Academic Programs
River Parishes Community College is an open admission institution that partners with the communities and businesses of the river parishes region of Louisiana to provide workforce training, certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. A full list of credit programs of study is provided below.
Academic and Transfer Pathways
The Academic and Transfer Pathways Division at River Parishes Community College provides students with a solid foundation in general education and specialized programs designed for seamless transfer to four-year institutions. Emphasizing academic excellence, the division supports students in achieving their educational and career goals.
Louisiana Transfer Degree - Associate of Arts
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.
The Criminal Justice concentration of the Louisiana Transfer Associate of Arts Degree is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in criminal justice. 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 criminal justice-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the college/university they plan to transfer to, 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 four-year Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Criminal Justice
- 2023-2024: Criminal Justice
- 2022-2023: Criminal Justice
- 2021-2022: Criminal Justice
- 2020-2021: Criminal Justice
The General Business concentration of the Louisiana Transfer Associate of Arts Degree is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in one of the 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 business-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the college/university they plan to transfer to, 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 four-year Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: General Business
- 2023-2024: Business
- 2022-2023: Business
- 2021-2022: Business
- 2020-2021: Business
The Humanities concentration of the Louisiana Transfer Associate of Arts Degree is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in one of the humanities 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 humanities-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the college/university they plan to transfer to, 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 four-year Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Humanities
- 2023-2024: Humanities
- 2022-2023: Humanities
- 2021-2022: Humanities
- 2020-2021: Humanities
The Mass Communication concentration of Louisiana Transfer Associate of Arts Degree is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in one of the mass communications 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 mass communication-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience.Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the college/university they plan to transfer to, 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 four-year Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Mass Communication
- 2023-2024: Mass Communication
The Social Sciences concentration of Louisiana Transfer Associate of Arts Degree is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in one of the social sciences. 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 or behavioral science-related field, or gain a broad analytical and cultural understanding of the human experience. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor from the college/university they plan to transfer to, 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 four-year Louisiana public university. Graduates transferring with the transfer degree will have junior status.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Social Sciences
- 2023-2024: Social Sciences
- 2022-2023: Social Sciences
- 2021-2022: Social Sciences
- 2020-2021: Social Sciences
Louisiana Transfer Degree - Associate of Science
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.
The Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer degree, Biological Sciences concentration, is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in a biological science or physical science degree program. It is also for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year institution but wish to find employment in one of the various fields related to biological or physical sciences. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor at the university they plan to transfer to, 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Biological Sciences
- 2023-2024: Biological Sciences
- 2022-2023: Biological Sciences
- 2021-2022: Biological Sciences
- 2020-2021: Biological Sciences
The Forensic Science Pathway is intended for students specifically interested in pursuing a forensic science or related degree OR employment in law enforcement. This pathway is supported by Southern University, New Orleans, and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
The Associate of Science/Louisiana Transfer degree, Physical Sciences concentration, is a 60-credit hour program designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college/university and major in a physical science degree program. It is also for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year institution but wish to find employment in one of the various fields related to physical sciences. Students who plan to transfer should consult with an RPCC Advisor, as well as an advisor at the university they plan to transfer to, 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Physical Sciences
- 2023-2024: Physical Sciences
- 2022-2023: Physical Sciences
- 2021-2022: Physical Sciences
- 2020-2021: Physical Sciences
General Studies
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.
The Arts and Humanities concentration of the General Studies Associate (AGS) degree is a 60-credit hour program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. Flexible by design, the AGS is suitable for students interested in immediate employment or career entry, as well as for the student preparing to transfer to a related baccalaureate degree. The degree includes considerable General Education coursework as well as coursework specific to an area or discipline for which RPCC does not offer a dedicated associate degree. 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 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: General Studies - Arts and Humanities
- 2023-2024: General Studies
- 2022-2023: General Studies
- 2021-2022: General Studies
- 2020-2021: General Studies
The Business concentration of the General Studies Associate (AGS) degree is a 60-credit hour program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. Flexible by design, the AGS is suitable for students interested in immediate employment or career entry, as well as for the student preparing to transfer to a related baccalaureate degree. The degree includes considerable General Education coursework as well as coursework specific to an area or discipline for which RPCC does not offer a dedicated associate degree. 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 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: General Studies - Business
- 2023-2024: General Studies
- 2022-2023: General Studies
- 2021-2022: General Studies
- 2020-2021: General Studies
The Entrepreneurship Concentration of the Associate of General Studies program is specifically designed for students who want the necessary business skills to become a successful entrepreneur. In addition to courses in key business areas of accounting, economics, computer technology and software, and management, the curriculum includes courses specific to the skills needed for successful launch and longevity of a business: entrepreneurial finance, digital marketing, and small business management.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
The Medical Assistant concentration of the General Studies Associate (AGS) degree is a 60-credit hour program designed to help students reach their educational and/or occupational goals. Flexible by design, the AGS is suitable for students interested in immediate employment or career entry, as well as for the student preparing to transfer to a related baccalaureate degree. The degree includes General Education coursework as well as coursework specific to preparation for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and employment in a clinical setting as a Medical Assistant. All courses required for the concentration (MAST and required, related courses) must be passed with a “C” or better. Courses are taken as a cohort. Students who do not satisfy the MAST course requirements will not be eligible to progress. Upon completion of the Medical Assistant (MAST) courses, students earn the Medical Assistant Certificate of Technical Studies, which includes an externship course requiring up to 120 hours in a medical clinic or hospital setting. Students completing all coursework, including a “C” or better in English Composition and MATH, earn the Associate of General Studies with a concentration in Medical Assistant. 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
The Natural Sciences/Mathematics concentration of the General Studies Associate (AGS) degree is a 60-credit hour program designed to help students reach their educational or occupational goals. Flexible by design, the AGS is suitable for students interested in immediate employment or career entry, as well as for the student preparing to transfer to a related baccalaureate degree. The degree includes considerable General Education coursework as well as coursework specific to an area or discipline for which RPCC does not offer a dedicated associate degree. 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 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.
2025-2026 Program Guides:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: General Studies - Natural Sciences/Mathematics
- 2023-2024: General Studies
- 2022-2023: General Studies
- 2021-2022: General Studies
- 2020-2021: General Studies
TEACHING (Grades 1-5)
The Associate of Science in Teaching degree is for students who wish to teach elementary-grade students, grades 1-5.
The Associate of Science in Teaching degree is 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 the Elementary Multiple Subjects Praxis test before transferring to a four-year institution.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Teaching (grades 1-5)
- 2023-2024: Teaching (grades 1-5)
- 2022-2023: Teaching (grades 1-5)
- 2021-2022: Teaching (grades 1-5)
- 2020-2021: Teaching (grades 1-5)
Energy Sciences
The Energy Sciences Division at River Parishes Community College offers specialized programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the energy industry. Focusing on both traditional and emerging energy technologies, the division prepares graduates to meet the growing demands of the energy sector.
The Instrumentation & Electrical Technology (I&E) program prepares students for a successful career as an Instrumentation Technician. Students earn certificates and a technical diplomas with progression through the program.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
- 2023-2024: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
- 2022-2023: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
- 2021-2022: Instrumentation & Electrical Technology
- 2020-2021: Industrial Instrumentation Technology
Additional Information:
The Process Technology (PTEC) program at RPCC is a 60-credit hour program that prepares individuals to become refinery, chemical, and other industry related operators. The curriculum leading to the Process Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 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.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
PTEC Express Pathway:
In addition to the traditional track, RPCC offers a Process Technology (PTEC) Express Pathway. This pathway is an accelerated program in which participants complete the Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Process Technology. The program is rigorous, and graduates have many career opportunities in the process technology industry. For more information, visit the link below:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Process Technology
- 2023-2024: Process Technology
- 2022-2023: Process Technology
- 2021-2022: Process Technology
- 2020-2021: Process Technology
Additional Information:
Health Sciences
The Health Sciences Division at River Parishes Community College provides comprehensive programs that prepare students for various careers in healthcare. With a focus on hands-on training and academic excellence, the division equips graduates with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
The Healthcare Access Specialist CTS prepares students for entry-level work in the healthcare access specialist role at hospitals and clinics. The program includes a 40-hour Externship. In their last semester of the program students will sit for the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) certification exam.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Healthcare Access Specialist
- 2023-2024: Healthcare Access Specialist
The Health Information Technology Associate of Applied Science is designed for students who are interested in becoming a member of the Health Information Management (HIM) team in various types of healthcare organizations and agencies. The program prepares students for employment in a hospital or physician’s office or can enhance medical coding skills of those currently employed with emphasis on the medical coder’s role within the revenue cycle specific to reimbursement. Students may wish to continue their studies towards a higher degree in HIM. Students interested in transferring to a baccalaureate degree program upon completion of the AAS should consult with the program Department Head to assure transferability of credit to one of the state universities with an accredited Health Information Management program. This program offers the opportunity to shadow and participate in an offsite externship. Before completion of the program students will be eligible to sit for the Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) upon graduation.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
The Medical Assistant concentration of the General Studies Associate (AGS) degree is a 60-credit hour program designed to help students reach their educational and/or occupational goals. Flexible by design, the AGS is suitable for students interested in immediate employment or career entry, as well as for the student preparing to transfer to a related baccalaureate degree. The degree includes General Education coursework as well as coursework specific to preparation for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and employment in a clinical setting as a Medical Assistant. All courses required for the concentration (MAST and required, related courses) must be passed with a “C” or better. Courses are taken as a cohort. Students who do not satisfy the MAST course requirements will not be eligible to progress. Upon completion of the Medical Assistant (MAST) courses, students earn the Medical Assistant Certificate of Technical Studies, which includes an externship course requiring up to 120 hours in a medical clinic or hospital setting. Students completing all coursework, including a “C” or better in English Composition and MATH, earn the Associate of General Studies with a concentration in Medical Assistant. 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.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Medical Assistant
- 2023-2024: Medical Assistant
- 2022-2023: Medical Assistant
- Fall Start - 2021-2022: Medical Assistant
- Fall Start - 2020-2021: Medical Assistant
- Spring Start - 2021-2022: Medical Assistant
- Spring Start - 2020-2021: Medical Assistant
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. 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. Students will take the AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam from during their last semester.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Medical Coding Specialist
- 2023-2024: Medical Coding Specialist
- 2022-2023: Medical Coding Specialist
- 2021-2021: Medical Coding Specialist
- 2020-2021: Medical Coding Specialist
The Technical Diploma (TD) in Practical Nursing is a selective-admission, 60-credit hour program created for students who are interested in working in various settings of the healthcare field. The program curricula is approved by and aligned with the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) requirements. Upon completion of the program, 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. Courses are taken as a cohort.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Practical Nursing
- Fall Start - 2023-2024: Practical Nursing
- Fall Start - 2022-2023: Practical Nursing
- Fall Start - 2021-2022: Practical Nursing
- Fall Start - 2020-2021: Practical Nursing
- Evening Program - 2022-2023: Practical Nursing
- Spring Start - 2022-2023: Practical Nursing
- Spring Start - 2021-2022: Practical Nursing
- Spring Start - 2020-2021: Practical Nursing
Technical Studies
River Parishes Community College offers a range of programs designed to develop practical skills through the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE). Through hands-on training and industry partnerships, the division prepares students for successful careers in today's technical workforce.
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician TD is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of jobs in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration by teaching students how to install, diagnose, repair, and maintain the operating condition of domestic, residential, and commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Certificates and opportunities to earn industry-based certifications (IBCs) are available with progression through the program. 
We are proud to share that our program has achieved HVAC Excellence Programmatic Accreditation from the HVAC Excellence Accreditation Review Board. This prestigious recognition validates the quality of our curriculum, instructional resources, and commitment to excellence in preparing students for success in the HVAC industry.
When you enroll in our HVAC program, you can be confident you're receiving training that meets rigorous industry standards and positions you for success in this growing field.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- 2023-2024: AC & Refrigeration Technology
- 2022-2023: AC & Refrigeration Technology
- 2021-2022: AC & Refrigeration Technology
- 2020-2021: AC & Refrigeration Technology
The Computer Systems and Information Technology degree 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.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Computer Systems and Information Technology
- 2023-2024: System Administration
- 2022-2023: System Administration
- 2021-2022: System 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. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment rather than to transfer to a four-year college or university.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Criminal Justice
- 2023-2024: Criminal Justice
The Drafting and Design Technology degree is a 60-credit hour program that prepares students for a successful career as a professional drafter who will be equipped with the advanced skills necessary to quickly advance to the level of 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. Certificates and Diplomas are also available as the student progresses through the program.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Drafting and Design Technology
- 2023-2024: Drafting & Design
- 2022-2023: Drafting & Design
- 2021-2022: Drafting & Design
- 2020-2021: Drafting & Design
Additional Information
The Millwright concentration in the Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machinery in, for example, factories and production plants. Earning certificate-level awards and a technical diploma with progression in the program, students are also eligible to take NCCER Core and Millwright knowledge and skills exams (Levels 1 – 4) and earn these industry-based credentials (IBCs). All courses must be passed with a “C” or better.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 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
The TD in Welding prepares individuals for employment in the field of welding. The curriculum aligns with the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) modules for Core Curriculum and Welding Levels 1 and 2, and with the American Welding Society’s (AWS) School Excelling through National skill Standards Education (S.E.N.S.E.) Guidelines for Entry Welders (Modules 1-9). Students earn certificate-level awards with progression in the program, are eligible to take NCCER Core and Welding Level 1 and Level 2 exams and earn these industry-based credentials, and qualify for AWS certification exams, for which those who pass earn industry-based certifications.
2025-2026 Program Guide:
Program Guides from Previous Years:
- 2024-2025: Welding
- 2023-2024 Program Guide:
- 2022-2023 Program Guide:
- 2021-2022 Program Guide:
- 2020-2021 Program Guide:
Course Crosswalk
Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, implementation of a new course numbering policy resulted in several course prefix and number changes. A crosswalk of previous courses to new courses is provided below.
Transfer Agreements
Take the next step
Accomplish your educational and professional goals. Take the next step and apply to join the River Parishes Community College family.
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
Donaldsonville High School
Westbank Workforce Training Center
100 Tiger Drive
Donaldsonville, LA. 70346
RPCC C.A.R.E.S.
River Parishes Community College is committed to collaboration, accountability, respect,
excellence, and sustainability.
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