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Respiratory Therapist License in Iowa

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in IA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$225

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

TMC & CSE Exams

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Respiratory Therapist license in Iowa.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Respiratory Therapist training program in Iowa.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your IA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the TMC & CSE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Iowa licensing board and pay the $225 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in IA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the IA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the TMC & CSE Exams. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Iowa state board.

Requirements

Before applying for a Respiratory Therapist license in Iowa, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. IA requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the TMC & CSE Exams is a non-negotiable requirement in Iowa.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Respiratory Therapist license in Iowa is approximately $225. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. IA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Iowa may incur additional penalties of up to $56.

License Fee Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in Iowa

Base License Fee$225
Estimated Total$225

Renewal Process

License renewal for Respiratory Therapist professionals in Iowa occurs on a 2-year cycle. IA charges a renewal fee of $150 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Iowa at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in IA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Iowa requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. IA has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Iowa also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified Respiratory Therapist professionals.

Document Checklist — Respiratory Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Iowa Respiratory Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize IA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize IA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for IA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for IA license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for IA license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize IA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) FullCA accepts IA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts IA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Iowa

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Des Moines

321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 281-0254

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Cedar Rapids

101 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 286-5080

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Davenport

226 W 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801

(563) 326-7700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sioux City

405 6th St, Sioux City, IA 51101

(712) 279-6100

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Iowa City

410 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 356-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Iowa Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Iowa state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.