Minnesota Respiratory Therapist License 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota

Minnesota requires respiratory therapists to hold a state license issued through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (BMP) before practicing clinically. The process combines a CoARC-accredited education, NBRC credentialing, and a state application — all of which are manageable when approached in the right order. This guide walks you through every step for 2026.

Step 1: Complete a CoARC-Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

Your path to licensure begins with graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Minnesota has several accredited options, including programs at Inver Hills Community College, Lake Superior College, and Northland Community and Technical College.

CoARC programs lead to either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care. The associate degree is the minimum for licensure, but many Minnesota employers — especially academic medical centers such as the University of Minnesota Health system — prefer or require a bachelor's degree for advancement into leadership or specialty roles.

Curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric care, pulmonary function testing, and clinical rotations in hospital settings.

Step 2: Pass the NBRC Examinations

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the two-exam pathway that all Minnesota license applicants must complete:

• Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam — Passing at the "CRT cut score" earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Passing at the higher "RRT cut score" on the TMC, combined with passing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), earns the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) — Required alongside a high-score TMC to earn the RRT.

Minnesota requires the RRT credential for licensure (see the CRT vs. RRT section below). Plan your exam schedule so both tests are completed before you submit your state application. NBRC exams are administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers in the Twin Cities and Duluth areas.

Step 3: Apply for Your Minnesota License

With your RRT in hand, apply to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice through the Health Licensing Portal at mn.gov/boards/medical-practice. The application requires:

• Proof of graduation from a CoARC-accredited program (official transcript)
• Official NBRC verification of your RRT credential
• Attestation of any criminal history, disciplinary actions, or health-related impairments
• Application fee of approximately $100–$135 (confirm current amount on the BMP website before submitting)

Processing times vary but typically run two to four weeks. Minnesota does not currently offer a temporary practice permit, so you must hold an active license before working as an RT. If you're relocating from another state with an existing RRT, ask about reciprocity or endorsement pathways — Minnesota often accepts a current NBRC credential in lieu of re-examination.

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

Minnesota law requires the RRT credential as the minimum standard for licensure. Holding only a CRT is not sufficient to obtain or maintain a Minnesota RT license. This aligns with the national trend toward RRT-only requirements in most states. If you currently hold a CRT and are preparing to work in Minnesota, you will need to pass the CSE (and meet the high-cut TMC threshold) before applying.

The RRT also opens clinical doors: Minnesota hospitals routinely assign RRTs to ICU ventilator management, bronchoscopy assist, and rapid-response teams — roles that typically require the advanced credential contractually, not just by statute.

Continuing Education Requirements

Minnesota RT license holders must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew. CE must be relevant to respiratory care practice and may include:

• AARC-approved online or in-person courses
• Conferences such as the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) annual meeting
• Hospital in-service education (check BMP rules for approved categories)
• NBRC Continuing Competency activities (can count toward state CE)

Licenses expire on a set biennial cycle. The BMP will notify you by email, but it is your responsibility to track hours. Keep certificates of completion for at least four years in case of an audit.

Minnesota Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranges

Minnesota offers competitive RT compensation anchored by the major Twin Cities health systems:

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $55,000–$65,000/year
• Mid-career (3–8 years): $65,000–$78,000/year
• Senior/specialty RTs: $78,000–$92,000/year
• Travel RT (13-week contracts in MN): $2,200–$3,000/week all-in

The Minneapolis–St. Paul metro drives the strongest demand and pays above state averages. Rural Minnesota positions may offer relocation bonuses or loan-repayment incentives to offset lower base salaries.

Top Employers

Minnesota's healthcare market is dominated by integrated systems with large respiratory therapy departments:

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester) — One of the nation's top employers for RTs; tertiary and quaternary care at scale, with strong internal advancement pathways.
• Fairview Health Services — Multi-hospital Twin Cities system with strong ICU and pulmonary programs.
• Children's Minnesota — Pediatric and neonatal RT specialty roles; ideal for RTs who want neonatal intensive care or pediatric ventilator experience.
• M Health Fairview / University of Minnesota Medical Center — Academic medical center with research opportunities and advanced subspecialty rotations.
• Allina Health — Large community-hospital network across the Twin Cities metro; consistent hiring volume.

Minnesota's strong union presence in some systems (particularly SEIU and nursing/allied health units) can also mean more predictable scheduling and benefit packages for RTs at larger facilities.