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

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Indiana

Indiana requires all respiratory therapists to hold a state license issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Indiana's licensure framework allows CRT holders to obtain a license, but RRT is strongly preferred, and effectively required, in nearly all acute-care settings. The state's strong hospital market, anchored by IU Health and several major faith-based systems, offers strong employment and competitive salaries for credentialed RTs.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Indiana's IPLA requires graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Indiana-based programs include:

• Ivy Tech Community College, multiple campuses (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Terre Haute); the primary pipeline for Indiana RTs
• Indiana University, BSRT completion pathway for working CRTs
• University of Indianapolis, BSRT options with clinical partnerships across IU Health

Confirm your program holds active CoARC accreditation. IPLA will reject applications from graduates of non-accredited programs.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

IPLA requires NBRC credentials for licensure:

1. Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam, Passing at the CRT cut score earns the CRT credential (~$190 fee). This is the minimum required for Indiana licensure.
2. Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), Passing the TMC at the RRT cut score plus passing the CSE earns the RRT credential (~$200 fee). Required by most acute-care employers.

Step 3: Apply for Your Indiana License

After passing the NBRC exam(s), apply through IPLA's online licensing portal (pla.in.gov):

Application checklist:

1. Complete the Respiratory Care Therapist application online
2. Have NBRC submit credential verification directly to IPLA
3. Submit official transcripts from your CoARC program
4. Pay the initial licensure fee: approximately $40-$60
5. Provide proof of identity (government-issued ID)

License term: Indiana RT licenses are issued for 2-year renewal cycles. Renewal fees are similarly in the $40-$60 range.

Endorsement: Out-of-state RTs may apply by endorsement. You must hold a current, unencumbered license in another state and submit your NBRC credentials. IPLA typically processes endorsement applications within 4-6 weeks.

Indiana does not participate in a formal multi-state RT compact, so each state requires a separate application.

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

Indiana statutes permit CRT-level practice with a state license, but employer standards have largely overtaken the statutory minimum:

IU Health's system-wide job postings consistently list RRT as required for ICU and ED roles. Eskenazi Health (Indianapolis county hospital) similarly requires RRT for acute positions.

Continuing Education Requirements

Indiana requires 30 CE hours every 2-year renewal period. Key points:

• CE must come from AARC-approved or NBRC-approved providers
• No specific subject-matter mandates beyond respiratory care scope (unlike some states that require ethics hours)
• Retain CE documentation for at least 5 years, IPLA conducts random audits
• Conference attendance, online modules, and employer in-services with AARC approval all count

Indiana Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Indiana offers solid mid-range salaries by national standards, with Indianapolis metro consistently higher than rural markets:

Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Evansville markets typically run 5-8% below Indianapolis. Night shift and weekend differentials are common and can meaningfully boost annual compensation.

Top Employers

Indiana's respiratory therapy employer landscape is dominated by large integrated health systems:

• IU Health, largest Indiana health system with flagship Methodist Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children (high NICU/pediatric RT demand), and 15+ facilities statewide
• Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis's safety-net hospital and Level I trauma center; large RT staff
• Ascension St. Vincent, multi-hospital Indianapolis system with strong cardiac and pulmonary programs
• Community Health Network, Indianapolis-based with 9 hospitals; consistent RT hiring
• Franciscan Health, Covers Indianapolis suburbs (Mooresville, Carmel, Greenwood) and Hammond/Munster in NW Indiana
• Parkview Health, Fort Wayne's major health system; strong NICU and adult ICU RT programs
• Lincare / Apria, Home health and DME respiratory therapy across the state