How to Get Your Respiratory Therapist License in Illinois (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Illinois

Illinois requires all practicing respiratory therapists to hold a state license issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDPR). The process combines NBRC credentialing with a state application, and Illinois enforces one of the more active regulatory frameworks in the Midwest. Chicago's dense hospital market, from Northwestern Medicine to the University of Chicago, makes Illinois one of the most competitive and highest-paying states for respiratory professionals.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Illinois accepts graduates from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Options include:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS), 2-year programs at community colleges; Parkland College, Moraine Valley, and Malcolm X College (City Colleges of Chicago) are well-regarded
• Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), 4-year programs; Rush University and National Louis University offer pathways for advancement

Your program must hold active CoARC accreditation at the time of your graduation for IDPR to accept your application.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

IDPR requires NBRC credentials as part of the licensure application:

1. Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam, Passing at the CRT cut score earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential (~$190 fee)
2. Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), Passing the TMC at the RRT cut score plus passing the CSE earns the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential (~$200 fee)

Illinois effectively requires the RRT for full clinical practice, particularly in acute care settings. Chicago-area Level I trauma centers, children's hospitals, and academic medical centers uniformly require RRT.

Step 3: Apply for Your Illinois License

After obtaining your NBRC credential, apply to IDPR:

Application steps:

1. Create an account at the Illinois IDPR online licensing portal (idfpr.illinois.gov)
2. Submit the Respiratory Care Practitioner application
3. Provide NBRC credential verification (NBRC can submit directly to IDPR)
4. Submit official CoARC program transcripts
5. Pay the application fee: approximately $50-$75 for initial licensure

Processing time: Typically 4-8 weeks. IDPR licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed on an even/odd year cycle depending on your birthdate.

Endorsement (out-of-state practitioners): If you're licensed in another state, Illinois offers licensure by endorsement. Submit proof of your current license, NBRC credentials, and the endorsement fee. Illinois does not participate in a formal RT compact, so each out-of-state applicant must apply individually.

CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Illinois?

Illinois law permits both CRT and RRT holders to hold a state license, but the practical market reality is clear:

Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medicine all publish positions requiring RRT. If you hold only a CRT in Illinois, expect to be limited to non-acute care roles.

Continuing Education Requirements

Illinois requires 30 CE hours every 2-year renewal cycle. Requirements include:

• At least 3 hours must be in medical ethics or patient safety
• CE must be from AARC-approved or NBRC-approved providers
• Evidence of CE must be retained for 5 years (IDPR audits randomly)
• BLS/ACLS renewal counts toward CE hours in some circumstances, confirm with IDPR

AARC's online CE library, NBRC's CE modules, and major hospital-based grand rounds all qualify.

Illinois Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Illinois, especially the Chicago metropolitan area, offers some of the highest RT salaries in the Midwest:

Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, Champaign) markets typically run 10-15% below Chicago rates. Night differential and weekend premium commonly add $3-$6/hr on top of base.

Top Employers

Illinois's respiratory therapy market is dominated by major academic and community health systems:

• Northwestern Medicine, flagship Northwestern Memorial Hospital plus 10+ regional facilities
• Rush University Medical Center, renowned for cardiac and pulmonary programs
• University of Chicago Medicine, academic Level I trauma center and transplant center
• Advocate Health, post-merger with Aurora Health Care, now the largest Midwest system
• Cook County Health, serves Chicago's public health population; strong NICU and trauma RT programs
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, top pediatric destination; neonatal RT specialists in high demand
• OSF HealthCare, major downstate system based in Peoria
• Lincare / Apria Healthcare, large home health RT presence across the state