Iowa Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$75
Renewal: $75
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
24 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Iowa does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Iowa license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
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.
- Submit endorsement application via Iowa 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 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. Iowa requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
A 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 is required as part of the endorsement process. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Iowa requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Iowa-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 Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $75 |
| Renewal | $75 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | Included in the $75 application fee (covers FBI and DCI background check); applicant pays any local law enforcement fingerprinting fee separately |
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
Iowa does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Iowa respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 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 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
Iowa 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
Iowa requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Iowa may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- 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
- Traveler tip: Track your Iowa license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (515) 281-0254
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 Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography's official website.
Resources
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
