Nursing


Associate Degree

Click to expand:

Degree Overview
Course Descriptions
Admissions Information
Tuition & Financial Aid

Days until classes:

1 8

Next classes start
Jun 4th

PDF Download

Program Length: 20 months

Available at the following locations:

Colorado Locations: Denver

Degree Overview

associate degree in nursing

Nursing Job Outlook

Technological advances in patient care and an increasing emphasis on preventive care, as well as the number of older people needing nursing care, is driving the need for registered nurses (RN). Job opportunities for RNs are expected to be excellent. And, graduates of nursing programs are needed to fill these positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for RNs are expected to grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018—a much faster than average employment growth. You could be a part of this growth.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program

This Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to become a competent and accountable generalist nurse in a variety of settings. This ADN nursing program combines classroom theory, patient care simulation and skills labs, clinical experiences in hospitals, and more. Completion of both general education courses and nursing core courses are required for completion of this ADN program.

Graduates of the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) program must pass a national licensing examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license.

Students who wish to enter CollegeAmerica’s nursing programs need to meet certain requirements. Please visit our Admissions section below for more information about admissions requirements.

Nursing Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses held about 2.6 million jobs in 2008—making it the largest healthcare occupation in the United States. Hospitals employed about 60% of RNs, while 8% worked in offices of physicians, 5% in home healthcare services, 5% in nursing care facilities, and 3% in employment services. The remainder worked mostly in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services.

Associate Degree in Nursing Salary

According to Payscale.com, graduates of an associates degree in nursing ADN program in Colorado working as a Registered Nurse (RN) received starting salaries averaging $45,390 a year. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2008, registered nurses received a median salary of $62,450 a year. Many employers also offer flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits, and bonuses.

Sources:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
**Payscale.com. Registered Nurse (RN), Colorado. Salary and Benefits Report. Retrieved on May 23, 2011 from http://www.payscale.com/

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2894 or click here to request more information.
CollegeAmerica Colorado and Wyoming
Program Information Associate Degree in Nursing
Occupations Degree Prepares For
(and SOC code of occupation)
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary - 25-1071.00
Respiratory Therapists - 29-1126.00
Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00
Tuition and Fees $55,995
Cost of Books Included
Room and Board N/A
Job Placement Rate * N/A%
On-Time Completion Rate N/A
Median Title IV Debt N/A
Median Non-Title IV Debt N/A
Median Loan Debt N/A
* The Job Placement Rate reported for each program is calculated pursuant to the job employment rate calculation methodology of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges ("ACCSC"). The data used for the Job Placement rate calculation is the data reported on the ACCSC 2010-2011 Annual Institutional Report. N/A means Not Applicable.
CollegeAmerica Arizona
Program Information Associate Degree in Nursing
Occupations Degree Prepares For
(and SOC code of occupation)
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary - 25-1071.00
Respiratory Therapists - 29-1126.00
Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00
Tuition and Fees $55,995
Cost of Books Included
Room and Board N/A
Job Placement Rate * N/A%
On-Time Completion Rate N/A
Median Title IV Debt N/A
Median Non-Title IV Debt N/A
Median Loan Debt N/A
* The Job Placement Rate reported for each program is calculated pursuant to the job employment rate calculation methodology of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges ("ACCSC"). The data used for the Job Placement rate calculation is the data reported on the ACCSC 2010-2011 Annual Institutional Report. N/A means Not Applicable.

Course Descriptions

CourseCourse NameCredits

Course Description

Click a course to the left to see the course description here.

Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.

Communication Arts

This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.

Credits: 4.0

Pathophysiology

Studies pathophysiological etiology and mechanisms that cause disease and alter physiological control and function of organs and organ systems. Emphasizes the gross histopathological and physiological alterations that occur in various disease states.

Credits: 4.0

College Algebra

Designed to improve skills in numbers and algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing, sets, exponents, radicals, inequalities, formulas, and applications.

Credits: 4.0

Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is the first in a two course series addressing human anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the body including but not limited to the muscle and skeletal systems, the nervous system, the reproductive system, the digestive system, and the endocrine system. Course includes basic organization and general plan of the body including cells, membranes, and tissues.

Credits: 4.0

Anatomy and Physiology II

This course is the second in a two-course series addressing human anatomy and physiology. The content of this course addresses the respiratory, nervous, cardiac, circulatory, integumentary, and urinary systems as well as fluid and electrolyte regulation.

Credits: 4.0

Fundamentals in Nursing I-II

This two-module course focuses on the role of the two-year professional nursing student who will be involved in the care and treatment of persons and the study of nursing theory as it relates to the safety and well-being of clients. Essential steps that must be applied consistently during each patient encounter as it relates to responsible, safe nursing care and comprehensive nursing skills from basic skills to complex advanced skills. At the end of the course, the student will be required to pass the REACH exam. Students must complete 40 hours in laboratory and 150 hours in clinical experiences.

Credits: 10.0

Nursing Process

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and integrate the theory, skills, and knowledge they have gained through the nursing program to this point in skilled extended care units. Mastery of beginning skills in the use of the Nursing Process is emphasized. The primary focus of the course is the development of nursing profession. The context, dimensions and themes in professional nursing practice will be discussed.

Credits: 4.0

Physical Assessment

This course develops beginning knowledge and skills to focus on assessment and physical exam of the whole person. It provides the nursing student with the skills in physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment of adult clients. History taking and data collection are emphasized.

Credits: 2.0

Medical-Surgical Nursing I-II

This two-module course includes 80 Theory hours, 20 Laboratory hours, and 150 Clinical hours. This course addresses nursing practice, patho physiologic mechanisms of disease, perioperative care, problems related to altered sensory input, oxygenation, ventilation, transport and perfusion; problems with ingestions, digestion, absorption, elimination; urinary function, movement and coordination. The student must pass the Med/Surg REACH exam following the second module to pass the entire course.

Credits: 16.0

Maternal-Newborn Nursing I-II

This two-module course includes 60 Theory hours, 20 Lab hours, and 90 Clinical hours. The course focuses on the role of the two-year professional nursing student who will be involved in the care and treatment of pregnant women and their newborns. Childbirth experience will be explored. Employing critical thinking and sound nursing judgment are highlighted. Biological, physical, social, spiritual, and behavioral sciences foundations for care of childbearing families are considered. The student must pass an OB REACH exam at the conclusion of the second module.

Credits: 9.0

Pediatric Nursing I-II

This two-module course includes 60 Theory hours, 20 Lab hours, and 90 Clinical hours. The course focuses on the nursing role in caring for children and their families. Assessment of the child and family, with a focus on infant, young child, school-age, adolescent, children with special needs, the hospitalized child, children with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, problems relating to oxygen transfer and nutrients, production and circulation of blood, and problems with physical mobility will be covered. Students must pass the Peds REACH exam at the conclusion of the second module.

Credits: 9.0

Mental Health Nursing I-II

This two-module course includes 60 Theory hours 20 Lab hours, and 90 Clinical hours. The course focuses on foundations for mental health and common mental/psychiatric disorders. The helper and teacher role are emphasized. Communication styles will be covered. The student must pass a Mental Health REACH exam at the conclusion of the second module.

Credits: 9.0

Contemporary Issues in Nursing

This course has 40 Theory hours and focuses on development of nursing, current issues in healthcare, career management and transition from student to professional nurse.

Credits: 4.0

Advanced Med-Surg Nursing

This course has 40 Theory Hours and 150 Clinical hours. The course expands on knowledge and skills introduced in Med-Surg Nursing I-II. Content begins to move students from novice to advanced beginner as defined by Benner's Nursing Theory. REACH Exit #1 follows the end of the course. The REACH exam results will guide focused study for the NCLEX-RN review during NUR215 Integration Practicum.

Credits: 8.0

Integration Practicum

This course has 30 Theory hours and 150 Clinical hours of preceptored experience. Students will integrate theory, skills, and general knowledge gained throughout the nursing program. Students learn through full-time supervised practice in 43 healthcare settings. At the end of the course the #2 Exit REACH must be passed. Faculty mentorship will be provided to help students when needed.

Credits: 8.0

Basic Nutrition

This course focuses on increasing significance of nutrition in achieving and maintaining optimal health and well-being. Topics include nutrition basics, guidelines to dietary planning, nutrition care process, nutrition in the community, nutrition for weight management, and nutrition and disease.

Credits: 4.0

Pharmacology Principles

Focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for safe and therapeutic drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on drug identification and classification, pharmacological actions, side effects, appropriate dosing and calculations, drug interactions, basic treatments used by the nurse, guidelines for use of drugs, as well as the legal and ethical considerations of pharmacology.

Credits: 4.0

Psychology

Explores the aims and methods of psychology. Concepts covered in the course include human behavior, learning theories, memory, and human development.

Credits: 4.0

Sociology

This course addresses the relationships among different social institutions. It examines the dynamics in social groups. Topics covered include the concepts of control, inequity, and change within social groups.

Credits: 4.0
Total Courses: 19Total Credits: 115

Admissions Information

College Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission to the College must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).

Program Specific Admissions Requirements

Students must first apply for admission to the College. The Nursing Admission Committee will interview applicants for entry into the ADN program. The Committee meets monthly to review candidate applications. Nursing student applicants who have been selected are notified by mail. Selection Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalency
  • SLE exam score of at least 24
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) active registration
  • CPR (for Basic Life Support for Professionals
  • Proof of immunizations
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Negative drug screen (a drug screen may be requested at any point in the student's academic progression by school officials and/or clinical placement sites. The costs of these tests are the responsibility of the student.)
  • Clear criminal background check
  • Essay/writing sample (outline for the essay will be provided by CollegeAmerica upon application for admission). Applicants will have the opportunity to use the college computers.
  • College or Vocational transcripts indicating minimum of a B in any transferred courses
  • Passing score of 85% on Reach Admission Assessment Exam. An exam fee must be paid to the College prior to testing.
  • Essential Abilities form signed by health care provider.
  • 2 letters of personal reference (instructor and/or employer).
  • 36 credits of General Education and Foundation Courses or equivalents

All general education and foundational courses grades must be Bs or higher for progression into the Nursing Core Courses. Nursing course grades of B+ or higher are required for progression throughout the nursing program.

Additional Admissions Information

Getting started on your associates degree in nursing is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2894 or click here to request more information.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.

Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 1-800-622-2894 or click here to request more information.

Topics related to this page:

associate degree in nursing, nursing programs, adn program, adn nursing program, adn nursing, associates degree in nursing

Get Help Choosing a Career All Healthcare Programs

For an Immediate Response, Call:

1-800-622-2894

Request Information




 )


We respect your Privacy
Students Get a New Laptop
Get Free GED Tutoring

What Graduates Say:

"Every single staff member and teacher at CollegeAmerica went out of their way to help me with any problems I had, even if they were personal and not academic. I am the first person in my entire family to graduate from college. This school has helped me to start the future I want for my son, and for that I am forever grateful."

, Flagstaff Main Campus
Medical Specialties

What Graduates Say:

"My college experience was great; teachers were awesome and really made the difference. Before college I was a mom working at nothing jobs. My life improved 100% after college. Now I have a wonderful job in urgent care and I love it. It is really worth it."

, Denver Main Campus
Medical Specialties

What Graduates Say:

"The instructors are amazing. The greatest thing I found is that they do work with your schedule and they really do care about their students and about finding them a better job. I had a ton of support between Student Services and instructors."

, Fort Collins Branch Campus
Healthcare Administration

What Graduates Say:

"I hadn't been to school in almost 20 years and didn't know if I would be able to do it. Going back to school gave me a little more confidence than I had before. I just got a new job and start in a week and a half. I got this new job as a result of my education."

, Fort Collins Branch Campus
Medical Specialties

What Graduates Say:

"My overall college experience was great. I had a good experience with my instructors; in fact I still keep in touch with my instructors. I was working as a secretary before going to college, now I am working in the field that I want to be in. I was hired right away. Going to school improved my life."

, Colorado Springs Branch Campus
Medical Specialties

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
CollegeAmerica is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Why is accreditation important?

Gainful Employment Program Information Net Price Calculator