Washington DC Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-12 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$254
Renewal: $169
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
16 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Washington D.C. does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Washington D.C. license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Washington D.C. 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 $254 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Washington D.C. board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Washington D.C. 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 DC Health - 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.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the DC Health - Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $254 |
| Exam Application | $254 |
| Renewal | $169 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $50 Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee paid online with application; fingerprint-based CBC required for all applicants |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $558 |
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
Washington D.C. 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
Washington D.C. respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-12 weeks (Board meets QUARTERLY on the second Monday — not monthly) 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 4 weeks (application submitted early in month before board meeting, NBRC verification already in progress, no background check delays).
Common sources of delay:
- Board meets only on 2nd Monday of each month; applications submitted after cutoff must wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
- No temporary license available means assignment cannot start until permanent license is fully issued, eliminating any bridge-work option
- NBRC verification requests to candidate's home state board can add 2-4 weeks if not expedited proactively
- DC does not offer expedited processing; standard 4-12 week range applies uniformly regardless of urgency
Washington D.C. 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
Washington D.C. requires 16 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: must maintain valid NBRC national certification
- First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Washington D.C. may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $169 via DC Health - Board of Respiratory Care portal
- Renewal timing: Historically every 2 years expiring January 31 of odd-numbered years; effective June 16, 2024, DC Health is transitioning all professional licenses to a birth-month renewal cycle — credentials issued or renewed on or after June 16, 2024 expire on the last day of the holder's birth month (odd or even year matching birth year parity).
- CE topics: must maintain valid NBRC national certification
- Late penalty: $85 late fee after January 31 (in addition to $169 renewal fee)
- Traveler tip: Track your Washington D.C. license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
DC Health - Board of Respiratory Care
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (877) 672-2174
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. 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 DC Health - Board of Respiratory Care's official website.
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
