Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Massachusetts licenses respiratory therapists through the Board of Respiratory Care, which operates within the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure at the Department of Public Health. The credential is called the Respiratory Therapist license, and the Board requires applicants to hold an NBRC credential as a condition of licensure. All applications are submitted through the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal — Massachusetts does not accept paper applications for initial RT licensure.

Massachusetts has one of the more document-intensive initial application processes in the RC dataset. In addition to the standard NBRC credential verification and official transcripts, applicants must submit a signed and notarized CORI form and a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query. A passport-style photo is also required. Review typically begins only after the application is complete — the Board states a minimum of 3–5 weeks from completion to determine whether additional information is required, and delays in receiving transcripts, NPDB reports, or out-of-state license verifications extend that timeline.

What Makes Massachusetts Different

Several features of Massachusetts RT licensure stand out from a travel and workforce mobility perspective. First, the CORI and NPDB dual background check requirement is explicit and notarized — this is more formalized than many states’ criminal history disclosure processes. Second, the $260 initial application fee is among the higher fees in the RC series. Third, the Board’s application page uses the term “NBRC’s CCRT examination” — an acronym that does not correspond to a standard current NBRC credential name. The standard entry-level credential is the CRT (via the TMC exam); the advanced credential is the RRT. If you have any question about which specific NBRC credential satisfies Massachusetts requirements, call the Board directly before applying rather than relying on the page language alone.

Massachusetts does not participate in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC). A full Massachusetts license is required to practice here, and compact privileges from other states do not extend to Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist Licensure Requirements

NBRC Examination

The Board’s application page states that applicants must have “obtained a passing score on NBRC’s CCRT examination,” with NBRC sending documentation directly to the Board. “CCRT” is not a standard current NBRC credential designation — the standard NBRC credentials are the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT, via the TMC exam) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Because this terminology is not verifiable against current NBRC naming conventions, applicants should confirm directly with the Board at (800) 414-0168 which specific NBRC credential currently satisfies the Massachusetts licensure requirement before applying. No separate Massachusetts state examination is required. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

Education

Applicants must have graduated from a respiratory therapy program accredited by CoARC and approved by the Board. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board — the Board will not accept transcripts submitted by the applicant. Transcripts must be complete and show the degree conferred and date of conferral. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

Background Check Requirements

Massachusetts requires two distinct background-related documents. First, applicants must submit a signed and notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Acknowledgement Form. Second, applicants must obtain and submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query — the self-query is required regardless of how you answer the professional and criminal history questions, and must be submitted to the Board without any modifications. If you answer “yes” to any professional or criminal history questions on the application, you must also submit a personal statement explaining the circumstances along with all supporting documentation such as police reports, court documents, and disciplinary consent agreements. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

Out-of-State Applicants

Massachusetts offers licensure by reciprocity and licensure by credential for applicants who hold or have held a license in another jurisdiction. Official verification of licensure from any state or jurisdiction where you currently hold or have previously held a professional license must be sent directly to the Board by that jurisdiction — applicants may not submit verifications themselves. Three pathways are available under 261 CMR 3.06: examination, reciprocity, and credential. All carry the same $260 initial application fee. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

Limited Respiratory Therapist License

Massachusetts offers a Limited Respiratory Therapist License for students enrolled in a CoARC-accredited program. The Mass.gov limited license page states that applicants must show proof they have completed at least two semesters of the respiratory care program, verified by a Verification of Education Form signed by the Respiratory Care Program Director and stamped with the school seal. This license permits supervised practice and is available at a $150 fee. Note: if you hold a limited permit license and later apply for the full license, you must pay the full $260 license fee in addition to the $150 already paid for the limited permit. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a limited respiratory therapist license

How to Apply for a Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License

1. Create an account or log in to the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal and complete the online application
2. Pay the $260 application fee via credit card at the time of submission
3. Arrange for your CoARC-accredited program to send official transcripts directly to the Board — do not submit transcripts yourself
4. Submit your NBRC certification documentation — NBRC must send it directly to the Board
5. Obtain your NPDB self-query at npdb.hrsa.gov and submit it to the Board without modifications
6. Complete and submit the signed and notarized CORI Acknowledgement Form
7. If licensed or previously licensed in any other state, contact each jurisdiction to have credential verification sent directly to the Board
8. Include your 2×2 passport-style color photo (white or off-white background)
9. Monitor your application — the Board will reach out if additional information is needed; the minimum review period is 3–5 weeks after the application is complete

Practical Notes

• The 3–5 week clock starts when everything is received. The processing minimum applies to a complete application. If your school takes two weeks to send transcripts, or the NPDB takes a week to process your self-query, that time doesn’t count. Start gathering documents well before you need to practice in Massachusetts.
• The CORI must be notarized. This isn’t just a signature — it requires a notary. Factor in the time to get this done; don’t leave it until the last step.
• The “CCRT” exam language on the Board page is worth a phone call. The standard NBRC entry-level credential is the CRT (via the TMC exam), but the Board page uses “CCRT.” If you have any question about which specific credential you need, call the Board at (800) 414-0168 before completing your application rather than after.
• Travel RTs: no compact means a full application every time. Massachusetts is not in the RCIC. If you are a compact-state home-state licensee, your compact privileges do not reach Massachusetts. Budget the full $260 and the full processing timeline for any Massachusetts assignment.
• Limited license if you’re still in school. If you have completed at least two semesters of a CoARC-accredited program and need to start gaining supervised clinical hours, the $150 limited license is the mechanism. Note the fee structure: the $150 does not offset the $260 full license fee later — it’s cumulative.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

• Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care — Agency page
• Respiratory Care Licensing — Mass.gov hub page
• Apply for a limited respiratory therapist license — Mass.gov

Related Pages

• Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist License Renewal Guide
• Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Massachusetts license to practice respiratory therapy in Massachusetts?

Yes. A license is required to practice as a respiratory therapist or use the title “Respiratory Therapist” in Massachusetts. Source: Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care

What is the application fee for a Massachusetts respiratory therapist license?

The initial license fee is $260. The limited license (for qualifying students) is $150. If you hold a limited license and later apply for the full license, the full $260 fee applies in addition to the $150 previously paid. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

What NBRC credential is required for Massachusetts licensure?

The Board’s application page states applicants must have “obtained a passing score on NBRC’s CCRT examination.” “CCRT” is not a standard current NBRC credential designation. The standard NBRC credentials are the CRT (via the TMC exam) and the RRT. Because the Board’s terminology does not match current NBRC naming conventions, contact the Board directly at (800) 414-0168 to confirm which specific NBRC credential satisfies the current Massachusetts licensure requirement before applying. No separate Massachusetts state exam is required. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

How long does it take to get a Massachusetts respiratory therapist license?

The Board states it takes a minimum of 3–5 weeks to review a completed application and determine if additional information is needed. This minimum begins only after all required documents — transcripts, NBRC documentation, NPDB report, CORI form, and out-of-state verifications — have been received by the Board. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

What background check is required?

Massachusetts requires a signed and notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Acknowledgement Form and an NPDB self-query submitted without modifications. Criminal and professional history questions must be answered in the application; affirmative answers require a personal statement and supporting documentation. Source: Mass.gov — Apply for a respiratory therapist license

Does Massachusetts participate in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact?

No. Massachusetts has not enacted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC). Compact privileges from other member states do not extend to Massachusetts. A full Massachusetts license is required regardless of compact membership elsewhere. Verify current RCIC membership status at respiratorycarecompact.org.