Respiratory Therapy, AAS

Program Details

Semester 1

• RCP 100 - Intro to Respiratory Care Credits: 3
• RCP 240 - Respiratory Therapeutics Credits: 4
• RCP 250 - Cardio/Pulmonary Therapeutics Credits: 4
• CHM 122 - Intro to General Chemistry Credits: 4

Semester 2

• RCP 360 - Cardio/Pulmonary Renal Pathoph Credits: 5
• RCP 400 - Resp Therapy Pharmacology Credits: 3
• RCP 700 - Resp Therapy Practicum I Credits: 4
• Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3-5

Semester 3

• RCP 601 - Neonatal/Ped Resp Therapy Credits: 4
• RCP 705 - Resp Therapy Practicum II Credits: 5
• Select one course from Option 2 Credits: 3

Semester 4

• RCP 500 - Advanced Respiratory Therapy Credits: 5
• RCP 710 - Resp Therapy Practicum III Credits: 7
• Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 4

Semester 5

• RCP 410 - Cardio/Pulmonary Diagnostics Credits: 3
• RCP 715 - Resp Therapy Practicum IV Credits: 7
• Select one course from Option 4 Credits: 3

Semester 6

• RCP 800 - Resp Therapy Mgmt & Ethics Credits: 3
• RCP 720 - Resp Therapy Practicum V Credits: 5

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 79*

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$156.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

The Respiratory Therapy program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $58).

* Out of Des Moines one of 2 years conference. Two nights in motel, 2.5 days food, and 230 miles round trip.

Approximate total for the program: $15,734**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Administer therapies to improve or maintain respiratory and cardiovascular function.
• Monitor and maintain patients on life support systems.
• Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Work in conjunction with patients as well as physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Perform diagnostic tests of lung and cardiac functions.
• Teach patients proper methods of breathing.
• Work with pulmonary patients in rehabilitation programs.
• Plan care to be provided to patients.
• Evaluate patient response to care.
• Provide care under assess-and-treat protocols.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Ability to organize tasks and work independently and efficiently.
• Good English oral and written communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills, able to independently solve problems and make decisions.
• Good hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to communicate patient information effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Spend much of the day on your feet.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• You will work some nights, every other weekend, and half of the holidays.
• You must provide your own transportation to the clinical sites.
• Some clinical rotations will require evening shifts, while you are in school.
• You will be exposed to persons with communicable diseases.
• Should have above average reading and study skills.
• Average starting salary $38,850 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies

This Program will..

provide persons receiving the Certificate in Sleep Medicine to perform all aspects of monitoring individuals for sleep disorders, to score and classify information learned during the sleep testing. These persons will also determine the appropriate treatment(s) for the sleep disorders identified, educate and assist persons to be compliant with the therapies for identified sleep disorders.

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₈₎