Oregon Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Oregon Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get an Oregon Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

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 $100 application fee.

1. Submit the completed Respiratory Therapist License Application, with the required fees, to the Health Licensing Office
2. Have the NBRC send proof of your active RRT credential directly to the Health Licensing Office (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 NBRC verification of your active RRT credential, sent directly from the NBRC to the Health Licensing Office. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Health Licensing Office. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Health Licensing Office website for status updates on your application.

Oregon Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Oregon Temporary Respiratory Therapist 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.

Oregon Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Oregon Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.

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

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Health Licensing Office'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.

Oregon Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Oregon requires 7 contact hours of continuing education every year for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Oregon Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• 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.

Oregon Licensing Board and Resources

Health Licensing Office

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (503) 378-8667

Email: [email protected]