2026-2027 Course Catalog
Respiratory Therapy, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
The Respiratory Therapy program provides students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to begin successful careers as registered respiratory therapists. The curriculum includes didactic learning, laboratory learning, simulation experiences, and a variety of supervised clinical practicum experiences in local healthcare facilities.
Respiratory therapists are involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions that affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, home healthcare agencies, equipment and supply sales, rehabilitation, and continuing care.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and graduates are eligible for credentialing examinations offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), as well as licensure as respiratory therapists by the Iowa Department of Public Health and other state boards licensing respiratory therapists.
Criminal background checks will be performed which may delay or deny placement for clinical/practicum courses. This will affect successful program completion.
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Students start Fall semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Meet with Program Chair of the Respiratory Therapy Program.
- Submit to Admissions office evidence of high school graduation or GED completion prior to enrollment.
- Submit to Admissions office evidence of successful completion in MAT 156 - Statistics.
- Submit to Admissions office evidence of successful completion in both BIO 168 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 173 Anatomy and Physiology II, or BIO 164 -Essentials of Anatomy/Physiology.
- Submit to Admissions office evidence of successful completion in ENG 105 Composition I.
- Submit to the Admissions office evidence of successful completion of SDV 108 or SDV 129 .
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in required program entry requirement courses and cannot be on on Academic Probation. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Respiratory Therapy AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A minimum of grade “C” or above is required in all courses. Option 1 - Select 1 Course
Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 64*
*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements. Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Textbooks (approximate) | 400 | 220 | 100 | 165 | 100 | | Immunizations and Physical | 200 |
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| | Lab Supplies | 110 |
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| | ViewPoint | 65 |
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| | Curriculum Support Program | 500 |
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| | Scrub Top | 38 | 38 |
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| | Trajecsys | | 150 |
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| | Neonatal Resuscitation Provider Certification |
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| 105 |
| | Drug Testing |
| 60 |
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| | Credentialing Exams Voucher |
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| 360 | | Secure Practice Credential Exam |
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| 100 | | BLS | 60 |
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| | Conference Registration Fees | 25 | 50 |
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| 50 |
Approximate total for the program: $16,656**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Recommending treatment for individuals with lung and breathing disorders.
- Drawing and analyzing blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
- Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices.
- Responding to emergency calls, including traumas.
- Educating patients and families about lung disease.
- Assisting physician’s with procedures.
- Administering inhaled medications.
- Performing diagnostic procedures such as sleep studies or pulmonary function testing.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Strong communication skills.
- Proficiency in basic math.
- Ability to organize tasks and work independently and efficiently.
- Eye/hand coordination and manual dexterity.
- Spend the majority of work hours on your feet.
- Able to lift 50 or more pounds.
- Commitment to scheduled hospital shifts.
- Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.
What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
- Respiratory Therapists work nights, weekends and holidays.
- Possess physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of a rigorous program of study.
- Clinic rotations may require evening shifts.
- Students are responsible for transportation to clinic sites.
- Students will be exposed to individuals with communicable diseases.
Program Competencies
- Prepare graduates to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by meeting or exceeding the high cut score on the new Respiratory Therapy Examination (RTE).
- Develop advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate respiratory care across diverse populations and settings.
- Emphasize ethical practice, cultural competence, and responsiveness to social determinants of health.
- Ensure mastery of respiratory equipment, therapeutic modalities, and safety protocols.
- Promote evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement in respiratory care delivery.
- Foster effective communication, teamwork, and leadership within healthcare environments.
- Instill lifelong learning, professional accountability, and active participation in the respiratory care community.
Competencies revised date
AY2027 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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