Michigan Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$270
Renewal: $248.10
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
3 hours
Every 3 years
Overview
Michigan does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Michigan license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
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.
- Submit endorsement application via Michigan board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through 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). Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Michigan requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Michigan-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $270.10 |
| Exam Application | $270.10 |
| Renewal | $248.10 (every 3 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
Michigan 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
Michigan respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks from application receipt, plus 7-10 business days to receive license by mail (PDF emailed immediately upon issuance) 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 4 weeks (low end of stated 4-6 week official processing range); PDF license delivered same-day via email upon approval.
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
Michigan 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
Michigan requires 3 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: no state-required continuing education
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Michigan may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- 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: no state-required continuing education
- 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)
- Traveler tip: Track your Michigan license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs'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.
