Louisiana Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Louisiana: Online via LaMED DashBoard, PLUS mailed documents (Oath or Affirmation, Third Party Authorization, Statement of Legal Name, birth certificate or visa, marriage certificate if applicable) to LSBME at 630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $125 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Louisiana board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (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 NBRC credential verification letter emailed directly from NBRC to [email protected], plus verification from every state board where the applicant holds or has held a license (applicant contacts each state board directly). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Board-initiated background check after application submission; applicant receives instructions from licensing department once application is received. Background check cannot be processed until the application has been submitted. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners website for status updates on your application.

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Louisiana Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Louisiana does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 10-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 6-7 weeks if application is complete, submitted immediately after a board meeting, and verification is received within 2 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Board meetings are not held in April and November; applications submitted after the 2-week pre-meeting deadline must wait for the next scheduled meeting, adding 4-6 weeks of delay
• Applications are processed strictly in order received with no expedited track; high volume months can extend wait times beyond the typical 10-12 week range
• Incomplete applications or missing verification documents from the current state board force re-submission, resetting the processing timeline

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners' 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.

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Louisiana requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

Louisiana Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $85 via Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners portal
• Renewal timing: License expires on the last day of the month in which the licensee was born.

Louisiana Licensing Board and Resources

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (504) 568-6820

Email: [email protected]