing boards can take 2-3 weeks if responses are slow, extending total timeline
- Incomplete initial applications (missing continuing education transcripts, verification forms, or background check consent) trigger mandatory resubmission, adding 1-2 weeks per cycle
- Indiana conducts state-specific background checks beyond standard fingerprinting; delays occur when board requests additional documentation or clarification
Indiana does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.
Continuing Education
Indiana requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Indiana may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $50 via Indiana Professional Licensing Agency portal
- Renewal timing: Prior to December 31st of even numbered years.
- Traveler tip: Track your Indiana license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Indiana Respiratory Care Committee (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency)
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: 317-232-2960
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Indiana Respiratory Care Committee (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency)'s official website.
Resources
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