Nebraska Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$118
Renewal: $118
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
20 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Nebraska does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Nebraska license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Nebraska uses a paper application by mail (pdf form, mailed with check/money order to licensure unit, p.o. box 94986, lincoln, ne 68509) endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $118 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Nebraska 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. Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. 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: Nebraska requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Nebraska-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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $118 |
| Renewal | $118 (every 2 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
Nebraska 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
Nebraska respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-6 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 3 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on a rolling basis with no expedited track; applications may wait 2-3 weeks for initial review if submitted mid-cycle
- Out-of-state verification through NBRC or direct state board contact can add 1-2 weeks if the source state is slow to respond
- Incomplete or unclear continuing education documentation for applicants renewing concurrent with licensure can trigger requests for clarification, adding 1-2 weeks
Nebraska 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
Nebraska requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Nebraska may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $118 via renewal via Nebraska License Renewal portal (https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/License-Renewals.aspx); address changes via https://nebraska.mylicense.com/
- Renewal timing: Prior to June 1st of even-numbered years.
- Traveler tip: Track your Nebraska license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (402) 471-2299
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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services'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.
