Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care CoARC

Overview

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the sole nationally recognized authority for accrediting first professional degree programs in respiratory care in the United States and its territories. Established in 1973, CoARC is a non-profit organization that ensures high-quality educational programs prepare competent respiratory therapists proficient in practice, education, research and service. The Commission accredits entry into practice programs at the associate, baccalaureate and master's degree levels, as well as post-professional degree advancement and advanced practice programs. CoARC's mission is to promote excellence in respiratory care education through rigorous accreditation standards and continuous improvement.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

CoARC was founded in 1973 to address the need for standardized accreditation in respiratory care education. The Commission operates under the authority granted by the U.S. Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CoARC's accreditation activities are limited to programs physically located in the United States and its territories.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To ensure that high-quality educational programs prepare competent respiratory therapists for practice, education, research and service.

Vision: To be recognized as the leader in advancing respiratory care education across the spectrum of programs offered.

Objectives:

• Establish and maintain accreditation standards for respiratory care programs.
• Evaluate and accredit programs based on adherence to established standards.
• Promote continuous improvement in respiratory care education.
• Enhance public understanding and confidence in accredited programs.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

CoARC is governed by a Board of Commissioners comprising educators, practitioners and public members. The Commission operates independently from any parent or sponsoring entity, ensuring impartiality in accreditation decisions. CoARC's organizational structure supports a collaborative approach to accreditation, involving stakeholders from various sectors of respiratory care education and practice.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

CoARC's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of respiratory care programs, assessing compliance with established standards and promoting continuous quality improvement. The Commission's policies and procedures are detailed in its Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual, which provides guidance on the accreditation process, including application, evaluation and monitoring.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CoARC's accreditation activities are limited to programs within the United States and its territories. While the Commission does not engage in international accreditation, it collaborates with national and regional accrediting bodies to ensure consistency and quality in respiratory care education. CoARC's standards align with those of other accrediting organizations to promote excellence in the profession.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CoARC continues to influence higher education by setting rigorous standards for respiratory care programs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. The Commission's emphasis on continuous improvement and accountability contributes to the advancement of respiratory care education and enhances the quality of patient care. Looking forward, CoARC aims to adapt its standards to address emerging trends and challenges in healthcare, ensuring that respiratory care education remains relevant and effective.

7. Summary

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care plays a vital role in shaping the quality and effectiveness of respiratory care education in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation process, CoARC ensures that educational programs produce competent respiratory therapists who are prepared to contribute to the healthcare system. The Commission's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement supports the advancement of the respiratory care profession and the delivery of high-quality patient care.

8. FAQs

1. What is CoARC?
   CoARC is the sole nationally recognized authority for accrediting first professional degree programs in respiratory care in the United States and its territories.
2. How can a program become accredited by CoARC?
   A program must submit a Letter of Intent Application and required supplementary information to initiate the accreditation process.
3. Does CoARC accredit programs outside the United States?
   No, CoARC's accreditation activities are limited to programs physically located in the United States and its territories.
4. How does CoARC ensure the quality of accredited programs?
   CoARC evaluates programs based on adherence to established standards and promotes continuous improvement through its accreditation process.
5. Where can I find information about accredited respiratory care programs?
   Information about accredited programs can be found on CoARC's official website.

Organization Name

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Acronym

CoARC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1960

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

264 Precision Boulevard
Telford
37690 Tennessee United States

Phone

+1 (817) 283 2835

Fax

+1 (817) 354 8519

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care's Wikipedia article

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