The word "accreditation" is used a LOT in the Respiratory Care profession. This is especially true when it comes to educational programs offering respiratory therapy. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a program to attend:
1. CoARC Accreditation: The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is
a voluntary accreditation program . To learn more about CoARC and the value of
accreditation, visit their website by clicking here.
2. Regional vs National Accreditation: All respiratory care programs offer a minimum of an
Associate's degree and others offer a Bacheolor's degree. However, these degrees may
not be accredited by the same accrediting body. The two main accediting bodies in
Pennsylvania are the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on
Higher Education (MSACS) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). The MSACS is a "regional" accreditation while the
ACCSCT is a national accreditation.
How important is it that a school be accredited by CoARC?
CoARC accreditation is the MOST important accreditation for a school to received. The reason for this is that the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) requires graduation from a program accredited by CoARC to sit for the entry level certification examination. This is the examination that all states use for the purposes of granting a license or certificate to practice as a respiratory therapist. The PSRC recommends students attend only respiratory therapy programs fully accredited by CoARC.
Regional vs National accreditation. Which one is better?
In regards to meeting the requirement of the National Board of Respiratory Care to sit for the certification and registry examinations, both are acceptable and meet the requirement.
The main issue to consider is the transferability of the college credits. Colleges that are nationally accredited generally accept college credits completed at a regionally accredited college. However, regionally accredited program often do not accept credits from nationally accredited colleges. This means that students who earn an Associate's degree at a nationally accredited college may need to start over again if you decide later to pursue a Bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited program.
The PSRC does not make a recommendation as to regional vs national accreditation of colleges and universities. Instead, the recommendation is for all prospective students to research and consider the differences between these accreditations prior to making their final school selection. For further information on this topic, click here or here!