North Dakota Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-3 business days
From complete application
Application Fee
$80
Renewal: $80
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
10 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
North Dakota does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual North Dakota license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
North Dakota uses an online portal or paper application (mail with check/money order for $80 fee made out to ndsbrc) endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $80 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via North Dakota 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care. 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: North Dakota requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering North Dakota-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 North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $80 |
| Renewal | $80 |
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
North Dakota 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
North Dakota respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-3 business days after all materials are received and reviewed (assuming no Board referral) 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 2-3 business days from board's perspective once all required materials (online application + $80 fee + background check + NBRC scores/certificate + transcript or notarized diploma copy + license verification from each prior state) are on file.
Common sources of delay:
- Background check processing can extend timeline by 2-4 weeks if fingerprints require re-submission or out-of-state verification is needed
- Board application review window is often 1-3 weeks, but if submission occurs near end of business week or during holiday periods, review may be delayed an additional 1-2 weeks
- Verification from previous state licensing board may take 1-2 weeks if that state's verification process is slow or if NBRC verification is incomplete
North Dakota 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
North Dakota requires 10 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — North Dakota may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every year — $80 via North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care portal
- Renewal timing: License expires December 31. Renewal window is November 1 - January 31. Renewals received/postmarked after December 31 are subject to CE audit.
- Renewal window: Opens November 1 through January 31 annually
- Traveler tip: Track your North Dakota license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: 701-222-1564
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 North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care's official website.
Resources
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