Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) plays a foundational role in shaping the future of the respiratory therapy profession. As the primary accrediting body for respiratory care educational programs in the United States, CoARC ensures that students are trained in programs that meet rigorous academic and clinical standards.

For aspiring and practicing respiratory therapists alike, understanding CoARC is essential. Accreditation impacts eligibility for credentialing exams, professional mobility, patient safety, and the overall integrity of the field of respiratory care.

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What Is CoARC?

The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the recognized accrediting body for respiratory care educational programs in the United States and its territories.

It is responsible for evaluating and accrediting:

• Entry into Professional Practice programs at the Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s degree levels
• Post-professional Degree Advancement programs
• Advanced Practice respiratory care programs at the graduate level
• Sleep disorders specialty certificate programs offered within accredited respiratory care programs

In simple terms, CoARC ensures that respiratory therapy programs meet established educational standards and prepare graduates to practice safely, competently, and ethically.

CoARC accreditation is limited to programs physically located in the United States and its territories. Programs that earn accreditation have undergone a rigorous peer-review process and have demonstrated compliance with nationally recognized standards.

The Mission of CoARC

CoARC’s mission is clear and focused:

To ensure that high-quality educational programs prepare graduates to be competent respiratory therapists with proficiency in practice, education, research, and service.

This mission extends beyond simply reviewing course syllabi or counting clinical hours. It reflects a broader commitment to:

• Patient safety
• Professional excellence
• Accountability
• Continuous improvement
• Advancement of respiratory care as a discipline

Note: CoARC does not just evaluate programs once and walk away. It requires ongoing compliance, periodic reporting, and reassessment to ensure sustained quality.

Scope of Accreditation

CoARC accredits several types of respiratory care programs, reflecting the evolution and increasing complexity of the profession.

1. Entry Into Professional Practice Programs

These programs prepare students for initial entry into the profession and eligibility to sit for credentialing examinations. They are offered at:

• Associate degree level
• Baccalaureate degree level
• Master’s degree level

Note: Historically, most entry-level programs were offered at the associate degree level. However, there has been significant growth in baccalaureate programs over the past decade due to the increasing complexity of patient care and professional expectations.

2. Degree Advancement Programs

These programs are designed for practicing respiratory therapists who wish to earn a higher degree, such as:

• Associate-to-baccalaureate completion
• Baccalaureate-to-master’s advancement

Note: These programs support career mobility, leadership development, and specialization.

3. Advanced Practice Programs

Advanced practice respiratory care programs prepare graduates for expanded roles in clinical leadership, education, research, and specialized practice settings.

4. Sleep Disorders Specialist Programs

CoARC also accredits certificate programs that train sleep disorders specialists, provided they are offered by accredited respiratory care programs. This supports the integration of sleep medicine within respiratory care.

Why Accreditation Matters

Programmatic accreditation protects students, institutions, employers, and patients.

Protecting Students

Accreditation ensures that:

• The curriculum meets national standards
• Faculty are qualified
• Clinical experiences are sufficient and appropriate
• Program outcomes are monitored and evaluated
• Students are eligible for credentialing exams

Note: Without graduating from a CoARC-accredited program, a student cannot sit for credentialing exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This alone makes accreditation critically important.

Protecting Patients

Respiratory therapists manage life-support equipment, interpret blood gases, perform airway management, assist in critical care, and treat vulnerable populations including neonates and elderly patients. Accreditation ensures that educational preparation aligns with the level of responsibility expected in modern practice.

Advancing the Profession

Accreditation elevates the educational foundation of respiratory care.

It ensures that:

• Programs evolve with healthcare demands
• Evidence-based practice is emphasized
• Clinical reasoning and critical thinking are prioritized
• The profession remains competitive within allied health

Core Values of CoARC

CoARC operates according to several guiding principles that shape its policies and decision-making processes.

Professionalism

CoARC operates with integrity and honesty in its evaluations and communications.

Service

The organization supports and responds to the needs of its communities of interest, including students, educators, institutions, employers, and professional organizations.

Collaborative Leadership

Objectives and standards are developed through meaningful dialogue with stakeholders across the profession.

Integrity

Consistency and fairness are central to accreditation decisions.

Accountability

CoARC ensures its goals and processes remain relevant to all aspects of respiratory care practice.

Transparency

The organization promotes openness, innovation, communication, and continuous quality improvement.

Excellence

CoARC promotes the highest educational standards to ensure safe and effective respiratory care delivery.

Note: These core values demonstrate that accreditation is not simply regulatory. It is mission-driven and profession-centered.

Historical Evolution of CoARC

Understanding CoARC requires understanding the history of respiratory therapy education.

Early Foundations (1950s–1960s)

The origins of respiratory care accreditation date back to the 1950s.

In 1954, the Medical Society of the State of New York formed a Special Joint Committee in Inhalation Therapy. One of its purposes was to establish essential standards for acceptable schools of inhalation therapy.

In 1956, the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a resolution encouraging endorsement of these educational standards.

In 1957, sponsor participants including the American Association of Inhalation Therapists (AAIT), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), the AMA, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) adopted “Essentials for an Approved School of Inhalation Therapy Technicians.”

In 1962, the AMA formally approved these standards.

In 1963, the first official meeting of the Board of Schools of Inhalation Therapy Technicians was held at AMA headquarters in Chicago.

Note: These early efforts marked the beginning of formalized standards in respiratory therapy education.

Evolution Through Successor Organizations

In 1970, the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education was formed as a recommending body to the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation.

In 1996, the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care became the successor organization.

In 2008, the organization began transitioning toward independence.

On November 12, 2009, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care officially became a freestanding accrediting body.

Note: This independence marked a major milestone for the profession. It signaled maturity, stability, and professional autonomy.

Recognition by CHEA

In January 2022, the Board of Directors of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) granted formal recognition to CoARC.

CHEA recognition confirms that CoARC meets national standards for accrediting organizations. This further solidifies its authority and credibility within higher education. Recognition by CHEA reinforces public trust and validates the integrity of CoARC’s accreditation processes.

Relationship Between CoARC and NBRC

Accreditation and credentialing are separate but interconnected processes.

CoARC accredits educational programs. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers credentialing examinations.

To be eligible to sit for the Respiratory Therapy Examination, a student must graduate from a CoARC-accredited program.

The two general practice credentials in respiratory care are:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Note: Without CoARC accreditation, access to credentialing pathways would not be possible. This makes CoARC central to entry into professional practice.

The Shift Toward Higher Education Standards

Over the past 15 years, healthcare complexity has increased significantly.

Respiratory therapists now manage:

• Advanced mechanical ventilation
• Extracorporeal life support
• Complex cardiopulmonary diagnostics
• Chronic disease management
• Population health considerations

As a result, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has encouraged baccalaureate entry into practice.

Beginning January 1, 2018, CoARC adopted a policy to accredit new respiratory therapy programs only if they confer a baccalaureate or higher degree upon completion.

This policy reflects:

• Growing expectations for clinical reasoning
• Expanded scope of practice
• Increased interdisciplinary collaboration
• Greater leadership demands

Note: Educational advancement strengthens the profession’s credibility and improves patient outcomes.

Program Outcomes and Accountability

Accredited programs must report key performance metrics, including:

• Credentialing exam pass rates
• Job placement rates
• Attrition rates
• Student learning outcomes

Note: Programs that fail to meet required thresholds may be placed on probation or have accreditation withdrawn. This outcome-based accountability ensures that accreditation reflects real-world performance, not just theoretical standards.

Public Transparency

CoARC publishes accreditation status and program performance data.

This transparency allows:

• Prospective students to make informed decisions
• Employers to evaluate program quality
• Institutions to benchmark performance
• The public to maintain trust in the profession

Note: Transparency reinforces the credibility of respiratory care education.

The Impact on Students

For students, CoARC accreditation means:

• Eligibility for credentialing exams
• Confidence in curriculum quality
• Structured clinical experiences
• Faculty oversight and mentorship
• Alignment with national professional standards

Note: Graduating from an accredited program is not just a requirement. It is a professional safeguard.

How the Accreditation Process Works

Accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is not automatic. It is a structured, multi-phase, peer-review process designed to evaluate whether a respiratory care program meets established Standards.

The process generally includes:

• Application for Accreditation: A program seeking accreditation must formally apply and demonstrate readiness to meet CoARC Standards.
• Self-Study Report: The program conducts a comprehensive self-assessment, documenting compliance with all required Standards. This includes curriculum design, faculty qualifications, clinical affiliations, outcomes data, and institutional support.
• Site Visit: CoARC appoints trained peer reviewers who conduct an on-site evaluation. They interview faculty, students, administrators, and clinical affiliates. They also review documentation, facilities, and resources.
• Board Review and Decision: The CoARC Board reviews findings and determines accreditation status. Programs may receive initial accreditation, continued accreditation, probation, or other status designations.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Accreditation is not permanent. Programs must submit annual reports, maintain outcome thresholds, and undergo periodic reaccreditation reviews.

Note: This peer-review model ensures that accreditation decisions are grounded in professional expertise rather than external bureaucracy.

The Standards Programs Must Meet

CoARC Standards are comprehensive and detailed. They address multiple domains that collectively ensure program quality.

1. Institutional Support

Programs must demonstrate adequate administrative and financial support. This includes:

• Budgetary resources
• Institutional commitment
• Academic infrastructure
• Technology and simulation resources

Note: Without strong institutional backing, even a well-designed curriculum cannot succeed.

2. Faculty Qualifications

Faculty must possess:

• Appropriate academic credentials
• Clinical expertise
• Professional experience
• Ongoing professional development

Note: Program directors and medical directors have specific qualification requirements. This ensures that students are taught and mentored by professionals with both academic and clinical credibility.

3. Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

The curriculum must prepare students for entry-level competency across all essential domains of respiratory care.

These include:

• Airway management
• Mechanical ventilation
• Cardiopulmonary diagnostics
• Pharmacology
• Critical care
• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Patient assessment
• Professional ethics

Note: Programs must clearly define learning objectives and demonstrate alignment with current professional practice standards.

4. Clinical Education

Clinical education is a core component of respiratory therapy training.

CoARC requires:

• Adequate clinical hours
• Diverse patient populations
• Supervised experiences
• Exposure to various care settings

Note: Students must gain real-world experience in acute care, intensive care, emergency services, and specialty areas.

5. Outcomes Assessment

One of the most important aspects of accreditation is outcomes assessment.

Programs must track:

• Credentialing exam success rates
• Program completion rates
• Job placement rates
• Student satisfaction
• Employer satisfaction

Note: If outcomes fall below required benchmarks, corrective action is required. This data-driven approach promotes continuous improvement rather than complacency.

The Role of Peer Review and Site Visits

Peer review is central to CoARC’s credibility. Site visitors are typically experienced educators and practitioners in respiratory care. Their responsibilities include:

• Verifying self-study claims
• Interviewing stakeholders
• Observing facilities
• Reviewing documentation
• Assessing compliance objectively

Note: This collaborative evaluation process fosters professional accountability and shared responsibility. It also strengthens the profession by promoting dialogue among educators nationwide.

CoARC’s Impact on Healthcare Systems

While CoARC focuses on education, its impact extends far beyond academic institutions.

Strengthening Workforce Readiness

Healthcare employers rely on accredited programs to produce graduates who can function competently in high-stakes environments. Because CoARC Standards align with current clinical expectations, employers can trust that graduates have foundational competence.

Promoting Patient Safety

Respiratory therapists manage life-support technologies such as:

• Mechanical ventilators
• Noninvasive ventilation systems
• High-flow oxygen therapy
• Cardiopulmonary monitoring

Note: Accredited education ensures safe and effective patient care.

Supporting Professional Advancement

By encouraging baccalaureate and graduate education, CoARC supports leadership development, research engagement, and expanded scope roles. As healthcare becomes more interdisciplinary and data-driven, higher education standards position respiratory therapists as essential contributors.

Relationship with Professional and Credentialing Bodies

CoARC does not operate in isolation.

It collaborates with organizations such as:

• The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
• The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Each organization has a distinct role:

• CoARC accredits programs
• NBRC credentials individual practitioners
• AARC advocates for the profession
• CHEA recognizes accrediting bodies

Note: Together, these organizations create a structured ecosystem that supports professional growth and public protection.

The Importance of Baccalaureate Entry Into Practice

The shift toward baccalaureate education reflects broader healthcare trends.

Patients today are:

• Older
• More medically complex
• Living with chronic disease
• Managed in technologically advanced environments

Respiratory therapists must demonstrate:

• Critical thinking
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Interdisciplinary communication
• Leadership capability

Note: CoARC’s policy to accredit new programs only at the baccalaureate level or higher signals an investment in the profession’s future. It strengthens respiratory care’s standing among allied health professions and supports long-term career mobility.

Transparency and Public Accountability

CoARC promotes transparency by publishing program accreditation status and performance metrics.

This transparency benefits:

• Prospective students
• Academic institutions
• Healthcare employers
• The public

Note: Transparency builds trust. It also motivates programs to maintain high standards and continuously improve.

Challenges Facing Respiratory Care Education

Like all healthcare education fields, respiratory care faces challenges:

• Faculty shortages
• Clinical site limitations
• Increasing healthcare complexity
• Financial pressures on institutions
• Rapid technological change

Note: CoARC must continually adapt its Standards to ensure programs remain relevant. Flexibility balanced with rigor is essential.

The Future of CoARC and Respiratory Care Education

As respiratory care evolves, CoARC will likely focus on:

• Expanded graduate-level education
• Integration of simulation technology
• Emphasis on research literacy
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Advanced practice roles
• Competency-based education models

Note: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vital role respiratory therapists play in global health. Future educational standards will continue reflecting the increased visibility and responsibility of the profession.

Why CoARC Is Relevant to Every Respiratory Therapist

Even practicing respiratory therapists who graduated years ago benefit from CoARC’s work.

Accreditation:

• Protects the profession’s reputation
• Ensures consistent educational preparation
• Supports professional mobility
• Enhances employer confidence
• Strengthens public trust

Note: Whether entering the profession or advancing within it, accreditation underpins the credibility of every respiratory therapist’s educational foundation.

FAQs About the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

What Is the Purpose of CoARC Accreditation?

The purpose of CoARC accreditation is to ensure that respiratory care educational programs meet nationally recognized standards for quality and effectiveness. Accreditation verifies that a program provides appropriate curriculum, qualified faculty, adequate clinical experiences, and measurable student outcomes.

It protects students by confirming they are eligible to sit for credentialing exams and protects patients by ensuring graduates are competent and prepared for clinical practice. Ultimately, CoARC accreditation strengthens professional integrity, promotes accountability, and advances the overall quality of respiratory care education in the United States.

How Do I Find CoARC Accredited Programs?

You can find CoARC-accredited programs by visiting the official website of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and using its searchable program directory. The directory allows prospective students to search by state, degree level, and program type. It lists current accreditation status and key outcome data such as credentialing success rates.

Reviewing this information helps ensure you choose a program that meets national standards and qualifies you for eligibility to take the NBRC credentialing examinations required for professional practice.

How Is CoARC Different From Other Accreditors?

CoARC is a programmatic accreditor that focuses specifically on respiratory care education, whereas many other accreditors evaluate institutions as a whole. Institutional accreditation assesses colleges or universities broadly, while CoARC evaluates the quality of individual respiratory therapy programs.

CoARC develops standards tailored to the respiratory care profession and works closely with professional organizations and credentialing bodies. Its focused expertise ensures that programs meet the specific clinical, academic, and professional competencies required for entry into respiratory therapy practice.

What Is the Role of the CoARC?

The role of CoARC is to establish and enforce accreditation Standards for respiratory care educational programs in the United States. It evaluates whether programs provide sufficient academic instruction, clinical training, faculty qualifications, and measurable student outcomes.

CoARC conducts peer-reviewed site visits, monitors annual performance data, and ensures programs maintain compliance over time.

By overseeing educational quality and promoting continuous improvement, CoARC helps prepare graduates who are competent, ethical, and ready to meet the demands of modern respiratory care practice.

Is the CoARC Going Away?

No, the CoARC is not going away. It remains the recognized accrediting body for respiratory care programs in the United States and continues to operate as an independent, freestanding accreditor. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and collaborates with professional organizations to maintain educational standards.

As respiratory care evolves and healthcare grows more complex, the need for strong accreditation oversight remains essential. CoARC continues adapting its Standards to support the profession’s future growth and credibility.

Is Respiratory Therapy Zone Affiliated With the CoARC?

Respiratory Therapy Zone is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. CoARC is an independent accrediting organization responsible for evaluating respiratory care educational programs.

Respiratory Therapy Zone provides educational resources, study materials, and professional guidance for students and practicing respiratory therapists.

Note: While its content may reference accreditation requirements or credentialing standards, it operates independently and does not represent, speak for, or maintain any formal partnership with CoARC.

Final Thoughts

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) stands at the center of respiratory therapy education in the United States. By setting rigorous Standards, enforcing accountability, and promoting continuous improvement, CoARC safeguards both students and patients. Its work ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare with competence, integrity, and professionalism.

For respiratory therapists, accreditation is not just an administrative requirement. It is a cornerstone of professional legitimacy and public trust. As respiratory care continues to evolve, CoARC will remain essential to shaping its future.