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Mississippi Respiratory Therapist License

Mississippi DOH — Professional Licensure — RT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Verification of Professional Education (Form 1310) — Must be signed, notarized, and sent directly from the educational institution.
  • NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of CRT or RRT status sent directly from the NBRC. Request NBRC Verification
  • Fingerprint Card/Results — Criminal history background check results processed specifically by the MSDH.
  • Proof of Identity — Copy of a government-issued photo ID and Social Security card as required by the application.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education ▾
    Graduate from a respiratory care education program accredited by CoARC.
  2. Pass NBRC Examination ▾
    Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn at least the CRT credential; RRT is preferred for advanced practice.
    Register for NBRC Exam
  3. Background Check and Fingerprinting ▾
    Register for a background check through the MSDH SAFER portal and schedule a fingerprinting appointment at a local health department.
  4. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application through the Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System (MELS) portal.
  5. Submit Verification of Education ▾
    Have your educational institution complete and mail the 'Verification of Professional Education' form (Form 1310) directly to the MSDH.
  6. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the initial licensure fee of $75 through the online portal.
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

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request official verification of your current license from every state where you have ever held a license.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the online application for licensure by endorsement via the MSDH portal.
  3. Background Check ▾
    Complete the mandatory Mississippi-specific background check and fingerprinting process.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Mississippi DOH — Professional Licensure — RT

Keeping Your License Active

Mississippi Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Mississippi DOH — Professional Licensure — RT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Fingerprint results can take several weeks; ensure you use the correct MSDH facility code (HC1310196) to avoid misrouting.
Incomplete Education Verification ▾
Delays often occur when Form 1310 is not notarized or is sent by the applicant instead of the school.
Missing NBRC Verification ▾
The board requires direct verification from NBRC; a copy of your certificate is usually insufficient.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal? ▾
20 contact hours of continuing education are required every two-year renewal period.
When does my license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on August 31 of odd-numbered years.
Can I get a temporary permit? ▾
Yes, a temporary permit may be issued for 6 months to applicants pending full licensure, typically for new graduates.
Does Mississippi use CE Broker? ▾
As of late 2024, the Mississippi DOH Respiratory Care board no longer utilizes CE Broker for mandatory tracking.
What is the renewal fee? ▾
The standard renewal fee is $100. If renewed late, a reinstatement fee of $200 is added, totaling $300.

Board Info

Mississippi DOH — Professional Licensure — RT
Phone(601) 364-7360
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25