Kansas Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Kansas Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Kansas Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Kansas: Fillable PDF application, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the board. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $80 application fee.

1. Submit the Initial Application (a fillable PDF) by email to [email protected] or by mail to the board
2. List every healthcare license you hold or have held; the board verifies those it can online and asks you to request verification from any state it cannot (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 the board itself, using each state's free online license verification where available (otherwise you request a license verification from that state). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts website for status updates on your application.

Kansas Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Kansas Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Kansas issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months from the date of issue (only one temporary permit is issued), allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Kansas Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Kansas Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take at least 2-4 weeks to process. The board says to allow at least 2 to 4 weeks and processes applications in order of date received.

Common sources of delay:

• Applications are processed in order of date received, so a later application waits behind earlier ones
• Incomplete applications or missing information delay processing; the board emails a missing requirement letter (MRL) listing what is missing
• Background check processing can add 2-3 weeks if any discrepancies are found and require clarification or additional documentation

Kansas offers an expedited processing option: complete the Expedited Licensure Questionnaire (K.S.A. 48-3406) and send it with your application. It asks whether you are a current or honorably discharged military member or the spouse of one, and whether you live in Kansas or will move there within 6 months. Note that a license issued on a promise to establish residency is cancelled if you do not move within 6 months.

Kansas Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Kansas requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle

Kansas Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $75 via Kansas State Board of Healing Arts portal
• Renewal timing: Renewal starts February 15, late renewal starts April 1, and a license not renewed by then is cancelled on May 1.
• Renewal window: Opens February 15 - April 30 annually (late renewal April 1 - April 30)

Kansas Licensing Board and Resources

Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (785) 296-7413

Email: [email protected]