Respiratory Therapist / Maryland
2026 data Maryland board official source

Maryland Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Maryland data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Maryland's path to respiratory therapist licensure runs through 2,162 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Maryland folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $182 to get started, plus $149 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, respiratory therapists should know: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
43/100
Respiratory Therapist · Maryland

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,162 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$182
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$75/yr
$149 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,162 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$182
Renewal Fee
$149
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Respiratory Therapist All Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Maryland requires 2162 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $182. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Maryland, you must meet the state's requirements including 2162 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maryland licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Maryland from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for respiratory therapists: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Maryland licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Maryland require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Maryland requires a criminal background check as part of the respiratory therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Maryland? ▼
Licensed respiratory therapists in Maryland must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $149.

Related Guides

What to do with this respiratory therapist license

Respiratory Therapist in Maryland, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a respiratory therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Maryland's respiratory therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Respiratory Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state respiratory therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Maryland's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Maryland overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maryland licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.