Maryland Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$200
Renewal: $176
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
16 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Maryland does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Maryland license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Maryland 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 $200 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Maryland board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Maryland 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 Maryland Board of Physicians. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Maryland Board of Physicians website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $200 |
| Renewal | $176 (every 2 years) |
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
Maryland 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
Maryland respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-6 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 (if application complete, verification obtained immediately, implicit bias training pre-completed, and board meeting occurs within 1 week of submission).
Common sources of delay:
- Maryland Board of Physicians meets monthly to review applications; applications submitted after cutoff dates wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
- Implicit bias training completion must be documented before board final approval; applicants who omit this step face automatic return to applicant
- Out-of-state license verification delays when NBRC cross-state validation system experiences backlog or when original state board is slow to respond
Maryland 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
Maryland requires 16 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: implicit bias training required for licensure and upon renewal
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Maryland may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $176 via Maryland Board of Physicians portal
- Renewal timing: License expires May 30 of even-numbered years (2-year cycle); license prefix 'L'.
- CE topics: implicit bias training required for licensure and upon renewal
- Late penalty: No grace period, and license automatically terminates at 11:59 p.m. EST on expiration date if not renewed. Practice unauthorized after expiration. Reinstatement fee $200
- Traveler tip: Track your Maryland license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Maryland Board of Physicians
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (410) 764-4777 or (800) 492-6836 (toll-free)
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. 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 Maryland Board of Physicians'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.
