FAQs for Course Sponsors

I want to sponsor a continuing education course to provide CRCE^® for respiratory therapists. What do I do?

You can find all of the information necessary to apply for CRCE® as a course sponsor on the AARC’s CRCE® Application Overview page.

What are my responsibilities as a course sponsor after the event is over?

After the event is complete, the course sponsor is responsible for reporting attendance to the AARC so that the participants’ credits are entered into the AARC transcript. The course sponsor is also responsible for retaining all course documents, including the course rosters and the course evaluations, for a minimum of five (5) years.

How long does CRCE^® approval last?

The course approval is typically good for one (1) calendar year from the first event date.

What is the difference between a traditional and a non-traditional course?

Traditional (Provider-Directed)

A traditional or provider-directed educational activity requires the learner and provider to interact in real time. This interaction can happen remotely but must occur during the allotted time for the activity. The provider determines pace of the program and schedules the activity. One of the following criteria must be met for the activity to be considered traditional.

• The activity can be a live, in-person educational session. Examples include stand-alone lectures or those that are part of a live convention, symposium, seminar, workshop, etc.
• The activity can be a real-time, virtual activity with direct access to the speaker either during or immediately following the activity. Direct access to the speaker must take place on or through the same platform used to deliver the activity. Examples include virtual webinars, webcasts, videoconferences, audio conferences etc.
• The activity can be a prerecorded, virtual activity with direct access to the speaker either during or immediately following the conclusion of the activity. Direct access to the speaker must take place on or through the same platform used to deliver the activity.

Non-traditional (Learner-Directed)

A non-traditional learning activity (learner-directed, independent study) is one that is conducted by the learner at his or her own pace. The instructor does not interact with the learner in real time. The formats for non-traditional activities include but are not limited to studies of web-based courses, archived webinars, podcasts, videotapes, audiotapes, monographs or the content of journals listed in Index Medicus.

Does an on-demand, pre-recorded educational activity with access to the speaker through a one-on-one phone call or email qualify for traditional continuing education?

No. Direct access to the speaker must take place either during or immediately following the activity. Direct access to the speaker must take place on or through the same platform used to deliver the activity and accessible by all program participants. For example, if the pre-recorded session is played on Zoom, the live Q&A must also take place through Zoom (or routed to another platform via Zoom).

I have a library of courses which can be accessed on-demand at any time. Speakers have agreed to be contacted by phone or email for a Q&A session. Does this qualify for traditional continuing education?

No. Traditional courses must be live. On-demand courses do not qualify as a live event. It is impossible for an on-demand activity to include a live Q&A, which must take place either during or immediately following the activity on or through the same platform used to present the educational activity.

Can I get my department’s quarterly in services or the annual competency event/blitz day approved for CRCE^®?

No. Continuing education programs consist of learning experiences designed to strengthen and expand the knowledge and skills of respiratory therapists involved in respiratory therapy practice, education, administration and research. Inservice education for activities that fulfill assigned general responsibilities specific to the expectations of employers will not be approved for CRCE^® contact hours. Sessions covering general institutional policies and procedures and orientation to the facility are examples of these activities. Other examples include annual competency evaluations, equipment “blitz” days, and review activities that are designed to document competency of procedures performed by the respiratory therapist. Inservice education activities, while important to the quality of the care delivered by the respiratory therapist, do not qualify for CRCE^® accreditation.

Does the AARC ever audit CRCE^® courses?

In an ongoing quality improvement effort and to meet industry standards, the AARC educational team annually audits 1% of all CRCE^® approved courses. The process was designed to allow the AARC to evaluate the record-keeping quality of approved programs. The audit requires that selected programs to demonstrate that they have accurate attendance documentation and that post-course evaluations are provided to participants. The course sponsors provide electronic (scanned) copies of the actual sign-in rosters and post-course evaluations completed by participants at the event. Audited programs are identified in December of the audit year and will have until the end of the next month (January) to comply.

What qualifies a person to speak at a CRCE^® event?

Qualified presenters/authors are those who are credentialed and/or hold a professional license that defines the scope of practice encompassing the topic being presented. Persons without a valid credential or license are not qualified for CRCE® approval. Exceptions are made for those persons for whom exceptional expertise can be provided and aligned with the program objectives.

How much does the CRCE^® application cost?

There is a fee for reviewing applications and maintaining records of programs. Fees are dependent on the Federal tax status of the sponsoring organization (For Profit or Not-for-Profit). Fees may be paid with a credit card or check.

How do I get a receipt for my CRCE^® application?

Your receipt will be emailed to you when you submit your payment for the CRCE application. You can also find your receipts in your MyAARC account invoices page.

How do I report attendance?

Please email the completed course roster provided post approval to CRCEreports@aarc.org.