Online continuing education for respiratory therapists
Jul 6 – Oct 25, 2026Updated Oct 25, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
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Widest split: Respiratory Associates, 29% on ChatGPT and 65% on Google AI Mode.
- #1tiedContinued Massage TherapyChatGPT 67%Google AI Mode 100%
- #1tiedAARC UniversityChatGPT 75%Google AI Mode 70%
- #3tiedAmerican Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)ChatGPT 50%Google AI Mode 61%
- #3tiedRespiratory AssociatesChatGPT 29%Google AI Mode 65%
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Questions and answers
Google AI ModeOct 25, 2026
For respiratory therapists (RTs) looking to fulfill licensure or NBRC credential maintenance requirements, finding
reliable, AARC-approved (American Association for Respiratory Care) Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE)credits is essential.The top online platforms for earning respiratory therapy CEUs include:
- AARC UniversityAARC University : Managed directly by the professional home for respiratory care, this platform features nearly 200 courses covering adult critical care, neonatal-pediatrics, sleep medicine, clinical practice, and ethics. It includes a mix of member-exclusive perks, free options, and specialized credential prep.
- Continued Respiratory TherapyContinued Respiratory Therapy : A popular, comprehensive subscription-based platform ($99/year) that offers unlimited access to an extensive, evidence-based course library. It is tailored specifically for busy RTs with up-to-date courses on mechanical ventilation, COVID-19 research, and emerging care topics.
- A&T Respiratory LecturesA&T Respiratory Lectures : Known for offering a great selection of free online respiratory CEUs and live webinars. They also provide low-cost unlimited access plans ($99/year or $150/2 years) covering specialized topics like California leadership requirements, PFT diagnostics, and asthma education.
- Respiratory AssociatesRespiratory Associates : Specializes in fast, flexible, and fully accredited live/recorded webinar courses that provide instant certificates upon completion with options that frequently eliminate the need for module tests.
If you'd like, let me know:
- Your state of licensure (to see if you have specific mandatory state credits like medical errors or law)
- Whether you prefer free options or an annual subscription
I can narrow down which platform fits your exact renewal deadline and budget.
Sources cited in this answer4
- continued.comOnline Respiratory Therapy Continuing Education | Unlimited AARC-Approved CEUs | Continued
- aarc.orgEducation Listing - AARC
- atrespiratorylectures.comFree Respiratory CEUs | Earn Credits Online with A&T Lectures
- respiratoryassociates.comAARC Approved Live Respiratory CEUs - with instant certificates!
ChatGPTOct 25, 2026
For a respiratory therapist (RT/RRT/CRT), I’d prioritize online resources that offer AARC-approved Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credits, provide downloadable certificates, and make it easy to meet both state licensure and National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential-maintenance requirements.
Here are the best options to start with, including free and paid platforms, based on course availability, convenience, and value.
Best online CE resources for respiratory therapists
1. American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
(Best overall)
Official professional association · Course-by-course pricing and member benefits
AARC University is my first recommendation because it is dedicated to respiratory care. It offers courses, webcasts, and topics including critical care, mechanical ventilation, neonatal/pediatric care, sleep medicine, ethics, patient safety, and leadership. Some courses are free for members.
Best for: Relevant clinical education and maintaining professional credentials.
Browse AARC University courses
2. Continued
(Best for unlimited CEUs)
Advertised subscription: $99/year
Offers 200+ evidence-based respiratory therapy courses, multiple learning formats, course completion certificates, and AARC-approved CRCE credits. Subjects include adult critical care, pulmonary disease, and neonatal/pediatric respiratory care. A free introductory course is also available.
Best for: RTs who need a large number of credits and prefer a predictable annual cost.
Explore Continued Respiratory Therapy
3. Elite Learning
Advertised membership: $124.95/year
Provides an online respiratory therapy CE library with more than 70 hours of on-demand content, including text and video courses. It advertises AARC-approved CE and tools for tracking completed hours and certificates.
Best for: Therapists who want a structured course library and centralized tracking, especially when managing multiple state licenses.
4. Medline University
(Worth checking for free courses)
Offers on-demand respiratory care education accredited by AARC, including clinical topics such as airway suctioning and respiratory care guidelines. Check individual course listings for credit hours and any access requirements.
Best for: Adding focused clinical credits and refreshing practical knowledge.
Explore Medline respiratory education
5. Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care (PSRC)
Individual recorded courses · Typically pay per course
Provides recorded respiratory care lectures approved for one hour of non-traditional CRCE per listed course. Courses require an evaluation or post-test.
Best for: Earning credits one at a time without committing to an annual subscription.
How to choose the right resource
Your priority My recommendation Best all-around respiratory-specific education AARC University Earn a large number of credits for one annual fee Continued Course library with CE tracking Elite Learning Supplement your credits with focused courses Medline University Buy only the credits you need PSRC recorded lectures Important: Make sure the credits actually count
Before paying for any course, check these three things:
- State license requirements: Your state may limit self-study hours or require particular subjects or approved sponsors.
- NBRC credentials: Check the NBRC's credential maintenance requirements. AARC-approved CRCE credits are accepted toward its continuing competency requirements, subject to applicable rules.
- Certificates and records: Download every completion certificate and retain it for the period required by your licensing board.
For example, New York-licensed respiratory therapists generally need 30 hours every three years, with no more than 15 hours from self-study courses. The state also requires records to be retained for six years. Check the New York State continuing education rules if they apply to you.
Want me to narrow this down to the best options for you?
The most useful next step is to match the courses to your license and budget.
Which state are you licensed in?
New York
California
Texas
Florida
Another state
Multiple states
How many credits do you need?
1–9 hours
10–20 hours
21–30+ hours
What's your budget?
Free only
Free or under $50
Under $125 per year
Any reasonable price
Preferred format
Self-paced online
Live webinars
Either format
[Find the best matching CE courses]
Sources cited in this answer17
- aarc.orgEducation - AARC
- aarc.orgEducation Listing - AARC
- aarc.orgEducation - AARC
- continued.comOnline Respiratory Therapy Continuing Education | Unlimited AARC-Approved CEUs | Continued
- continued.comOnline Respiratory Therapy Continuing Education | Unlimited AARC-Approved CEUs | Continued
- elitelearning.comContinuing Education for Respiratory Therapists - Elite Learning
Google AI ModeOct 16, 2026
When renewing your respiratory therapy license, using platforms that offer AARC-approved (CRCE) credits ensures your hours will be accepted by your state licensing board.
Top websites for completing your respiratory therapy CE credits online include:
- AARC University (American Association for Respiratory Care) : The official education platform of the AARC. It features an extensive catalog (nearly 200 courses) covering adult critical care, neonatal/pediatrics, diagnostics, ethics, and credential prep. Many courses are free or discounted for members, making it the gold standard for accredited education. Explore the platform on AARC Education.
- Continued Respiratory Therapy : Offers a streamlined, evidence-based library of courses taught by industry experts. For an annual flat subscription (around $99), you get unlimited access to take as many AARC-approved courses as you need and instantly download completion certificates. Check out their offerings at Continued.
- Last Minute CEU's : Ideal if you are pressed for time or need specific live-format credits. They offer 24/7 self-study packages as well as hourly live online courses covering specialized topics like ARDS, ventilator management, and state-mandated ethics. View plans at Last Minute CEU's.
- Respiratory Associates : Known for fast, flexible, and fully accredited CE courses with instant certificates. They offer an annual unlimited subscription option alongside a large library of recorded and live-equivalent CE options that feature flexible schedules. Learn more at Respiratory Associates.
- The CE Place : A budget-friendly option tailored for busy healthcare professionals. They provide straightforward self-study bundles, free e-books for course material, and unlimited test retries if needed, with courses approved by the AARC or the California Board of Registered Nursing. Visit The CE Place for details.
If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:
- Which state is your license through? (to check for specific live credit or mandatory course requirements)
- Do you prefer flat-rate annual subscriptions or pay-per-course options?
I can help pick the most cost-effective platform for your exact renewal needs.
Sources cited in this answer7
- aarc.orgEducation - AARC
- aarc.orgEducation Listing - AARC
- continued.comOnline Respiratory Therapy Continuing Education | Unlimited AARC-Approved CEUs | Continued
- lastminuteceus.comLive Online Respiratory CEU Courses | Last Minute CEU's
- lastminuteceus.comRespiratory Therapist CEUs | Last Minute CEU's
- respiratoryassociates.comAARC Approved Live Respiratory CEUs - with instant certificates!
ChatGPTOct 16, 2026
The best website for renewing your respiratory therapy license depends on your state, but I’d start with providers that specialize in respiratory therapist continuing education (CE) and offer documented credits.
If you’re renewing in California, pay special attention to the type of credit you earn: the state requires 30 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle for most licensees, including at least 15 hours of clinical practice, 10 hours of leadership, and 15 hours of live CE. A self-paced recorded course does not count toward the live CE requirement.
Top websites for respiratory therapy CE credits
1. AARC University
(Best overall starting point)
Offers respiratory-specific courses in clinical practice, leadership, critical care, ethics and more. Many courses award CRCE credits, and you can access course certificates and your transcript.
Best for: broad course selection and professional credibility.
Browse AARC courses www.aarc.orgwww.aarc.org
2. California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC)
A particularly good choice for California licensees. Offers online CE courses, virtual events and live educational opportunities, including resources tailored to California requirements.
Best for: California-specific CE and live learning options.
3. Continued
Offers 200-plus respiratory therapy CE courses, on-demand learning and certificates, with an advertised unlimited-access plan at $99 per year.
Best for: completing multiple self-paced courses under one subscription.
Browse respiratory therapy CE www.continued.com
4. AARC Explores
An AARC on-demand video series offering up to 10 CRCE hours. It may be useful if your employer provides access, although it is designed primarily for hospital departments and health systems.
Best for: convenient clinical education through your employer.
Explore the program www.aarc.org
Before you pay for a course
- Check your state board's approved-provider rules. AARC CRCE is a useful indicator, but state requirements can differ.
- Check the credit category. In California, you need to satisfy both clinical practice and leadership requirements.
- Check whether the course is live or recorded. For California renewals, at least 15 hours must include real-time interaction with the instructor.
- Save your certificates. California requires CE documentation to be retained for four years.
The official California Respiratory Care Board CE requirements are the best place to verify eligibility before purchasing credits.
One quick question: Which state are you licensed in? I can narrow this down to the best-value websites and courses that fit your renewal requirements.
Compare the cheapest CE options
Find California-compliant CE courses
Also asked as
- I need to renew my respiratory therapy license. What are the best websites for completing continuing education credits online?
