Minnesota Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
8-10 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$222
Renewal: $90 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
24 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
Minnesota does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Minnesota license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Minnesota 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 $222 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Minnesota 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 NBRC or direct board verification. Minnesota 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 Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. 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: Minnesota requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Minnesota-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 Minnesota Board of Medical Practice website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $222 |
| Renewal | $90 (every 1 year) |
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
Minnesota issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Completed endorsement application submitted to Minnesota board
- Current valid respiratory therapist license from another US state
- No disciplinary history or sanctions in originating state
Issuance timeline:
- Endorsement application marked complete by board staff
- Background check or fingerprinting clearance confirmed
- Approval by board officer or preliminary review
Denial risks:
- Unresolved disciplinary action or complaint in originating state
- Failed or incomplete background check
- NBRC certification expired or revoked
Important for travelers: Temporary license is revoked immediately upon board decision on full endorsement application (whether approved or denied). Continued practice on temporary license after final board decision is grounds for license suspension. Any new disciplinary action or arrest during temporary license period can trigger immediate revocation.
Processing Time
Minnesota respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 8-10 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 5-6 weeks with perfect submission, quick out-of-state verification, and favorable board meeting timing.
Common sources of delay:
- Board review timeline—applications are reviewed at scheduled board meetings; applications submitted after monthly cutoff face 4-6 week delay until next meeting
- Verification step delays—waiting for out-of-state board to respond to license verification requests can add 2-3 weeks if NBRC verification is unavailable
- Incomplete initial submissions—missing required documentation such as official transcripts, NBRC score reports, or fingerprint clearance results forces resubmission and restarts the clock
Minnesota 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
Minnesota requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Minnesota may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every year — $90 via Minnesota Board of Medical Practice portal
- Renewal timing: Licenses expire annually on the last day of the licensee's month of birth (per MN Stat. 147C.45, effective Jan 1, 2020).
- Traveler tip: Track your Minnesota license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (612) 617-2130
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 Minnesota Board of Medical Practice'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.
