Students in the nursing program will develop entry-level skills for work in hospitals, clinics and other inpatient/outpatient health care settings. Nursing students participate in both classroom instruction and supervised patient care experiences, which focus on the prevention of disease and the promotion of a healthy life style. Fundamentals of leadership and management will be included as a vital part of your curriculum. Dedication to community and a spirit of giving back may be emphasized.

Accreditation
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program has maintained continual accreditation since 1991 through the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The program also received national accreditation through the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc (NLNAC) in July 2009.

Graduates of associate degree nursing programs are professional nurses and are

• Essential members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in diverse healthcare settings.
• Able to derive strength from their ethnic, cultural, social, economic and gender diversity, thereby enhancing the capacity to respond to the healthcare needs of a diverse nation.
• Able to collaborate with all stakeholders for the development of public policy, the delivery of quality outcome driven health care, and to ensure access to health care for all individuals.
• Caring, competent, and knowledgeable healthcare providers who engage in professional development activities in order to advance safe, effective competent care.
• Legally, morally and ethically accountable.

Associate degree nursing education

• Provides a dynamic pathway for entry into professional registered nurse (RN) practice.
• Is continually evolving to reflect local community needs and current and emerging healthcare delivery systems.
• Is responsible for instilling the tenants of advocacy, professional involvement, life-long learning, and leadership.
• Involves evidence-based practice which prepares graduates to employ critical thinking, clinical competence, and technical proficiency in their healthcare setting.

Reference: National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing

PN Exit Option for licensing exam - Students may complete the first year of the program and NUR 169 to receive a certificate and be eligible to apply to take the PN Licensure Examination, NCLEX® PN.
 

Returning LPN's/Advanced Placement - The Advanced Placement option, commonly called the "Bridge" program, allows a Licensed Practical Nurse (with a valid Colorado LPN license) to complete the transition course NUR 189 and enter the 2nd year of an Associate Degree Nursing Program. The graduate student receives an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree and is eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX® RN.


 Nursing Information Sessions

Sessions are held monthly at the Fort Morgan Campus. Information about pre-requisites and general requirements are discussed in these sessions. To find out the date of the next session and register to attend, call Beth Carpenter at 970-542-3119 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Student Success Advisor
For questions about the nursing program, please contact Gwen Steffen, Student Success Advisor for Health Occupations at 970-542-3224 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Program Director
Kathy Frisbie, MS, RN
Phone: 970-542-3240
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.