Academic Programs
Associate of Arts/Louisiana Transfer (AALT)
The Associate of Arts Degree is designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in one of the social sciences, humanities, criminal justice, or business degrees. It is also for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year institution but who wish to find employment in a social, behavioral, business, or humanities-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a ‘C’ or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the other college/university, to assure transferability of credit. Completion of the AALT degree guarantees that the student has met, in full, all lower-division general education requirements at the receiving Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status. Courses or GPA requirements for specific majors, departments, or schools are not automatically satisfied by an AALT degree. There are four concentrations- Social Sciences, Humanities, Criminal Justice, and Business.
2023-2024 Program Guides
2022-2023 Program Guides
2021-2022 Program Guides
2020-2021 Program Guides
Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer (ASLT)
The Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer degree is designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four- year college/university and major in a physical or biological science degree program. It is also for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year institution but wishes to find employment in one of the various fields related to the physical or biological sciences. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a ‘C’ or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the other college/university, to assure transferability of credit. Completion of the ASLT degree guarantees that the student has met, in full, all lower-division general education requirements at the receiving Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status. Courses or GPA requirements for specific majors, departments, or schools are not automatically satisfied by an ASLT degree. There are two concentrations- Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences.
2023-2024 Program Guides
2022-2023 Program Guides
2021-2022 Program Guides
2020-2021 Program Guides
The Associate of Science in Teaching degree is a selective-admission program created for students who wish to teach elementary-grade students, grades 1-5. The AST degree is fully transferable to four-year colleges of education in Louisiana, and successful completion of the degree enables recipients to enter a four-year college of education program with half of their certification requirements complete and all general education requirements met. In addition to general education courses, students will complete two professional education courses that include associated fieldwork experience, and they must pass two parts of the PRAXIS, or teacher certification exam, before graduation. Interested students should note that they must apply and be admitted to this program in order to earn the degree. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the degree program. Students who have not yet applied for admission to the program may still take courses required for the degree. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a ‘C’ or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Courses or GPA requirements for specific majors, departments, or schools are not automatically satisfied by an AST degree.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Teach (grades 1-5)
2022-2023 Program Guide: Teach (grades 1-5)
2021-2022 Program Guide: Teach (grades 1-5)
2020-2021 Program Guide: Teach (grades 1-5)
Associate of General Studies (AGS)
The Associate of General Studies degree is a flexible program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. As a transfer program, students can explore various educational fields before deciding upon a major or students can design their coursework around specific occupational goals. Students completing the Associate of General Studies degree must earn grades of “C” or better in their area of concentration and all general education English Composition courses and Math courses. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the other college/university, to assure transferability of credit. There are five concentrations- Arts & Humanities, General Business, Natural Sciences/Mathematics, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and Computer Science
2023-2024 Program Guide: General Studies
2022-2023 Program Guide: General Studies
2021-2022 Program Guide: General Studies
2020-2021 Program Guide: General Studies
Technical Diploma (TD) in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
The purpose of this program is to provide specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience to prepare students for employment in a variety of jobs in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program prepares individuals to install, diagnose, repair, and maintain the operating condition of domestic, residential, and commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The Technical Diploma degree is designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals in an entry level position.
2023-2024 Program Guide: AC & Refrigeration Technology
2022-2023 Program Guide: AC & Refrigeration Technology
2021-2022 Program Guide: AC & Refrigeration Technology
2020-2021 Program Guide: AC & Refrigeration Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Office Administration
The Associate of Applied Science in Business Office Administration degree program is a flexible program designed to help students reach their educational and occupational goals. As a transfer program, students can explore various educational fields before deciding upon a major or students can design their coursework around specific occupational goals. The program also offers a curriculum relevant to employment in a modern office. CTS and TD Diplomas are also available as the student progresses through the program. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a ‘C’ or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the other college/university, to assure transferability of credit.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Business Office Administration
2022-2023 Program Guide: Business Office Administration
2021-2022 Program Guide: Business Office Administration
2020-2021 Program Guide: Business Office Administration
The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice provides a foundation in criminological, sociological, and psychological ideas as it relates to criminal justice. Graduates will gain the knowledge, technical skills, and communication skills to meet the demands in occupations such as law enforcement, criminological research, crime analysis, the courts, adult and juvenile justice, and public safety.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Drafting & Design
The Drafting & Design degree program prepares students for a successful career as professional drafters who will be equipped with the advanced skills necessary to quickly advance to the level of a senior technical designer. In addition to basic and advanced CADD skills, students are trained in 3D CADD applications and professional-level advanced programs such as Revit, Inventor, and the highly sought-after Plant 3D. Students also learn valuable general industry skills such as industrial safety and statistical quality control. To earn an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Design Technology, a student must: satisfy all developmental requirements, schedule classes according to Prerequisite Chart and using the semester-by-semester guide, and successfully complete the 60 credit-hour curricula, passing all classes with a “C” or better.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Drafting & Design
2022-2023 Program Guide: Drafting & Design
2021-2022 Program Guide: Drafting & Design
2020-2021 Program Guide: Drafting & Design
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Healthcare Access Specialist
The CTS in Healthcare Access Specialist is a 24-credit hour, 2 semester program that prepares students for entry level work in the healthcare access specialist role at hospitals and clinics.The program also includes a 40-hour Externship. Students will take the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) Certification Exam during their last semester. There is significant overlap in the courses for the CTS and RPCC’s CAS in Medical Coding program. This provides stackable credentials for students who wish to continue beyond the CTS and earn the CAS in Medical Coding.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Healthcare Access Specialist
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Instrumentation and Electrical Technology
Effective Fall 2021 our Industrial Instrumentation Technology program will change to Instrumentation & Electrical Technology (IET).
This program prepares students for a successful career as an Instrumentation and Electrical Technician. In the fall semester (August), new cohorts of students begin the IET program and progress through two years/four semesters, taking their instrumentation classes in a defined sequence. Students are able to schedule general education classes at times that will meet their needs and are advised to take as many general education classes as possible if waiting for fall admission into the IET program or while working on developmental requirements. The Associate of Applied Sciences degree is a degree program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a “C” or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
2022-2023 Program Guide: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
2021-2022 Program Guide: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
2020-2021 Program Guide: Industrial Instrumentation Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Maintenance Technology
The purpose of this program is to provide specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience to prepare students for employment in a variety of jobs in the industrial maintenance field. The Industrial Maintenance Technology program prepares individuals to install, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as pumps, motors, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and production machinery. It includes instruction in testing, adjusting, and repairing pneumatic and hydraulic systems, attaching supplemental equipment such as hoses, valves, gates, mechanical, electrical, and electronic control devices. It also includes instruction in material handling equipment, pipefitting, welding, metal fabrication, and millwright. The Associate of Applied Sciences degree is a degree program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a “C” or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Industrial Maintenance Technology
2022-2023 Program Guide: Industrial Maintenance Technology
2021-2022 Program Guide: Industrial Maintenance Technology
2020-2021 Program Guide: Industrial Maintenance Technology
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Medical Assistant
The Certificate of Technical Studies in Medical Assisting is a 26 credit hour program for students who are interested in working in a clinical setting of the healthcare field. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the NHA-CCMA Exam (National Health Career Association-Certified Clinical Medical Assistant). Students may start the program every fall semester, and will graduate every spring semester.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
2022-2023 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
Fall Start
2021-2022 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
2020-2021 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
Spring Start
2021-2022 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
2020-2021 Program Guide: Medical Assistant
Certificate in Applied Science (CAS) in Medical Coding Specialist
The Certificate of Applied Science in Medical Coding Specialist is designed for students who are interested in becoming a member of the Health Information Management (HIM) team in a healthcare facility. Medical coders review clinical documentation and assign universal alphanumeric codes as necessary for the medical billing process. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take coding certification exams. All courses applied to the certificate must be passed with a “C” or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Students may wish to continue their studies towards a higher degree in HIM. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the other college/university, to assure transferability of credit.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Medical Coding Specialist
2022-2023 Program Guide: Medical Coding Specialist
2021-2021 Program Guide: Medical Coding Specialist
2020-2021 Program Guide: Medical Coding Specialist
Technical Diploma (TD) in Practical Nursing
The Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing is a selective admission program created for students who are interested in working in various settings of the healthcare field. The program curricula has been approved and is aligned with the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) requirements. Upon completion of the certificate, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing). Interested students should note that they must apply and be admitted to this program. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing program. Students who have not yet applied for admission to the program may still complete the required prerequisite courses for the program. All courses applied to the certification must be passed with a “C” or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree. Courses are taken as a cohort. Students who do not satisfy the course requirements will not be eligible to progress and will require readmission into the program. Also, this program requires an externship in various healthcare areas.
Fall Start
2023-2024 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
2022-2023 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
2021-2022 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
2020-2021 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
Evening Program
2022-2023 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
Spring Start
2022-2023 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
2021-2022 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
2020-2021 Program Guide: Practical Nursing
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Process Technology
The Process Technology (PTEC) program at RPCC is a program that addresses a high-demand field. It prepares individuals to become refinery, chemical, and other industry-related operators. The curriculum leading to the Process Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree was developed in collaboration with local industry. It is a rigorous study of the common operating processes found in industrial plants that will prepare students for high skill, high wage jobs needed in the manufacturing industry. Upon graduation from the program, students are prepared to enter the employment market as entry-level process operators for a specialty career in a strong job market. The Associate of Applied Sciences degree is a degree program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. All courses applied to the degree must be passed with a “C” or better. Developmental courses may not be applied to the degree.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Process Technology
2022-2023 Program Guide: Process Technology
2021-2022 Program Guide: Process Technology
2020-2021 Program Guide: Process Technology
Associate of Applied Science- System Administration (Cloud Computing Concentration)
The System Administration degree program, with a concentration in Cloud Computing, is a 60-credit hour program that provides students with the skills needed to manage an organization’s computer systems. The program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for learning industry-specific methodologies and recognized standards associated with computer system administration and to develop strong critical thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on Cloud Computing to analyzing system logs, applying system updates, updating user accounts, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring uptime.
2023-2024 Program Guide: System Administration
2022-2023 Program Guide: System Administration
2021-2022 Program Guide: System Administration
New students who wish to pursue a career in Welding have the option to choose a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Entry Welder or a Technical Diploma (TD) in Welding.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Entry Welder
2022-2023 Program Guide: Entry Welder
2021-2022 Program Guide: Entry Welder
2022-2023 Program Guide: GMAW, FCAW, & GTAW Welding Process
2021-2022 Program Guide: GMAW, FCAW, & GTAW Welding Process
Technical Diploma (TD) in Welding
The purpose of the Welding program is to prepare individuals for employment in the field of welding. Instruction is provided in various processes and techniques of welding including Oxyfuel cutting, carbon arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, pipe-welding, plasma arc cutting, blueprint reading, weld symbols, and joints. After completion of this program, the student will have covered the skills designated by the AWS (American Welding Society) and will be prepared to take the AWS Entry Level Welder test. The Technical Diploma degree is designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals in an entry-level position.
2023-2024 Program Guide: Welding
2020-2021 Program Guide: Welding
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Campus Locations
Gonzales Campus
925 W. Edenborne Parkway
Gonzales, LA. 70737
Reserve Campus
181 Regala Park Road
Reserve, LA. 70084
St. Charles Campus
13145 HWY 90
Boutte, LA. 70039
Westside Campus
25250 Tenant Road
Plaquemine, LA. 70764
RPCC C.A.R.E.S.
River Parishes Community College is committed to collaboration, accountability, respect & inclusion,
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