Allied Health: Nursing Education Programs

Return to: Degrees and Certificates

Location:

Allied Health and Sciences Building

Associate Dean and Director of Nursing Education Programs:

Nina Kirk, RN, MS, 970.339.6622

Nurse Aide/Med Prep Coordinator:

Heather Brown, RN, EMT-P, AAS, 970.339.6281

Faculty:

Ana Maria Angel-Anderson, LPN, BA, 970.339.6285

Mindy Geraets, RN, MSN, 970.339.6451

Erika Greenberg, RN, MSN 970.339.6647

Missy Korb, RN, PhD, 970.339.6214

Christy Nibbelink, RN, MSN 970.339.6568

Jennifer Sears, RN, MSN, 970.339.6604

Advisors:

Kellie Richardson, 970.339.6570

Janet Chase, 970.339.6284

Degrees/Certificates offered:

Associate Degree Nursing (A.A.S. Degree)

Program Description: The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program provides students with the opportunity to learn skills to care for patients of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings. In addition to learning technical skills used in providing care, major emphasis is placed on the development of the attributes of critical thinking and professionalism. This rigorous program offers theoretical and applied instruction in classrooms, simulated laboratories, and clinical settings. The ability to synthesize information and then coherently and succinctly communicate the information in written assignments is critical for program success. After successfully completing all degree requirements, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree with a Nursing major. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Successful performance on the NCLEX-RN awards state licensure and qualifies graduates for the title of Registered Nurse (RN). Interested applicants for the program must complete an informational orientation. See the college website for information on the required orientation.

All applicants to the program must meet published “Standards for Admission” for the academic year for which the applicant is seeking entry into the program. Current “Standards for Admission” are posted on the Associate Degree Nursing page on the college website. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) seeking entry into the final year of the Associate Degree Nursing program must also complete an informational orientation (see website for information on required orientation) and meet the published “Standards for Admission” for the academic year in which the applicant is seeking admission.

The Associate Degree Nursing program is partnered with the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) School of Nursing. Applicants to the ADN program who are also eligible and interested in dual or concurrent enrollment in the UNC School of Nursing should contact the Nursing Office at 970.339.6424 for information on the application process. Interested applicants must complete an informational orientation (see website for information on required orientation) and meet published “Standards of Admission” to the ADN program, as well as meet admission criteria for the UNC School of Nursing.

An applicant who is provisionally admitted to the ADN program must submit to a designated annual background check and drug screen. The applicant must successfully clear the background check (no evidence of disqualifying offenses) and drug screen in order to begin and/or continue in the program. Additional background checks, drug screens, and/or fingerprinting may be required by clinical agencies. The clinical sites retain the right to deny a student access to their facilities based on the results of required background checks, drug screens, and/or fingerprinting. In the event a student is denied access to a clinical site, the student may be unable to complete the course requirements. In addition, applicants who are provisionally admitted the ADN program must also comply with clinical agencies health and safety requirements including, but not limited to, immunizations/titers, screenings, and American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

The Aims Community College Nursing Program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (SBON). The SBON website address is http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/. 

The Aims Community College Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC website address is http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm.

Practical Nursing Exit Option (Certificate)

After successfully completing the first two semesters of the Associate Degree Nursing program and taking an additional transition course during the summer, students are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX- PN). 

Nurse Aide (Certificate)

Program Description: Intended for the individual desiring to be a certified nursing assistant focusing on care for the adult or disabled patient/client/resident living at home or in a health care facility. Methods of learning include classroom activities, skills practice and simulations, and clinical practice giving actual patient care. The program meets all relevant federal and state requirements. A criminal background check and drug screen will be required. Upon successful completion, the program graduate is eligible to apply to take the State of Colorado Nurse Aide Certificate examination. The program graduate must also meet the State eligibility requirements when applying to take the certification exam. (Cost of examination not covered in tuition.) The program content and successfully passing the state nurse aide certification examination will satisfy the requirement for application to the Aims and UNC nursing programs.

Program Length: 110 clock hours. A variety of scheduling options are offered, including online-hybrid.

Potential Opportunities: Plentiful employment opportunities exist for the state-certified nursing assistant in long term care, home health care, and residential care. Local opportunities also exist for employment in hospitals. Also useful for persons wanting wage-earning ability while preparing for nursing or health care careers. Employment opportunities require current State of Colorado Nurse Aide Certification.

Registration Requirements: All students interested in taking this program must attend a nurse aide orientation, have met the reading assessment requirement, and have an advisor’s signature on the course registration before registering. Students must meet agency health requirements including immunizations/titers and screenings.  

Release of Confidential Information

A student enrolled in programs requiring clinical or experiential rotations in allied health fields are required to sign a “Release of Confidential Information” form so that if the student engages in misconduct, the information and records relating to the misconduct can be shared with regulatory agencies responsible for licensure in that program area.

Notice of Protocol for Students Banner from Clinical Sites

Please be advised that if you currently are or previously have been enrolled in a program with a clinical component and have been expelled from one of our clinical affiliates, you are expelled from all programs at the college with a clinical component. Any attempt to seek entry, enrollment, or matriculation into these programs after such a dismissal is at your own risk. You will be removed from the program at the time that the expulsion is discovered and all tuition and fees paid to that point shall be forfeited by you. If you have any questions about this particular issue, you are encouraged to contact the program chair prior to enrolling.   

Nursing Advisory Committee

Ruth Burns-Branscum, RN, Education Coordinator, Life Care Center of Greeley

Melissa Dellinger, RN, Staff Nurse, North Colorado Medical Center

Stephanie Drobny, Student Placement Coordinator, Banner Health

Katrina Einhellig, RN, MSN, Assistant Professor, RN-BSN Program Coordinator, University of Northern Colorado

Barb Oschner, RN, Education Coordinator, Medical Center of the Rockies

Marla Trujillo, RN, Nurse Education, Fairacres Manor

Return to: Degrees and Certificates