Campus Location: Peosta
Program Entry: Enrollment may occur during any term. Fall term is the start of the program course sequence.
Award: Associate of Applied Science degree
Description: Respiratory care practitioners are allied health specialists who play a crucial role within the healthcare team. Working closely with physicians and other healthcare 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 healthcare agencies, product support and sales, education, rehabilitation and continuing care and health/disease prevention programs.
After earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, students are eligible to take the credentialing exams offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), www.coarc.com.
Program Admission: In addition to the College enrollment process , applicants must achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER CLASSIC® reading score of 70 or ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION® reading score of 250 (ACT® SAT® scores are also acceptable) and a minimum ALEKS® score of 14.
BIO 168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Academic Requirements: Students enrolled in health occupations programs must complete all required coursework with a “C-” grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average to graduate from the program.
Program Requirements: The College has contracted the services of CastleBranch to review and monitor background checks, health records, training requirements and drug testing. Students will submit the following documentation to their website prior to the designated date:
- Background check - includes a nationwide criminal history search and child, dependent adult and sex offender registry checks. Background checks will be evaluated per NICC’s Background Check policy. Clinical participation is dependent on this evaluation.
- Health records - physical and immunizations (MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, 2 step TB, Tdap and influenza).
- Training - CPR (American Heart Association Health Care Professional BLS or American Red Cross CPR for Healthcare Providers), mandatory reporter of child and dependent adult abuse, HIPAA, and bloodborne pathogens.
- Drug testing - prior to clinical participation, random, post incident/accident and suspicion. Students are required to be substance free throughout the program.
- Health Insurance - students are required to maintain health insurance throughout the program.
In addition to meeting the above listed requirements, students must maintain these requirements throughout the program. Failure to remain compliant will result in denial for clinical participation. Clinical participation is required for program completion.
You need to be aware of the following physical demands during your clinical education courses. Daily activities require bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, pushing and pulling in all directions. You will be asked to lift and carry objects weighing up to a minimum of 35 pounds and also shared weight. Clinical tasks require use of hands for repetitive action, such as simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation and walking, including stair stepping. You may also be in contact with communicable diseases and chemical/biohazardous materials and odors.
Class Hours: Classes are scheduled at the Peosta Campus. Clinical experiences are scheduled at the affiliate hospitals and home care providers located within a 110-mile radius of the campus. The clinical experience greatly enhances your education. You may work day or evening shifts and you must provide your own transportation and lodging when necessary. Car pools are considered when making assignments to the clinical areas.
Minimum Credits: 81.5 including admission requirements
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