Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

Ohio 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.
• Online/Self-Study: Ohio does not limit the number of hours taken through online or distance learning courses. You may complete all 20 hours via approved online methods (e.g., AARC approved webcasts or self-paced courses).
• Mandatory Topics: You must complete 1 Hour in either: - Ohio Respiratory Care Law; OR - Professional Ethics.
• Clinical Requirement: At least 15 hours must be relevant to the provision of clinical respiratory care. The remaining hours can be in non-clinical topics (e.g., education, management).
• Approved Sponsors: Courses must be approved by the AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care), the Ohio State Medical Board, or ACCME (Category 1).
• First Renewal Proration: - Licensed < 6 months before expiration: Exempt (0 hours required). - Licensed > 6 months but < 1 year before expiration: 10 Hours required (including 1 hr Law/Ethics). - Licensed > 1 year: Full 20 Hours required.

Ohio License Renewal Process

1. Expiration Date: Licenses expire on June 30th of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
2. Renewal Window: Renewal typically opens approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date (April 1st).
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the Ohio eLicense portal.
4. Fees: The standard renewal fee is $75.00.
5. Late Renewal: Licenses not renewed by June 30th will lapse. There is typically a late renewal fee (often $50+) and/or reinstatement process required for lapsed licenses.
6. Audit: The State Medical Board of Ohio conducts random audits. You must retain your CE certificates for at least one year past the renewal period (though keeping them for 3-4 years is recommended).