Associate Degree Nurse-Practical Nurse Exit Option, A.A.S.

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)
(PREASS NU00/AAS NU00)
(Certificate) (Cert PN01)

Advisors and Faculty:

Nina Kirk, RN, MS, 970.339.6622

Associate Dean and Director of Nursing Education Programs

Jaimee Collins, RN, MSN, 970.339.6451

Erika Greenberg, RN, MSN, 970.339.6647

Missy Korb, RN, PhD, 970.339.6214

Laurel Lalicker, RN, MSN, 970.339.6410

Christy Nibbelink, RN, MSN, 970.339.6568

Program Description: The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program teaches students the skills of direct patient care that can be applied in any healthcare setting. The program offers theoretical and applied instruction in classrooms, simulated laboratories, and clinical settings. After successfully completing all degree requirements, students will receive an Associate in 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 Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Successful performance on the NCLEX-RN awards state licensure and qualifies graduates for the title of Registered Nurse (RN). The program allows a practical nursing exit point (certificate). After successfully completing the first two semesters of the program and taking an additional transition course during the summer, students are eligible to write the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX- PN).

Interested applicants for the program must attend an informational orientation. The orientation is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12 and 5:30 PM. Please call the Allied Health Advising Office at 970.339.6251 for additional information. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) interested in entering the 2nd year of the program to complete the ADN need to contact the Allied Health Advising Office at 970.339.6251 to begin the application process. Potential applicants who graduated more than 10 years ago from a PN program must follow the current regulations of the Colorado Articulation Model related to testing, experience and licensure prior to entering the ADN program. Applicants must hold a current CNA certificate or LPN license, current Healthcare Provider CPR, current Tb/PPD, and the following immunizations or titres: MMR, HBV, Varicella (chicken pox), and Tetanus, prior to starting the program. Other immunizations or proof of immunity may be required by specific clinical placement sites. Evidence of FBI fingerprinting, background check and drug screen without disqualifying offenses is required prior to entry into the program. A drug screen and HHS/OIG re-screening is required annually. Additional drug screens and/or background checks may be completed randomly at the clinical site.