Oregon Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$150
Renewal: $100 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
7 hours
Every 1 year
Overview
Oregon does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Oregon license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Oregon 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 $150 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Oregon 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. Oregon 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 Health Licensing Office. 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: Oregon requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Oregon-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 Health Licensing Office website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $150 |
| Renewal | $100 (every 1 year) |
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
Oregon issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 6 months, non-renewable, allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Processing Time
Oregon respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 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 5 weeks (complete application submitted early in board cycle, original state verifies within 5 days, no clarifications needed).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications serially; no concurrent batch processing, meaning applications submitted mid-month may not be reviewed until next cycle (add 2-4 weeks)
- License verification delays from original state board or NBRC can extend timeline by 1-3 weeks if requesting jurisdiction is slow to respond
- Incomplete applications requiring clarification are returned to applicant; resubmission resets the queue position, causing 1-2 week delays per cycle
- State-specific requirements (background check processing, fingerprinting turnaround) are not pre-screened; applicant may discover missing items only after initial submission
Oregon 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
Oregon requires 7 contact hours of continuing education every 1 year for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Oregon may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every year — $100 via Health Licensing Office portal
- Renewal timing: License becomes inactive on the last day of the month one year from the date of issuance (OAR 331-710-0005(2)). Inactive status permitted up to 3 years; after 3 years inactive the license expires and the holder must reapply.
- Traveler tip: Track your Oregon license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Health Licensing Office
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (503) 378-8667
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 Health Licensing Office'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.
