American Association for Respiratory Care

American Association for Respiratory Care

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a professional association for respiratory therapists in the United States. The AARC is dedicated to promoting the profession of respiratory care and providing education, advocacy, and support for its members.

History

The AARC was founded in 1947 as the Inhalation Therapy Association (ITA). It was later renamed the American Association for Inhalation Therapy (AAIT) in 1954, and then the American Association for Respiratory Therapy (AART) in 1973. The organization adopted its current name, the American Association for Respiratory Care, in 1986.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the AARC is to advance the science and practice of respiratory care by:

• Promoting high standards of practice
• Advocating for the profession
• Providing continuing education opportunities
• Supporting research in respiratory care

Membership

Membership in the AARC is open to respiratory therapists, students, and other healthcare professionals interested in respiratory care. Members receive benefits such as access to continuing education resources, professional development opportunities, and subscriptions to AARC publications.

Publications

The AARC publishes several key resources for its members, including:

• Respiratory Care - A peer-reviewed scientific journal
• AARC Times - A magazine focused on the respiratory care profession
• Respiratory Care Education Annual - A publication dedicated to respiratory care education

Annual Congress

The AARC hosts an annual congress, which is one of the largest gatherings of respiratory care professionals in the world. The congress features educational sessions, workshops, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest in respiratory care technology and services.

Advocacy

The AARC actively advocates for the respiratory care profession at the federal and state levels. The association works to influence legislation and regulations that impact respiratory care and to promote the role of respiratory therapists in the healthcare system.

Continuing Education

The AARC offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for its members, including online courses, webinars, and live events. These programs are designed to help respiratory therapists maintain their professional credentials and stay current with the latest advancements in the field.

Research

The AARC supports research in respiratory care through grants, awards, and the publication of research findings in its journals. The association also collaborates with other organizations to promote and fund respiratory care research.

See Also

• Respiratory therapy
• American Thoracic Society
• National Board for Respiratory Care
• Pulmonology