Rule 798-X-8- .02 - Standards For Continuing Education

Sep 23, 2026

Administrative Code provisions outlining the standards for continuing education for licensure in respiratory therapy under the Alabama State Board. Defines acceptable CRCE-approved educational programs by AARC, approval pathways for continuing education providers, and prior-approved AARC/ASRC activities. Describes additional methods for earning contact hours, including passing college courses, ACLS/PALS/NRP training with renewal limits, and approved self-study with capped contact hours. Lists eligible subject areas, approved offering organizations, credentialing/examination contact-hour awards, lecture presentation rules, preceptor credit limits, and disallowed credit categories.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Continuing Education Standards

Approved Educational Programs and Providers

Methods to Obtain Continuing Education Hours

Approved Subjects and Eligible Organizations

Examination, Lecture, and Preceptor Credit Rules

Prohibited Continuing Education Credit

Respiratory Therapy Rule 798-X-8- .02 ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 798-X-8 CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LICENSURE 798-X-8- .02 Standards For Continuing Education . (1) Any educational program approved for CRCE units by the AARC shall be acceptable with one contact hour assigned for each CRCE unit awarded . (2) The Board or another organization recognized by the Board may approve providers of continuing education based on criteria established in Chapter 798-X-8- .03 . (3) The AARC or ASRC continuing education activities, which pertain to the practice of respiratory care, shall be considered prior approved, providing they meet all other requirements for contact hours . (4) The following additional methods may be utilized for obtaining continuing education hours: (a) By taking and passing (with a grade of C or better) a college or university course which comprises part of the professional requirements for a formal respiratory therapy education program beyond those that were completed for the issuance of the original license, or any course that shall enhance a respiratory therapist’s professional growth and development . (b) By taking and passing training courses (either initial, renewal, or instructor courses) on advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), or neonatal resuscitation programs (NRP) . No more than 12 contact hours of continuing education units of advanced life support training may be applied for renewal of license . (c) By completing a self study course, such as a course offered on the internet, which has been approved by the AARCor the Board for a specific number of continuing education hours . No more than 12 contact hours of continuing education units of self study may be applied for renewal of license . 1. Self-study is defined as a non-traditional learning activity (learner-directed, independent study) that is conducted by the learner at his or her own pace . The instructor does not interact with the learner in realtime . The formats for non-traditional activities include but are not limited to studies of web-based courses, Rule 798-X-8- .02 Respiratory Therapy archived webinars, podcasts, videotapes, audiotapes, monographs or the content of journals listed in Index Medicus . (d) Appropriate subject matter for continuing education shall include: 1. Respiratory therapy science and practice; 2. Respiratory therapy education; 3. Research in respiratory therapy and healthcare; 4. Management, administration, and supervision in healthcare delivery; 5. Social, economic, political, and/or legal aspects of health care; 6. Healthcare and consumer education; 7. Courses which a respiratory therapist documents as improving job competence that are not specified on the above listed and are determined to be appropriate by the Board . (5) Respiratory therapy related educational offerings as described in 798-X-8- .02(4) approved by the following organizations and their affiliates listed below will be acceptable for continuing education credit provided the courses meet minimum time requirements for contact hours as stated in 798-X-8 .01(4) and provided these organizations and their affiliates maintain records documenting educational programs and rosters of licensed respiratory therapists who attended their programs . Such documentation shall be retained for three (3) years and made available to the Board upon request . (a) American Medical Association under Physician Category I (b) American Thoracic Society (c) American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (d) American Heart Association (e) American Lung Association (f) American Hospital Association (g) American Nurses Association (h) American College of Chest Physicians Respiratory Therapy Rule 798-X-8- .02 (i) American Society of Anesthesiologists (j) American Academy of Pediatrics (l) American College of Emergenc

FAQs

What types of educational programs are acceptable for CRCE units under the rules?

Any educational program approved for CRCE units by the AARC is acceptable, with one contact hour assigned for each CRCE unit awarded.

How can a respiratory therapist earn continuing education hours through college courses or advanced life support training?

A therapist may earn hours by taking and passing a qualifying college or university course (grade C or better), or by taking and passing training courses in ACLS, PALS, or NRP. Advanced life support training is limited to no more than 12 contact hours for license renewal.

What activities do not qualify for continuing education credit?

Regular work activities, administrative staff meetings, case staffing, reporting, membership or office in boards/committees, participation in business meetings or banquet speeches, and independent unstructured/self-structured learning (such as home study) are not allowed except where authorized under the referenced chapter provisions.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Olivia Brown