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

## How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Iowa Iowa requires all practicing respiratory therapists to hold a state license administered through the **Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa DHHS)**, which oversees the respiratory care practitioner licensing program. Iowa's RRT-centric employer market means that while the CRT credential may technically satisfy state requirements for some entry-level roles, the RRT is the practical standard for employment at Iowa's leading health systems. ### Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program Iowa DHHS requires graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-accredited program. Iowa-based programs include: - **Kirkwood Community College** (Cedar Rapids) — one of Iowa's primary AAS in Respiratory Therapy programs - **Southeastern Community College** (West Burlington) — AAS program serving southeast Iowa - **Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)** — serves the Des Moines metro, the state's largest job market - **University of Iowa** — BSRT and graduate pathways through the Carver College of Medicine allied health programs Confirm active CoARC accreditation before enrolling. Out-of-state graduates must also come from CoARC-accredited programs. ### Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations Iowa's licensing process is tied to NBRC credentials: 1. **Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam** — Passing at the CRT cut score earns the **CRT** credential (~$190 fee) 2. **Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)** — Passing at the RRT cut score on the TMC plus the CSE earns the **RRT** credential (~$200 fee) Iowa's major health systems (UnityPoint, UI Health Care) require RRT for all acute and critical care positions. ### Step 3: Apply for Your Iowa License Apply through Iowa DHHS after obtaining NBRC credentials: **Application steps:** 1. Access the Iowa DHHS professional licensing portal 2. Complete the Respiratory Care Practitioner application 3. Submit NBRC credential verification (NBRC can provide this directly to Iowa DHHS) 4. Provide official transcripts from your CoARC program 5. Pay the initial application fee: approximately **$50–$75** **License term:** Iowa RT licenses are renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee is similar to the initial fee. **Endorsement:** Iowa accepts out-of-state licensure by endorsement for practitioners holding a current, unencumbered license elsewhere. Submit proof of licensure, NBRC credentials, and the endorsement fee. Iowa is not part of a formal RT multi-state compact. ### CRT vs. RRT: Which Do You Need in Iowa? Iowa's state law permits both CRT and RRT credential holders to be licensed, but employer standards effectively require RRT for most clinical roles: | Setting | Typical Requirement | |---|---| | Academic medical center (UI Health Care) | RRT required | | Community hospital ICU/ED | RRT required | | General med-surg | CRT minimum, RRT preferred | | LTAC / rehab | CRT accepted | | Home health / DME | CRT accepted | University of Iowa Health Care's job postings list RRT as required across all inpatient and critical care RT positions. ### Continuing Education Requirements Iowa requires **30 CE hours every 2-year renewal cycle**: - CE must be from AARC-approved or NBRC-recognized providers - No state-mandated subject distribution beyond respiratory care scope - Documentation must be retained for audit purposes - Online AARC modules, NBRC self-study packages, and Iowa Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) conference hours all qualify ### Iowa Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges Iowa salaries are competitive for a Midwest market of its size: | Role | Salary Range | |---|---| | CRT (entry-level) | $50,000 – $63,000 | | RRT (general floor) | $58,000 – $74,000 | | RRT (ICU/neonatal specialist) | $68,000 – $84,000 | | Travel RT (Iowa assignments) | $36 – $52/hr all-in | Iowa City (University of Iowa Health Care campus) and Des Moines are the highest-paying markets. Rural Iowa markets (Waterloo, Dubuque, Sioux City) are 8–12% lower but often come with signing incentives. ### Top Employers Iowa's respiratory therapy job market is anchored by integrated systems and academic centers: - **UnityPoint Health** — Iowa's largest health system with major campuses in Des Moines, Quad Cities, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids; consistently the largest RT employer statewide - **University of Iowa Health Care** — academic medical center and children's hospital; strong NICU, PICU, and adult ICU RT demand - **MercyOne** — multi-hospital system spanning Des Moines, Dubuque, and north Iowa - **Genesis Health System** — Quad Cities (Davenport/Moline); Level II trauma center with full RT department - **Covenant Medical Center** — Waterloo campus; serves northeast Iowa - **Lincare / Apria** — Home health respiratory coverage statewide