Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Massachusetts: Online portal (ArcHealth External Portal at healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov); requires NBRC certification documentation, official transcripts, NPDB-HIPDB Self-Query, and license verification(s) sent directly to the Board. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $260 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Massachusetts 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: Official verification from each state board where the applicant currently or previously held a license, sent directly to the MA Board; plus NBRC documentation of certification sent directly to the Board. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: National Practitioner Data Bank-Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (NPDB-HIPDB) Self-Query required; no fingerprint-based state background check documented for RT applicants. Confirm with the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care before you apply.

Check the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Massachusetts Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-5 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 18 days (if verification received within 5 business days and all state-specific requirements waived or immediately satisfied).

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications sequentially; no concurrent batch review. Applications submitted late in the week may not enter review queue until the following week, adding 3-5 business days
• Verification requests sent to out-of-state boards (NBRC or direct) often take 2-3 weeks; delays in the current state's response directly block Massachusetts board review
• No published timeline for jurisprudence exam or state-specific requirement completion; unclear requirements in initial communication lead many applicants to resubmit incomplete applications

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care's 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.

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Massachusetts requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $110 via Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care portal
• Renewal timing: Expires every even-numbered year on May 31.
• Late penalty: $57 late renewal fee in addition to the $110 renewal fee if received beyond the license expiration date

Massachusetts Licensing Board and Resources

Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (617) 973-0806

Email: [email protected]