Respiratory Care, AAS

Shared program. Degree awarded by Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa

Campus: Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges/Northeast Iowa Community College

The Respiratory Care program prepares students to be respiratory care practitioners who play a crucial role within the health care team. Working closely with physicians and other health care professionals, they care for patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Under the supervision of a physician, they are involved with the assessment, treatment, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and prevention of conditions that affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, clinics, home health care agencies, product support and sales, education, rehabilitation and continuing care, and health/disease prevention programs.

Partnership Between EICC and NICC

A Respiratory Therapy program is available to our students through a cooperative partnership between Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges) and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). The program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The application process, admission, costs, and clinical requirements for the Respiratory Care program can be found at www.nicc.edu/respiratorycare.

Transferring to NICC

Students need to complete an NICC application indicating a major in Respiratory Therapy. Students must also complete a transcript request form at the Registrar’s Office of CCC, MCC or SCC so that the Registrar submits their course transcript to NICC.

Plan of Study

Term 1

BIO 168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4.00 Credit(s) ¹
RCP 270 - Respiratory Therapy Techniques I 8.00 Credit(s) ²
RCP 320 - Respiratory Therapy Science I 3.50 Credit(s)

Term Total: 15.50 Credits

Term 2

PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology 3.00 Credit(s) ¹
RCP 460 - Respiratory Science II 3.50 Credit(s)
RCP 540 - Respiratory Therapy Techniques II 8.00 Credit(s)
MAT:___ Math Elective Above 100 3.00 Credit(s)

Term Total: 17.50 Credits

Term 3

BIO 173 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4.00 Credit(s) ¹
CSC 110 - Introduction to Computers 3.00 Credit(s) ¹
RCP 350 - Pulmonary Pathology 3.00 Credit(s) ³
RCP 490 - Respiratory Therapy Science III 6.00 Credit(s) ³

Term Total: 16.00 Credits

Term 4

BIO 186 - Microbiology 4.00 Credit(s) ¹
ENG 105 - Composition I 3.00 Credit(s) ¹
RCP 600 - Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy 3.00 Credit(s)
RCP 820 - Respiratory Therapy Techniques IV 7.50 Credit(s)

Term Total: 17.50 Credits

Term 5

HSC 136 - Advanced Life Support (ACLS/PALS) 1.50 Credit(s)
RCP 830 - Respiratory Therapy V 12.00 Credit(s)
RCP 840 - Innovations in Respiratory Care 5.50 Credit(s)

Term Total: 19.00 Credits

AAS Total: 85.50 Credits

Notes:

¹Courses that may be completed at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community College.

²Must have CPR Certification - Health Care Provider or Professional Rescuer Level.

³Courses are offered online only. All other respiratory care courses are offered in the classroom setting at the NICC campus located in Peosta, Iowa.

AWARD
After completing the program, students earn an AAS degree and are eligible for credentialing exams offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).