Kansas Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$80
Renewal: $75 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
12 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
Kansas does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Kansas license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Kansas uses a paper (pdf initial licensing application mailed to board); renewals are online via the ksbha 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 $80 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Kansas 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 or direct board verification. Kansas 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 Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. 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: Kansas requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Kansas-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 Kansas State Board of Healing Arts website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $80 |
| Renewal | $75 (every 1 year) |
| Temporary License | $25 |
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
Kansas issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months from date of issue, or until the board approves the application for licensure, whichever occurs first, 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.
Processing Time
Kansas respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 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 3-4 weeks from complete application submission with all verification documents pre-obtained.
Common sources of delay:
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts processes applications sequentially; submitting after the board's monthly review cutoff extends processing by 3-4 weeks
- Incomplete or missing verification documents from out-of-state licensing boards trigger multiple back-and-forth requests before application proceeds
- Background check processing can add 2-3 weeks if any discrepancies are found and require clarification or additional documentation
Kansas 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
Kansas requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Kansas may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every year — $75 via Kansas State Board of Healing Arts portal
- Renewal timing: All respiratory therapist licenses expire March 31 each year. Renewal cycle opens February 15 and closes April 30 (late-renewal window April 1-30). Failure to renew by April 30 results in Cancelled - Failure to Renew status effective May 1.
- Renewal window: Opens February 15 - April 30 annually (late renewal April 1 - April 30)
- Traveler tip: Track your Kansas license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (785) 296-7413
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 Kansas State Board of Healing Arts's official website.
Resources
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