Respiratory Therapist / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Missouri data shows for Respiratory Therapists

To practice as a respiratory therapist in Missouri, the state licensing board requires 1,838 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 Missouri's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $118 to get started, plus $101 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,838 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$118
Renewal Fee
$101
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri's requirements cover 1838 hours of education or training, the TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice) exam, and an initial fee of $118. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Missouri, you must meet the state's requirements including 1838 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Missouri licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Missouri from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for respiratory therapists nationally works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Missouri. Verify the specifics with the Missouri licensing board.
Does Missouri require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for respiratory therapist licensing in Missouri. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri ties continued respiratory therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $101 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

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