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Respiratory Care: FAQs
Q: What do I need to get a NM Respiratory Care Practitioner’s license?
Submit a completed application with the required fee and copies of all items listed in the checklist of the application.
The board accepts two of the NBRC’s exams as a qualification standard for licensure in New Mexico:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) only if licensed in New Mexico or another U.S. jurisdiction prior to January 1, 2018
Q: How long does it take to get a license?
Applications with all required information are processed within 3 to 5 business days.
Q: How do I renew my license?
All licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners MUST renew their license by September 30,2025. License renewals will be online and open on August 15, 2025. Renew on our online licensing platform, NM-PLUS.
What if I missed the renewal deadline (September 30, 2023)?
If you missed the deadline, but still want to renew, you may do so by December 31, 2023. You will pay a reactivation fee.
Q: How do I reactivate my expired or lapsed license?
- If you do not renew your license by the end of the expiration year, currently 2023, your license is expired and is now invalid. You will need to apply for a new license.
Q: Do you have Temporary Permits?
- A student extern permit is issued to a student extern engaged by a supervisory facility to provide respiratory care for remuneration while enrolled in an approved respiratory care training and education program.
- A graduate permit is issued to an unlicensed person who has completed an approved respiratory care training program and is employed by a supervisory facility to provide respiratory care for remuneration and who can submit proof of scheduling to take the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.