Respiratory Therapist / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Minnesota data shows for Respiratory Therapists

To practice as a respiratory therapist in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires 1,851 documented education or training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $120 to get started, plus $103 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.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,851 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$120
Renewal Fee
$103
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires 1851 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $120. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota?
Certification as a respiratory therapist in Minnesota means clearing the state's checklist: 1851 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing?
Minnesota does require a background check before issuing a respiratory therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota?
To stay licensed as a respiratory therapist in Minnesota, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $103.

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