Activatable ribozymal purification constructs are used to rapidly and efficiently purify RNA, including non-denatured RNA. The activatable ribozymal purification construct includes an activatable ribozyme covalently bound to a target RNA moiety. The activatable ribozyme is attached to an immobilizing moiety, which is capable of binding to solid support. Upon activation, the ribozyme cleaves the target RNA moiety thereby producing purified target RNA.