Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist CEUs: License Renewal Guide

 

As a respiratory therapist in Massachusetts, you are on the front lines of patient care every single day, and the last thing you need is an active license. At TheCEPlace, we built our platform to make Massachusetts respiratory therapist CEU completion direct, affordable, and stress-free. 

Each state has its own continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists, and in Massachusetts, licensed professionals must complete 20 contact hours every two years to maintain an active license. These requirements are enforced by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care and apply to all practicing respiratory therapists.

This guide covers every requirement, every deadline, and how our AARC-accredited courses carry you across the finish line.

Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist CEU Requirements

Massachusetts requires respiratory therapists to complete 20 CEUs every two years to maintain an active license. All hours must be completed within the renewal cycle; no carry-over is allowed, and incomplete courses do not count.

The state allows flexibility in course topics, as long as they are relevant to respiratory care and completed through AARC-accredited providers. Starting early in the cycle is recommended to avoid last-minute deadlines and ensure full compliance.

Important Deadlines for MA RT License Renewal

The Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care requires license renewal by May 31 of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026, 2028). Missing this deadline results in a lapsed license and may lead to legal and professional consequences if you continue practicing.

MA RT License Renewal Timeline:

  • Renewal period ends May 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026, 2028)
  • Complete all 20 CEUs before the deadline
  • Submit renewal and documentation by May 31 to the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care
  • Late renewal results in a lapsed license and additional requirements

Mandatory Domestic and Sexual Violence Training

Massachusetts requires a one-time Domestic and Sexual Violence training course for all licensed respiratory therapists. This requirement is established under Chapter 260 of Massachusetts state law and applies to every licensed healthcare professional in the Commonwealth, including Respiratory Therapists.

What qualifies as the Chapter 260 training:

  • The course must address recognition, assessment, and appropriate clinical response to domestic and sexual violence situations.
  • It must meet the content standards established under Chapter 260.
  • It is completed once it does not repeat during subsequent biennial renewal cycles.

This training counts toward your 20-hour Massachusetts respiratory therapist CEU total for the renewal period in which you complete it. It is not an additional requirement on top of the 20 hours it is part of them.

If you have not yet satisfied this requirement in a prior renewal cycle, complete it early in your current window. Early completion ensures the training is fully documented well before the May 31 deadline.

NBRC Recredentialing vs. Massachusetts State Requirements

Massachusetts license renewal and NBRC recredentialing are separate requirements with different timelines and hour totals.

  • Massachusetts License (Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care): 20 CEUs every 2 years
  • NBRC Recredentialing (National Board for Respiratory Care): 30 CEUs every 5 years

Completing one does not automatically satisfy the other, and each requires its own documentation.

In practice, respiratory therapists must track both obligations at the same time. However, AARC-accredited courses from TheCEPlace can often count toward both requirements, depending on how your renewal cycles align.

How TheCEPlace Simplifies Your Massachusetts Respiratory Care CEU Process

The CE Place offers AARC-accredited courses designed to meet Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care requirements while fitting the realities of a respiratory therapist’s schedule.

Our approach focuses on three key areas:

  • Clinically Relevant Content — Courses are built around real-world respiratory care topics such as airway management, ventilator mechanics, and pulmonary diagnostics, ensuring practical value in daily practice.
  • Flexible, Self-Paced Learning — All courses are available online and on demand, allowing you to complete CEUs around shifts, weekends, and varying schedules.
  • Audit-Ready Documentation — Your certificates and course records are stored in your account, making them easy to access for renewal or in the event of a state audit.

Founded by a respiratory therapist with over 27 years of experience, TheCEPlace is designed to provide reliable, relevant education without unnecessary complexity.

Complete your 20 CEUs in one place with a streamlined, AARC-accredited platform built for efficiency and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many continuing education hours are required for Massachusetts respiratory therapists? 

Massachusetts requires 20 contact hours of continuing education per biennial renewal period. The Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care enforces this standard. All 20 hours must be completed within the active two-year cycle hours do not carry forward to the next renewal period.

When is the MA RT license renewal deadline? 

The Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care sets the MA RT license renewal deadline as May 31 of every even-numbered year. Respiratory Therapists must submit their renewal application with documented proof of 20 completed continuing education hours by this date. Licenses that lapse require a reinstatement process with additional fees.

Is the Domestic and Sexual Violence training required every renewal period? 

No. The Chapter 260 Domestic and Sexual Violence training is a one-time requirement. Once completed, it counts toward the 20-hour total for that cycle and does not repeat in subsequent biennial periods.

Does NBRC recredentialing satisfy the Massachusetts state CEU requirement? 

No. NBRC recredentialing and Massachusetts state renewal are separate obligations. The NBRC requires 30 hours every five years; Massachusetts requires 20 hours every two years. AARC-accredited courses from TheCEPlace satisfy both standards, but each body tracks compliance independently.

Are TheCEPlace courses accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care? 

Yes. The CE Place offers AARC-accredited courses recognized by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care. You can complete your requirements through convenient CEU bundle courses, making it easier to finish all hours in one place. Certificates are generated instantly and stored in your account for easy access during renewal or audits.

Start Your Massachusetts Respiratory Therapist CEUs Today

You are the true heroes saving lives every single day, and your continuing education should reflect that reality. At TheCEPlace, our AARC-accredited Massachusetts respiratory therapist CEU courses delivered on your schedule, and backed by automated documentation that protects you in any audit.

Let TheCEPlace help you with your CEU goals! We strive to make the process stress-free and as efficient as possible because we know you’re busy with your career. Just register online to gain access to our large selection of courses to take at your convenience. And, once you complete an exam, check your inbox for a certificate to download and save to your records; this ensures you’re always ready to submit documentation upon the board’s request. 

Get started today or contact us for support with course selection, requirements, or your renewal process.