Ohio Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Ohio Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get an Ohio Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Ohio 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 $75 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Ohio board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Direct verification from the issuing state board (license verification letter sent directly to Ohio); NBRC certification verification may be required separately as part of the qualification proof per ORC 4761.04, but does not substitute for state-to-state license verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the State Medical Board of Ohio. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the State Medical Board of Ohio website for status updates on your application.

Ohio Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Ohio Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the State Medical Board of Ohio's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Ohio Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

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

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 8 weeks if application submitted before monthly board meeting cutoff, fingerprints completed immediately, and all verifications clear without flag.

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly for license issuance approvals; applications submitted after the monthly cutoff face 4-6 week delays waiting for next meeting
• Fingerprint cards must be completed in-person in Ohio; remote applicants lose 2-4 weeks coordinating travel and scheduling
• Out-of-state background check verification adds 2-4 weeks; some states are slower than others and board will not issue until all checks clear

We have not found an expedited processing option on the State Medical Board of Ohio'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.

Ohio Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Ohio requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Ohio Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $75 via State Medical Board of Ohio portal
• Renewal timing: Every 2 years from date of initial license issuance.
• Late penalty: License auto-suspends on expiration date, and reinstatement within 2 years requires a $100 reinstatement fee plus a complete renewal application, and restoration after more than 2 years requires a $125 restoration fee plus criminal records check (ORC 4761.06(C))

Ohio Licensing Board and Resources

State Medical Board of Ohio

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (614) 466-3934