South Dakota Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
1-5 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$75
Renewal: $60
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
See details
Every 2 years
Overview
South Dakota does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual South Dakota license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
South Dakota 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.
- Submit endorsement application via South 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. South 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 South Dakota Respiratory Therapy Board. 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: South Dakota requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering South 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 South Dakota Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $75 |
| Renewal | $60 (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
South 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
South Dakota respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-5 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 10 business days (if application is complete, verification is provided electronically by applicant's prior state, and no board meeting delay occurs).
Common sources of delay:
- Board portal submission queue backlog — applications submitted mid-month may not be reviewed until the following month's board meeting
- License verification delays from NBRC or applicant's current state board can add 2-3 weeks if requestor does not follow-up proactively
- Incomplete or unclear documentation (missing renewal history, transcripts, or verification from prior state) triggers board requests for resubmission, extending timeline by 1-2 weeks per resubmission cycle
South 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
Contact the South Dakota Respiratory Therapy Board for current continuing education requirements.
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring by December 31st — $60
- Traveler tip: Track your South Dakota license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
South Dakota Respiratory Therapy Board
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: 605-367-7781
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 South Dakota Respiratory Therapy Board'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.
