Michigan Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Michigan Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Michigan Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Michigan 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 $270.10 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Michigan 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: Direct state-to-state license verification sent to MI BPL (emailed to [email protected] or mailed to PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909) PLUS separate NBRC credential report sent directly to MI BPL (only required if licensed in another state for less than 5 years; if 5+ years of out-of-state licensure, NBRC report and transcripts are NOT required). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Criminal Background Check required for all applicants (waived only for relicensure if license expired within last 3 years); instructions emailed in Application Confirmation letter after online application submission. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for status updates on your application.

Michigan Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Michigan Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Michigan Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Michigan Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process. The board says a new license takes 4-6 weeks on average, and could be sooner if all required documents are received with the application.

Common sources of delay:

• Michigan board processes applications in batches; submissions after a cutoff wait until the next review cycle (typically 2-3 weeks)
• Verification from NBRC or original state licensing board can take 1-2 weeks if the original state has backlogs
• Background check requirements are state-specific and not clearly detailed on the public board website, causing applicants to submit incomplete applications requiring resubmission
• You must have completed at least 2 hours of implicit bias training in the 5 years before your Michigan license is issued

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' 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.

Michigan Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Michigan requires 3 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)

Michigan Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 3 years — $248.10 via Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs portal
• Renewal timing: Renewal notification sent ~90 days prior to expiration; cannot renew earlier than 90 days before expiration.
• CE topics: implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)
• Renewal window: Opens up to 90 days prior to license expiration date via miplus; cannot renew earlier
• Late penalty: 60-day grace period after expiration, and $20 late fee per license type if renewed during grace period, and license lapses if not renewed by end of 60-day grace, requiring relicensure (Respiratory Therapist Relicensure fee $290.10)

Michigan Licensing Board and Resources

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (517) 241-0199

Email: [email protected]