About the AARC

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is the leading national and international professional association for respiratory care. The AARC encourages and promotes professional excellence, advances the science and practice of respiratory care, and serves as an advocate for patients and their families, the public, the profession and the respiratory therapist.

Founded in 1947, the AARC is a not-for-profit professional association with more than 52,000 members worldwide. Our primary membership consists of respiratory therapists, allied health practitioners who are trained at the 2- and 4-year college level to assist physicians in the care of patients with lung disorders and other conditions. Respiratory therapists can be found in all areas of health care, including hospitals, home care, nursing homes, and physicians' offices—in short, anywhere patients are being treated for lung diseases.

A network of 50 state societies involves members in local and state activities, and ten Specialty Sections meet the needs of practitioners involved in specific care areas or settings.

Sponsoring Organizations

The AARC is sponsored by the American Thoracic Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Governance

A Board of Directors, in conjunction with a House of Delegates, governs the Association. A Board of Medical Advisors, representing the Association’s three sponsoring organizations along with other major physician groups, serves in an advisory capacity.

AARC Allies

The AARC co-sponsors and appoints representatives to the National Board for Respiratory Care, the body that administers nationally recognized credentialing examinations for respiratory therapists and other allied health practitioners. The Association also supports the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, the accrediting body for schools of respiratory care, and the American Respiratory Care Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting research, education, and charitable purposes.

AARC Congress

The four-day AARC Congress is the premier educational event in the respiratory care profession. Every year, the meeting brings together more than 6,000 respiratory therapists and other health professionals from around the world, who gather to hear the latest developments in respiratory care.

National Respiratory Care Week

To inform the public about the respiratory care profession and promote lung health, the AARC sponsors National Respiratory Care Week the last week in October. Respiratory therapy departments all across the country get involved in activities, hosting educational screenings, programs, and fund raisers for asthma camps for kids, patients in need of assistance, and other worthy causes.

Education

In addition to the AARC Congress, the Association develops and conducts a plethora of meetings, educational courses, and symposia throughout the year to provide members with opportunities to earn Continuing Respiratory Care Education credits. The newest additions to the AARC’s education line-up are online. The Association also presents regular webcasts featuring leading speakers and topics in respiratory care, which are archived for viewing any time at Webcast Central.

Advocacy

The AARC interacts with local, state, and federal government on public policies that affect our patients and our members. From Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues to health-care reform proposals, the AARC keeps Congress, state, and local policymakers up-to-date on the issues that are important to patient care and respiratory practice.

The AARC also sends representatives to more than 20 outside groups and organizations that work on common issues, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association Panel of Consultants, and the federal government’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Program among other groups.

Publications

The Association publishes a peer-reviewed journal, RESPIRATORY CARE, and a news and feature magazine, AARC Times. The foremost scientific journal in the respiratory care profession, RESPIRATORY CARE is listed in Index Medicus and features original research and case reports on topics such as chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests, and blood gas analyses. AARC Times is the profession’s leading general interest publication, containing management tips, human-interest features, profiles of respiratory care leaders, and more. Both are now available online as well.

Patient & Family Support

The AARC supports patients and families with lung disease via www.asthmaallergy.net. The website features news links, information on diseases and conditions, tips on living with lung disease, and forums where patients and families can share experiences. The site also includes a comprehensive listing of hospitals and home care companies nationwide that have earned the Association’s Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) designation for meeting strict standards related to the provision of respiratory care.

International

The Association maintains an international presence via an annual International Fellowship Program sponsored in conjunction with the American Respiratory Care Foundation. Along with the International Respiratory Congress, which attracts respiratory care professionals from around the world, the program enables the AARC and its members to promote an ongoing exchange of information that leads to better respiratory care for all.

Other Health Resources

Breathe America - advanced respiratory care, allergy treatments, and pulmonary solutions for all ages.

EPA Dental - dental care and services.

Dr. Gilbert Urology - urology practice treating prostate conditions, kidney stones, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and male reproductive health.

Precision Dental - general dentistry services.

Kling Dermatology - advanced dermatology practice specializing in acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and complex skin disorders, with a focus on individualized care and modern aesthetic treatments.

Cancer Research UK Centre Glasgow - cancer research and support.

Duchesne Clinic - health services for underserved populations.

Healthy Lungs - comprehensive pulmonary care, asthma and COPD management, and respiratory diagnostics.

Harrel Eye Care - comprehensive eye care and vision services.

Mystic Valley Dermatology - dermatology practice focused on acne management, providing individualized treatment plans, prescription therapies, advanced dermatologic procedures, and teledermatology consultations aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing recurrence, and improving overall skin condition.

Beach Health Clinic - community-based primary care, preventive screenings, men’s health, chronic disease management, and affordable medical assistance.

All Valley Home Care - home healthcare services.

Mental Health America of Central Carolinas - mental health support and resources.

Sonora Medical Center - integrated healthcare provider delivering comprehensive care, including primary and specialty services, advanced treatment options, 24/7 virtual care, telehealth consultations, and online prescription services, focused on improving patient access, continuity of care, and overall health outcomes.

Didriksen Dental - comprehensive dentistry offering professional treatment methods with modern pain-management options.

Doctor Steve's Clinic - holistic medical care.

Davis Oral Surgery Center - oral surgery and dental implants.

MedMalRx Health Center - healthcare-focused center offering medical support services, treatment pathways, and healthcare standards.

Collingham Dental Clinic - family dental services.

Patient to Prescription - telehealth platform offering virtual medical and mental health visits, including diagnosis, treatment, and prescription services where appropriate.

Westford Internal Medicine - primary care services, telemedicine consultations, and chronic condition management.

Palm Desert Implant Dentist - dental implants and restorative dentistry.

Millbrae Hospital - professional healthcare services.

Oro Surgery - oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Saint Vincent Clinic - healthcare for the uninsured.

Tampa Chiropractic & Wellness Center - holistic chiropractic care.

Grundy County Health Department - public health and wellness services.

Dr. Kat's Clinic - personalized medical care.

Northside Family Dental Care - family dental care.

Livingston Dermatology - dermatology practice specializing in acne treatment, offering personalized care plans, advanced therapies, and medical management focused on clear, healthy skin.

Center for Endocrine Care - thyroid and hormone disorder treatment, diabetes management, and endocrine diagnostics.

George Dermatology - comprehensive dermatology care, acne treatment, and cosmetic skin solutions.

ProLife Healthcare - family-oriented healthcare services.

ABH Pharma - custom supplement manufacturing, private label solutions, and nutraceutical development.

Mental Health America of Southeastern Arizona - mental health resources.

Hillbrook Dental - comprehensive dental services.

Care Pharmacy - local pharmacy services.

Surgery Information Center - surgical procedures and information.

Walsh Wellness Center - holistic health services.

Genesis Dental Care - dental services for all ages.

Columbia SC Dentist - comprehensive dental care.

Riverview Urologic - urology practice providing diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract and male reproductive health conditions.

New York Downtown Hospital - comprehensive healthcare services.

Green Valley Chiropractic - chiropractic services.

Northtowns Orthopedics - specialized orthopedic care, sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, fracture management, and rehabilitation services.

NY SportsMed & Physical Therapy - clinic offering evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, pain management and rehabilitation services, with individualized treatment plans that may include prescription medications to support healing and reduce inflammation.

Community Health System - regional health system.

Daniel Craviotto MD - orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and joint replacement solutions.

Bergen Urology - urology network providing in-person and telemedicine care, including virtual consultations for diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract and male reproductive health conditions.

Middletown Urology - urology practice treating prostate conditions, kidney stones, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and sexually transmitted infections, with telemedicine and specialist care by board-certified urologists.

DrX Medical Clinic - medical services and care.

CTH Healthcare - community healthcare services.

AmeriDental Group - affordable dental care.

Umbrella Clinic - comprehensive health services.

Advanced Family Care - comprehensive care services, vision exams, and eyewear solutions for all ages.

ANB Wellness Center - alternative health and wellness.

AC Professional Dentistry - modern dental practice providing comprehensive dental care, including preventive services, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and flexible scheduling focused on long-term oral health and patient comfort.

Northfield Chiropractic - expert chiropractic services.

Weston Dental Care - comprehensive dental services.

Online Pharmacy NZ - trusted online pharmacy offering a wide range of prescription medications, health products, and over-the-counter remedies with worldwide delivery and fast shipping to the United States.

Melanoma Care - melanoma treatment and research.

Advance Dental Care - comprehensive dental care, emergency dentistry.

EnteBella Medical - acne and skin treatment, weight management, pain management, regenerative therapies, and broad wellness care.

Fountain Grove Dental - family dental care.

Waccamaw Dental - dental professionals providing preventive, restorative, and IV sedation dentistry services for patients with dental anxiety and complex dental treatment needs.

The Center for Health and Wellbeing - comprehensive medical services, integrative care, holistic treatments, and personalized wellness solutions for families.

Dr. Klope Urology - urology practice treating kidney stones, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and providing vasectomy services.

El Camino Surgery Center - surgical care and outpatient services.

Montgomery County Health Department - public health and prevention programs.

Columbia Urological Associates - advanced urologic care, erectile dysfunction treatment, minimally invasive surgery, and urinary disorder management.

Carolina Sports Medicine - sports injury and orthopedic care.

Ash Chiropractic & Wellness - chiropractic and wellness care.

Capella Healthcare - comprehensive healthcare management.

Central Florida Health Care - medical center providing primary and preventive healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, dentistry, urology, pharmaceutical services, and other comprehensive health programs.

Dr. Bill's Clinic - personalized healthcare.

True Skin Care Center - medical acne treatment, isotretinoin therapy, and personalized dermatologic solutions.

Florida Wellness Institute - holistic health services, chiropractic care, and integrative medicine therapies.

Anberry Hospital - acute and long-term healthcare.

Washington Healthcare Alliance - healthcare advocacy and resources.

Healthy Kids Dane County - community health programs for children.

White Mountain Dental - dental services in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Denver Urology Clinic - specialized urological practice focusing on erectile dysfunction treatment, men’s health, and advanced management of kidney, bladder, prostate, and reproductive system disorders, offering minimally invasive procedures and personalized care.

Anderson Chiropractic & Wellness - chiropractic and wellness care.