Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist License Overview

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

How to Get a Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Wisconsin 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 $60 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Wisconsin 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 is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Medical Examining Board and Respiratory Care Practitioners Examining Council). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Medical Examining Board and Respiratory Care Practitioners Examining Council) website for status updates on your application.

Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Wisconsin issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses valid for 3 months (one-time only, 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.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must have passed NBRC national certification exam (current, valid score)
• Must pass Wisconsin respiratory therapy jurisprudence/statute exam (state-specific law and rule comprehension)
• Must submit completed temporary license application (Form FM 2871) to Wisconsin board

Issuance timeline:

• Temporary license application received and deemed complete by board staff
• NBRC certification and Wisconsin jurisprudence exam scores verified in file

Denial risks:

• NBRC certification expired or invalid at time of application
• Wisconsin jurisprudence exam not yet passed or score not submitted
• Temporary license application missing required signatures, license verification, or exam documentation
• Past professional discipline from respiratory care practice in another state: you must send the board a description of the circumstances and a copy of the disciplinary order

Important for travelers: A temporary certificate may be issued for no more than 3 months and may not be renewed. Failure to progress permanent application (missed board deadlines, unresponded requests for documentation) may result in temp license revocation. Separately, Wisconsin's Bridge Temporary Credential (Wis. Stat. 440.094) is for a health care provider who holds a valid, unexpired license from another state. You apply for it within 30 days of starting work for a Wisconsin health care employer. It lasts until your permanent license application is granted or denied.

Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-2 weeks (peak periods may extend to 8-12 weeks) to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 7-10 days if temporary license is approved same week and permanent license clears board review in following cycle.

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications in batches; submissions after monthly review cutoff may wait 4-6 weeks for next cycle
• Background check verification can add 2-3 weeks if Wisconsin requires fingerprinting and clearance confirmation
• Peak season (Jan-Mar, July-Sep) extends typical 1-2 week timeline to 8-12 weeks due to volume spikes

Apart from the military benefit below, we have not found an expedited processing option on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services' 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.

Military Service Benefit: Wisconsin must expedite a reciprocal credential granted under Wis. Stat. 440.09. Eligibility: Service members, former service members and their spouses who live in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Wisconsin does not require continuing education hours for Respiratory Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: no continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapists in Wisconsin currently

Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $60
• Renewal timing: Prior to June 30th of even numbered years.

Wisconsin Licensing Board and Resources

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Medical Examining Board and Respiratory Care Practitioners Examining Council)

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: 608-266-2112

Email: [email protected]