Program Length: 20 months
Available at the following locations:
Colorado Locations: Denver
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Jun 17th
Degree Overview
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/
Student Information - CollegeAmerica Colorado and Wyoming
Our Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1071.00), Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00), or Respiratory Therapy Technicians (29-2054.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 41,395, including books. CollegeAmerica does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate Degree in Nursing program have an on-time completion rate of 71% and a job placement rate of N/A. The median Title IV debt for this program is $ 23,760, the median non-Title IV debt is $ 9,649, and the median loan debt is $ 31,402. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
Student Information - CollegeAmerica Arizona
Our Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares graduates for employment in occupations such as Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary (25-1071.00), Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00), or Respiratory Therapy Technicians (29-2054.00). The total tuition and fees for this program is $ 46,305, including books. CollegeAmerica does not provide housing, so no room and board fees apply. Graduates of our Associate Degree in Nursing program have an on-time completion rate of N/A and a job placement rate of N/A. The median Title IV debt for this program is N/A, the median non-Title IV debt is N/A, and the median loan debt is N/A. Our Net Price Calculator can help you see how you can afford college.
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.
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.
