Wisconsin Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
1-2 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$60
Renewal: $60 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
0 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Wisconsin does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Wisconsin license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
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.
- Submit endorsement application via Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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: Wisconsin requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Wisconsin-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 Wisconsin Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $60 |
| 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
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
- Background check initial clearance obtained (if required; verify current requirement with board)
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
- Active disciplinary action or criminal background flags identified in preliminary review
Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires after 3 months; permanent license must be issued or temp revoked. Failure to progress permanent application (missed board deadlines, unresponded requests for documentation) may result in temp license revocation. Disciplinary findings during permanent license review can retroactively revoke temporary license authority.
Processing Time
Wisconsin respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-2 weeks (peak periods may extend to 8-12 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 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
Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin does not require continuing education hours for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: no continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in Wisconsin currently
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Wisconsin may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $60
- Renewal timing: Prior to June 30th of even numbered years.
- Traveler tip: Track your Wisconsin license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Wisconsin Respiratory Therapy Board
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: 608-266-2112
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 Wisconsin 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.
