Continuing Education Defined
CRCE serves to accredit continuing educational programs for respiratory therapists. Continuing education encompasses various learning experiences aimed at enhancing respiratory therapists’ knowledge, enabling safe and effective patient care, and addressing topics related to healthcare management, ethics, patient safety, and more. One CRCE contact hour equals 60 minutes of learning activity.
Traditional and Non-traditional Education Defined
Traditional (Provider-Directed): These programs involve real-time interaction between learners and providers, whether in-person or virtually. Examples include live lectures, webinars, and virtual conferences.
Non-traditional (Learner-Directed): Learners complete these activities at their own pace without real-time interaction. Formats include web-based courses, archived webinars, text-based monographs, podcasts, etc.
The application type is chosen after starting a new application and entering the title of the program.
For more details, please review the AARC CRCE Policy Manual.
CRCE Application Fees and Payment Information
Application submission payments are non-refundable fees once an application has been reviewed. See the fee schedule below:
Traditional (Provider Directed):
- First program date application fee: $95 (Not-For-Profit), $199 (For-Profit)
- Subsequent program (repeat) dates: $35
- Late fee (applications received less than 31 days prior to the course delivery date): $50
Non-traditional (Learner-Directed):
- 1-year accreditation application fee: $95 (Not-For-Profit), $199 (For-Profit)
- Late Fee (applications received less than 31 days prior to the course delivery date): $50
*Organizations which qualify for Not-for-Profit fees are those that hold a federal Not-for-Profit tax status. The organizations’s federal tax id number should entered in the space provided in the application.
Please note: Applications will not be reviewed until all application and late fees have been received by the AARC.
Payment for application fees, can be made by major credit cards, check or money order. Be sure to follow the payment instructions to avoid delays in processing.
For check or money order payments, send payment your invoice to:
American Association for Respiratory Care
PO. Box 844433
Dallas, TX 75284-4433
Obtaining a Receipt or Paying or Downloading Invoices for CRCE Applications/Repeat Date Submissions
You may download or pay an open invoice or access a receipt on the My Receipts/Invoices page at https://my.aarc.org/My-Account/My-Receipts-Invoices
AARC State Society CRCE Application Information
Provider-directed (Traditional) programs sponsored by AARC chartered state affiliates are exempt from application fees. However, Non-traditional program applications still incur fees. Late fees apply if applications are submitted less than 31 days prior to the program date start date. The AARC will determine fee waivers based on specific circumstances. Please note, representatives of AARC State Societies who submit CRCE applications must be active members of the AARC.
What Happens After Application Submission
Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email. Your application will be assigned to a reviewer, and you’ll be notified of any additional information required during the review process by email. Upon completion, you’ll receive an email notification indicating whether your course has been approved, changes are required, or disapproved.
Professional Credential Requirements for Presenting Clinical Topics
Presenters/authors must be content experts with qualifications and credentials relevant to respiratory care. They should deliver content in a clear and unbiased manner, without commercial influence. The provider is responsible for ensuring presenter/author qualifications. Content which discusses patient care must be provided by a qualified clinician.
Content Designation Explanations
Programs will receive specific content designations based on the session content, ensuring alignment with the subject matter.
Reporting Attendance/Completion Data
Upon approval, a roster template will be provided for you to submit course attendance or completion data. Please email the completed roster to CRCEreports@aarc.org after your event concludes. Attendance for live events should be submitted within 30 days following the completion of the course. For Non-traditional courses, sponsors should submit reports at least every 60 days of those that have earned credit for the course, but every 30 days is preferred.
Browser Requirements
Ensure a smooth experience by using compatible browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. Internet Explorer 7+ is not compatible with our application site.
We hope this overview assists you in navigating the CRCE® Application process effectively. For detailed instructions, refer to the provided links and resources.
