Iowa Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Iowa Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get an Iowa Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Iowa 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 $75 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Iowa board portal
2. Provide official license verification from every state where you have been licensed, printed from that board's website or sent directly from the licensing board (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Official license verification from every other state of licensure (board website printout acceptable if it shows issue date, expiration date, and disciplinary status; otherwise sent directly from the issuing board) PLUS proof of NBRC CRT or RRT credential. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: FBI and DCI fingerprint-based background check; applicant receives a fingerprint card and waiver from the Board after submitting the online application, completes prints at a local law enforcement agency, and returns both items to the Board. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography website for status updates on your application.

Iowa Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal and fingerprinting: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Iowa Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Iowa Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Iowa Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks (application submitted before monthly board cutoff, verification received immediately, all documentation complete on first submission).

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets on a fixed schedule; applications submitted after monthly cutoff wait until next review cycle (typically 4-6 weeks total)
• Verification requests to out-of-state boards or NBRC can add 1-2 weeks if initial request is incomplete or routed incorrectly
• Missing or unclear jurisprudence exam completion or background check documentation requires applicant follow-up, extending timeline by 2-3 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography'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.

Iowa Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Iowa requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Iowa Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $75 via Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to March 31st of even numbered years.
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before the current expiration date; all continuing education must be completed before submitting the renewal application

Iowa Licensing Board and Resources

Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (515) 281-0254

Email: [email protected]