Montana Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Montana Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Montana Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Montana 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 $100 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Montana board portal
2. Request official verification from your current state of licensure and every state where you have held a license, regardless of status, sent directly to the board (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through official verification sent directly to the board by every state where you hold or have held an RCP license. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

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

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

Montana Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Montana Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

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

Montana Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Montana Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10 business days (if pre-verified by NBRC, no background delays, submitted before board cutoff).

Common sources of delay:

• Non-routine applications, such as those with a history of certain criminal convictions or board discipline, may be delayed; the board may review them at a scheduled meeting, which needs the application and all supporting documents 15 business days ahead
• Verification processing from previous state board (if not NBRC-verified) can add 2–3 weeks if state is slow to respond
• Background check delays — Montana may require state-specific criminal history clearance that takes 2–3 weeks independently of application review

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

Montana Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Montana requires 12 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: you attest to completing your continuing education at renewal; you do not submit proof

Montana Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $75 via the Montana Department of Labor & Industry eBiz portal
• Renewal timing: All RCP licenses expire May 1 each year.
• CE topics: you attest to completing your continuing education at renewal; you do not submit proof
• Renewal window: Opens March 3 - May 1 (late online renewal available 45 days through June 16)
• Late penalty: Late online renewal allowed for 45 days after May 1 (through June 16) at $75 active/late fee, and lapsed licensees have up to 2 years to renew with late fees + CE, after which license terminates and a new application is required

Montana Licensing Board and Resources

Montana Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (406) 444-6880

Email: [email protected]