In Illinois, respiratory therapists must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. To become licensed, applicants must:

  • graduate from an approved respiratory therapy training program; and
  • pass an exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Licensure must be renewed every two years and requires the completion of 24 hours of continuing education.

Additional licensing information can be obtained from :

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645

The National Board for Respiratory Care also offers voluntary certification for respiratory therapists.

NBRC Executive Office
10801 Mastin Street, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66210
Toll Free: 888.341.4811, Phone: 913.895.4900, Fax: 913.712.9283
E-mail: nbrc-info@nbrc.org