Accepted Respiratory Care Programs

It has been brought to the attention of the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) that an organization unrelated to the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is seeking to accredit new respiratory care associate degree programs. In an effort to prevent confusion or hardship for current or potential respiratory care students, the RCB would like to remind all stakeholders that the law related to acceptable education requirements states:

“Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all applicants for licensure under this chapter shall have completed an education program for respiratory care that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care or its successor and been awarded a minimum of an associate degree from an institution or university accredited by a regional accreditation agency or association recognized by the United States Department of Education.” [Reference Business and Professions Code section 3740(a)]

As such, graduation from a respiratory program approved by any entity other than CoARC WILL NOT satisfy the minimum education requirement for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner in the State of California.

Further, as it relates to education requirements for the National Board for Respiratory Care’s (NBRC) exam admission policy, each credential exam applicant must also have a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory care education program supported or accredited by CoARC. Accordingly, graduation from a non-CoARC approved program would also prevent admission to the credentialing examinations.