Missouri Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Missouri Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Missouri: Reciprocity application (Form 375-1094) mailed with a check or money order for the $40.00 fee, or apply online through MOPRO. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $40 application fee.

1. Submit the reciprocity application (Form 375-1094) with the fee to the board, or apply through MOPRO
2. Send the Verification of Licensure form (375-0956) to every state or jurisdiction where you hold or have held a license, and request NBRC credential verification (can run concurrently)
3. Get fingerprinted through IdentoGo (Respiratory Care code 2967) for the background check, and give a notarized explanation for any question you answer yes (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through NBRC credential verification, plus the board's Verification of Licensure form from every state, territory or country where you have or ever had a respiratory care license or permit, returned within 90 days of your application. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal and temporary license: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Missouri Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Missouri issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months, allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Complete endorsement application submitted via Missouri board portal
• Proof of valid NBRC credential or equivalent respiratory therapy qualification from another state

Issuance timeline:

• Endorsement application deemed complete and accepted by board
• Verification of current valid license from prior state received
• The board completes a background check before it may issue the one-time temporary permit

Denial risks:

• A finding of guilt, or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a criminal prosecution for any offense directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation, whether or not sentence is imposed
• Disciplinary action against your license in another state, territory, federal agency or country on grounds for which revocation or suspension is authorized in Missouri
• False information on application

Important for travelers: The temporary permit expires automatically at the end of six months or when the board issues a denial of a respiratory care practitioner license, whichever comes first. Automatic revocation upon expiration (6 months) if permanent license not issued or denied. Early revocation if board discovers fraud in application or unlawful conduct during temp license period.

Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Missouri Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 8-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 6 weeks if temp license issued immediately and permanent license approved at first board meeting.

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly; applications submitted after cutoff wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
• Verification from current state (NBRC or direct board contact) can take 2-3 weeks if NBRC system is slow or previous board has backlogs
• Background check processing varies; state-specific checks may add 1-2 weeks if applicant has any flag requiring clarification

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Missouri Board for 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.

Missouri Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Missouri requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $30 via the MOPRO system
• Renewal timing: Prior to July 31st.

Missouri Licensing Board and Resources

Missouri Board for Respiratory Care

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: 573-522-5864

Email: [email protected]