THE ORGANIZATION The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) was founded in 1947 and with nearly 40,000 members worldwide, AARC is the leading national and international association supporting Respiratory Care in the United States.  Membership is comprised of respiratory therapists, allied health practitioners who are trained at the two- and four-year college level to assist physicians in the care of patients with lung disorders and other conditions. 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. AARC engages in public policy activities covering both legislative and regulato