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Nursing

Bring your passion for helping others to the Nursing program at Arapahoe Community College and take the first step to a rewarding, in-demand career.

ACC Nursing students in classroom at Littleton Campus with instructor showing procedures with manikin on gurney.

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to Move Mountains in the healthcare industry? Find your path with ACC's Award Winning Nursing Program. Begin changing lives today...starting with your own! Arapahoe Community College continues to be a recognized leader in nursing education preparing students to meet the challenges of 21st-century healthcare delivery for a rapidly diversifying population.

Contact us to learn more about which one of the 3 tracks our nursing program offers will help you reach your goals: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN), the Nursing AAS (RN), or the Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN).

ACC Admissions
Admissions
admissions [at] arapahoe.edu
Nursing Department
Faculty
nursing [at] arapahoe.edu

Important Application Info & Deadlines

RN-BSN Completion Program

RN-BSN Application deadlines: 

  • Fall start: July 1
  • Spring start: November 1
  • Summer start: April 1

If you have an active RN license (from the United States), please select "Health" as your Area of Interest and "Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Completion Program)" as your degree choice when you apply to ACC. Learn more about the RN-BSN Completion Program Application Process.

Nursing AAS 

Remote testing for the HESI A2 exam is now available through ProctorU. Please check the application page for information.

The ACC Nursing AAS program admissions / application process has changed. Read the information on the Nursing AAS page carefully and attend an information session in-person, via Zoom or watch the video.

If you do not have a Nursing AAS, associate degree, or diploma, review the Nursing AAS application process prior to applying.

CIP 513801 (BBSN)

The RN‐BSN Program is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to earn the baccalaureate nursing degree or for current nursing students (dual enrollment) who are enrolled in the Nursing AAS program who wish to earn the baccalaureate nursing degree. The focus of the program is to add value to their nursing education, increase their perspective of current clinical practice beyond the ADN level, enhance their leadership abilities and promote life‐long learning within the nursing profession.

Students who are dual enrolled can start BSN classes through an online format. The program has two courses that require a practicum experience in an area of the student's interests.

The Nursing Program is also approved by the State Board of Colorado Community College Occupational and Education Programs. Arapahoe Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

The ACC Nursing Program is housed in the School of Health and Public Services Division, office phone number is 303.797.5798. The Nursing Assistant's phone number is 303.797.5939.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Arapahoe Community College

Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license (or) for Dual Enrollment, completion of the Dual Admission Request Certification Form

Notes:

Out of state students will require authorization by the State Board of Nursing in their state of residence in order for ACC to provide instruction. In addition, depending on the state, limitations may exist with ACC providing an education experience to them.

Students must complete a minimum of 25% of the credits required for the degree at Arapahoe Community College (in residence) in order to earn this degree from ACC.

After you are accepted into the RN-BSN Completion Program, you will be required to provide additional items during the program, including:

  • Official college transcript(s) - before beginning the program
  • Immunization records - required prior to clinical coursework
  • Background check and drug screen - required prior to clinical coursework

Associate of Applied Science/Associate Degree in Nursing students have the option to be dual enrolled in the RN‐BSN Completion Program with submission of the Dual Admission Request Certification Form.

Program Requirements

General Education Courses (18 credit hours)
  • GT-HI1 - History Course 3 Credits
  • GT-AH1, AH2, or AH3 Arts and Humanities Courses 6 Credits
  • GT-SS1, SS2, or SS3 Social Science Course 3 Credits
Restricted Electives (6 credits)

Choose two courses from the following (6 credits):

Associate Degree Credits (71.5 credits)**

Notes:

* 300‐level nursing courses must be completed before taking 400‐level nursing courses.

** If associate degree is less than 71.5 credits, balance of credits may be satisfied with elective
credits or credit for prior learning.

Total: 120 Credit Hours

Graduation Requirements

CIP 513801 (4NR5)

This program is designed to prepare ACC graduates for employment as registered nurses. The beginning professional nurse will have developed entry-level skills for employment in hospitals and other health care settings. Clinical nursing courses include supervised patient care experiences at a variety of health care agencies. For information about the nursing program application, go to http://www.arapahoe.edu/departments-and-programs/a-z-programs. Call 303.797.5939 or email nursing [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (nursing[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) with questions.

The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The contact information for ACEN is: 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta Georgia 30326. The telephone number is 404.975.5000 and website is www.acenursing.org

The Nursing Program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CSBON) located at 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202. CSBON's website is dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing; the telephone number is 303.894.2430.

The Nursing Program is also approved by the State Board of Colorado Community College Occupational and Education Programs. Arapahoe Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Upon successful completion of program requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council of Licensure Examination - Registered Nursing). The website for information on the exam is http://www.ncsbn.org.

The ACC Nursing Program is housed in the School of Health and Public Services Division, office phone number is 303.797.5798. The Nursing Assistant's phone number is 303.797.5939.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements are briefly noted below - for detailed information and pertinent dates go to http://www.arapahoe.edu/departments-and-programs/a-z-programs/nursing-program-0

  • Admission to Arapahoe Community College
  • Nursing Program Application (different than application to ACC)
  • Completion of ENG 1021, PSY 2440, BIO 2101, HPR 1010 or HWE 1050, with a cumulative GPA for these classes of at least a 3.0
  • Attend an Information session
  • Complete Nursing Program Application
  • Hold a CNA certificate in the State of Colorado
  • HESI Nursing Entrance Exam is required for students. Students must score at least a 70 on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and general knowledge under English Language and a 70 on the composite Math score.

Program Requirements

General Education Courses (29 credit hours)
4 Credits (with lab) * OR
  • Select any Humanities or Social Behavioral Science Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Course
Note(s):

*The following courses, BIO 2101, ENG 1021, and PSY 2440, and HPR 1010 or HWE 1050 (11-13 credit hours) must be taken prior to Nursing Program application submittal. They must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no grade less than a "C"

Total: 71.5 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 513801 (NR2)

This program is designed to prepare ACC graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam for employment as a registered nurse. The beginning professional nurse will have developed entry-level skills for employment in hospitals and other health care settings. Clinical nursing courses include supervised patient care experiences at a variety of health care agencies. The PN-RN option allows Licensed Practical Nurses licensed in Colorado to obtain Nursing AAS Credit for the first two semesters of the Nursing Program and complete the AAS Nursing in three semesters without duplicating PN coursework. For information about the nursing program application, go to http://www.arapahoe.edu/departments-and-programs/a-z-programs. Call 303.797.5939 or email nursing [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (nursing[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) with questions.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Arapahoe Community College located in Littleton, Colorado is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta Georgia 30326. 404.975.5000, www.acenursing.org The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

The Nursing Program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CSBON) located at 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202. dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing; 303.894.2430.

The Nursing Program is also approved by the State Board of Colorado Community College Occupational and Education Programs. Arapahoe Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Upon successful completion of program requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council of Licensure Examination - Registered Nursing). The website for information on the exam is http://www.ncsbn.org.

The ACC Nursing Program is housed in the School of Health and Public Services Division, office phone number is 303.797.5798. The Nursing Assistant's phone number is 303.797.5939.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements are briefly noted below - for detailed information and pertinent dates go to https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/programs/nursing

  • Admission to Arapahoe Community College
  • Complete Nursing Program Application (different than application to ACC) Contact nursing [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (nursing[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for details
  • Completion of all general education courses required for the Nursing AAS (BIO 2102, BIO 2104 or BIO 2108, BIO 2116, MAT 1120 or higher (recommended MAT 1260), ENG 1021, PSY 2440, BIO 2101, HPR 1010 or HWE 1050 and GT Arts and Humanities/Social Behavioral Science Elective) with at least a "C" and cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Hold a current, unrestricted LPN License in Colorado.
  • No work experience is required within three years of graduation from PN Program. 1000 hours LPN work experience required within the last 3 years if more than three years have elapsed since PN Program graduation.

Program Requirements

Note(s):

*All general education courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and overall GPA of 2.5

Upon successful completion of NUR 1089, NUR 2006, NUR 2011, and NUR 2012, PLA credit for CO State LPN license [NUR 1009 (6 cr.), NUR 1012 (2 cr.), NUR 1006 (7cr.), and NUR 1050 (6 cr.)] will be awarded.

Total: 75.5 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • You must complete a minimum of 25% of credit hours required for the degree at ACC (18.6 credits)
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 513901 (4NR1)

This Practical Nurse (PN) certificate is available only to those students who have been accepted into the registered nursing program and have completed all prerequisites, the first two semester courses, and NUR 1069. The certificate prepares the nursing student to take the practical nursing licensure examination and to practice as a licensed practical nurse, offered only as an alternative Nursing Pathway Option. Contact the Nursing Department at 303.797.5939 for more information.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements are briefly noted below - for detailed information and pertinent dates go to http://www.arapahoe.edu/departments-and-programs/a-z-programs/nursing-program-0

Program Requirements

General Education (22 credit hours)
Note(s):

*The following courses, BIO 2101, ENG 1021, PSY 2440, and HPR 1010 (11 credit hours) must be taken prior to Nursing Program application submittal. They must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 with no grade less than a "C"

Major Courses (25 credit hours)
Note(s):

* (for Practical Nursing Certificate only)
* NUR 1069 is offered every summer. Contact the Nursing Department at 303.797.5939 for more information.

Total: 47 credit hours

Upon successful completion of BIO 2101, BIO 2102, BIO 2104, ENG 1021, PSY 2440, HPR 1010, MAT 1120, NUR 1006, NUR 1009, NUR 1012, NUR 1050, NUR 1069, with a grade of "C" or better, students will receive a practical nursing certificate. Then they may apply to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council of Licensure Examination-Practical Nursing) exam through the Colorado Board of Nursing.

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Arapahoe Community College located in Littleton, Colorado is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

The Nursing Program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CSBON) located at 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202. CSBON’s website is dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing; the telephone number is 303.894.2430.

RN - BSN

The RN-BSN Baccalaureate nursing program at Arapahoe Community College at the Littleton Campus located in Littleton,Colorado is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN to BSN Baccalaureate nursing program is Initial Accreditation

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Under Construction – More Information to Come.

ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.

Students enrolling or continuing at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) have a right to certain information that the college is required by law to provide. As a student applying for or attending the Associates Degree Nursing Program or Practical Nursing Exit Option, you have the right to know it meets the licensure or certification for Colorado. It is possible that the degree/certificate may count toward licensing in states other than Colorado. If you are planning to seek professional licensure, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in the state in which you are located or plan to locate in order to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before you begin this program. This program meets the applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification in Colorado as listed below:

Colorado Board of Nursing
National Council State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN

ACC has not determined if the Associates Degree Nursing Program or Practical Nursing Exit option meets applicable state prerequisites for licensure or certification in states other than Colorado. Other states include (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). For additional licensing requirements by state, see: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm

Why Choose ACC's Nursing Program?

While in the Nursing program at ACC, you will benefit from:

  • High professional standards
  • Superior reputation in the community and excellent rate of hire
  • Seamless progression to earn both your AAS and BSN degrees at ACC
  • Active learning in the classroom, labs, and supervised clinical experiences.
  • Simulation experiences in state-of-the-art labs
  • Accessible faculty and staff
  • ACC has the #2 ranked Nursing Associates Degree program in Colorado by Nursing Degree Search
  • ACC has the #4 ranked Nursing program in Colorado by RNCareers.org.

Job Opportunities in Nursing