CoARC RESPONSE TO RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF

ECA Program Closure Announcement rev 12.13.18 Page 1 of 2

COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION

FOR RESPIRATORY CARE

CoARC RESPONSE TO RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT

OF PROGRAM CLOSURES

(Released 12/10/18; Updated 12/13/18)

In early December the Educational Corporation of America (ECA) announced that the following institutions,

which are sponsors of CoARC-accredited respiratory care programs, have ceased operations:

1. Brightwood College, Salida, CA – sponsor of program #200433

2. Brightwood Career Institute, Philadelphia, PA - sponsor of program #200512

3. Virginia College, Austin, TX – sponsor of program #200601

As of December 13, 2018, the ECA submitted voluntary withdrawal of accreditation documents to the

CoARC. The ECA indicated the effective date of voluntary withdrawal as December 7, 2018 for the

Brightwood Career Institute, Philadelphia, PA. The ECA also indicated the effective date of voluntary

withdrawal as December 21, 2018 for the Brightwood College, Salida, CA and Virginia College, Austin, TX

campuses. The ECA also indicated that, for each of the three campuses, no teach out plan will be submitted

as current students will not be taught out.

The CoARC understands that students and parents are worried and confused as this situation unfolds. The

following information should be helpful.

What You Should Do First

Obtain a copy of your academic records and financial aid documentation from your institution as soon as

possible, even if you are planning to participate in the program teach-out. Academic records for the three

campuses can be obtained at www.parchment.com. Keep in mind that the CoARC does not keep copies of

student transcripts and financial aid information.

Your Status after Loss of Accreditation

Whether you complete program and degree requirements at your current institution, OR you transfer to

another CoARC-accredited program and complete all programmatic and degree requirements at that

institution, you will be considered a graduate of a CoARC-accredited program and will be eligible to apply

for the NBRC Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s).

ECA Program Closure Announcement rev 12.13.18 Page 2 of 2

If You Choose to Transfer to Another Respiratory Care Program

There are other CoARC-accredited programs that may be willing to help you complete your education.

Using the Find an Accredited Program link on our website you can search by state or by institutional name.

You would then need to contact your chosen program directly to discuss the admission and completion

process. Specific information about a program is located on the program’s website.

Every institution retains the right to determine what credits and degrees it will accept. The transferability

of your credits depends on several factors, including your current program sponsor’s institutional

accreditation, the compatibility of your current program’s curriculum, and your grades. To determine

whether your credits are transferable, you will need to check with the Registrar or Admissions office of the

school to which you intend to apply. No college, school or accrediting agency can require an institution to

accept credits earned elsewhere.

Other Helpful Resources

 U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Web site: Has Your School Closed? Here’s What

to Do, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/closed-school

 Questions about U.S. Federal financial aid programs should be directed to the Federal Student Aid

office:

o Federal Student Aid website: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/contact

o 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

 http://nextstepsedu.org/

Supported by the U.S. Department of Education, this resource offers help to students affected by

college closures. Students can use the site to contact experienced financial aid and academic

counselors for guidance about how to continue their studies.

Any questions regarding this notice should be addressed to Tom Smalling, CoARC CEO at [email protected]

or by phone at 817-283-2835 ext. 101