Iowa Respiratory Therapist License
Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited respiratory care program to the Board office.
- NBRC Score Report — Official proof of passing the CRT or RRT examination, sent directly from the NBRC or a notarized copy of the certificate. Request NBRC Scores
- Fingerprint Cards — Two completed sets of fingerprint cards provided by the Board after application submission.
- Background Check Waiver — A signed authorization form allowing the Board to conduct a national criminal history check.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from a respiratory care education program accredited by CoARC or CAAHEP.
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass NBRC Examination ▾Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn at least the CRT credential. Passing at the RRT level is preferred for higher-level practice.
NBRC Exam Registration -
Submit Online Application ▾Create an account and submit your initial licensure application through the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) portal.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable initial license fee of $75. This fee includes the cost of the criminal history background check.
-
Complete Background Check ▾After applying, you will receive a fingerprint packet by mail. Complete the fingerprint cards at a local law enforcement agency and return them to the Board with the signed waiver form.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Request official transcripts from your educational institution and official exam scores from the NBRC to be sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Online Endorsement Application ▾Submit an application for licensure by endorsement via the DIAL online portal.
-
License Verification ▾Provide official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license. Verification must be sent directly from the state boards to Iowa.
-
Exam Score Verification ▾Ensure official NBRC exam scores are on file with the Iowa Board.
NBRC Website -
Background Check ▾Complete the fingerprinting process as required for all new Iowa applicants.
Fieldprint Iowa
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
Keeping Your License Active
Iowa Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Fingerprint Packet
▾
Applicants must wait for the physical packet to arrive by mail after paying the application fee. Delays occur if the mailing address is incorrect.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts or NBRC scores to be sent directly from the source can take several weeks.
Incomplete License Verifications
▾
For endorsement applicants, failing to provide verification from ALL states where a license was held, even if inactive, will stall the process.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensed Respiratory Therapists in Iowa must complete 24 hours of approved CE every two years. At least 12 of these hours must be 'traditional' (live/interactive) education.
When does my Iowa respiratory therapist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026).
Are new graduates exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal?
▾
Yes, licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements for their first renewal period after initial licensure.
What is the cost to renew a license?
▾
The biennial renewal fee for a Respiratory Care Practitioner license is $75.
Is there a grace period for late renewal?
▾
Yes, there is a 30-day grace period following the March 31 expiration. Renewing during this time requires a $60 late fee in addition to the $75 renewal fee.
Board Info
Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
Phone(515) 281-0254