Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

20 Hours every 2 years - Total CE requirement for license renewal

• Total Requirement: 20 contact hours of continuing education are required every renewal period (biennium).
• Online/Self-Study: Massachusetts does not limit the number of hours taken through online or home-study courses. You may complete all 20 hours via approved online methods (e.g., AARC approved webcasts or self-paced courses).
• Mandatory Topics: There are currently 0 recurring mandatory course topics (e.g., no specific ethics or pain management requirement) defined in the respiratory-specific regulations (261 CMR 5.00). However, see the *Domestic Violence* note below.
• Domestic & Sexual Violence Training (Chapter 260): All health professionals in Massachusetts are required by law (Chapter 260) to complete a one-time training on Domestic and Sexual Violence. This is a condition of licensure/renewal. If you have not completed this one-time requirement, you must do so before renewing.
• Approved Sponsors: Courses must be approved by the AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care) or the Massachusetts Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC).
• Recredentialing Exams: You may apply up to 4 hours of credit for passing NBRC recredentialing examinations (e.g., Clinical Simulation = 4 hours).

Massachusetts License Renewal Process

1. Expiration Date: Licenses expire on May 31st of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
2. Renewal Window: The renewal period typically opens 90 days prior to the expiration date (approx. March 1st).
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal (Mass.gov).
4. Fees: The standard renewal fee is $110.00.
5. Late Renewal: If you renew after May 31st, a Late Fee of $57.00 is added to the renewal fee.
6. Audit: The Board conducts random audits. You must retain your CE certificates for at least 4 years (two full renewal cycles).
7. First Renewal Exception: If you are renewing for the first time after your initial licensure, you are exempt from the 20-hour CE requirement.