Washington Respiratory Therapist License
Washington DOH — Respiratory Care
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / WSP
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Evidence of graduation from a CoARC, CAAHEP, or CAHEA accredited respiratory therapy program.
- NBRC Credential Verification — Verification of current RRT or CRT certification sent directly from the National Board for Respiratory Care. NBRC Website
- Out-of-State License Verification — If applicable, verification from every state where you hold or have held a healthcare license.
- Personal Data Questions — Completed attestation regarding criminal history, disciplinary actions, and health conditions.
How to Apply
-
Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) Account ▾Register for a SAW account to access the Department of Health's online licensing system (HELMS).
Sign Up for SAW -
Add the HELMS Service ▾Log into SAW, select 'Add a New Service,' and choose 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)' from the Department of Health list.
Online Instructions -
Complete the Online Application ▾Fill out the Respiratory Care Practitioner application within the HELMS portal, answering all personal data and professional history questions.
Start Application -
Pay Application Fees ▾Submit the non-refundable application fee of $140 via credit/debit card (2.5% fee) or electronic check (no fee) through the portal.
-
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Request official transcripts from your respiratory therapy program and verification of NBRC credentials to be sent directly to the DOH.
Request NBRC Verification -
Complete Background Check ▾Wait for the DOH to contact you regarding a fingerprint-based background check. Do not schedule this until officially notified.
Fingerprint Info
Total Fee
$135
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
-
Verify Substantial Equivalency ▾Check if your current state of licensure is considered 'substantially equivalent' by Washington DOH.
Check Equivalent States -
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the HELMS portal using the standard Respiratory Care Practitioner application pathway.
Apply Online -
Request License Verifications ▾Contact all states where you have held a license and request they send a verification form directly to Washington DOH.
-
Provide NBRC Proof ▾Ensure your NBRC RRT credential is in good standing and request official verification be sent to the board.
NBRC Portal
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Washington DOH — Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Washington DOH — Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Applications cannot be finalized until all state verifications are received directly from the respective boards.
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Paying for or scheduling fingerprints before receiving a DOH notification can lead to non-refundable fees and processing errors.
Incomplete NBRC Verification
▾
Failure to request an official credential report from the NBRC rather than just providing a certificate copy.
Unpaid Convenience Fees
▾
Online credit card payments require a 2.5% convenience fee; ensure the total amount is cleared.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensed respiratory care practitioners must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Is there a specific health equity training requirement?
▾
Yes, beginning January 1, 2024, practitioners must complete 2 hours of health equity training every renewal cycle.
When does my Washington respiratory therapist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire every two years on the practitioner's birthday.
Can I apply for a license if I do not have a Social Security Number?
▾
Yes, you may submit a 'Declaration of No Social Security Number' form along with your application.
Will I receive a paper renewal notice in the mail?
▾
As of May 1, 2025, the DOH no longer sends paper renewal notices; notifications are sent via email.