Otero Junior College Nursing Program Review

Otero Junior College (OJC) was founded in 1941. It is a highly reputable and affordable institution for students to begin their journey in higher education or to earn a degree. Over 97 percent of OJC students continue on to a four year college or gain employment after graduation.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The ADN program is structured to give students the education and practical knowledge to become practicing nurses. Upon graduation, students will earn their Applied Science Degree (AASN), and be eligible to sit for the state licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

To be eligible to apply, students must apply to OJC and take the prerequisite courses of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, and Human Growth and Development. These courses must all be completed with a grade of 2.5 or higher.

After completing the prerequisites, students may apply to the nursing program by submitting an online application and passing a background and drug test.

The ADN program is a two year course of study if taken full time. Students may take the traditional program (daytime classes) or the non-traditional program (evening and weekend classes). The program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the Colorado Community College System.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may apply for entry into the second year of the ADN program by completing the prerequisites listed above and providing a copy of their LPN license, in addition to their LPN course transcripts. They also must complete the LPN to RN Transition course with a grade of C or higher.

Practical Nursing

LPNs provide patient care under the direct supervision of a doctor or RN. They may also supervise nursing assistants and aides. The Practical Nursing certificate program at OJC offers students the chance to earn a Certificate of Practical Nursing and take the state licensing exam to become an LPN.

Students must have completed the prerequisite courses of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, and Human Growth and Development, with a GPA of 2.5 or better, to enter the ADN program. After completing the first two semesters of the ADN program, students may opt to leave the program and take the Transition to Practical Nursing. Upon completion, they will receive their Certificate of Practical Nursing. This program is offered full time with traditional daytime classes, or part time, with evening and weekend classes.

Nursing Assistant

OJC offers a Nursing Assistant program in cooperation with hospitals in the area. Students who complete this program will be qualified to work as nursing assistants in nursing care facilities, hospitals, and mental health facilities. Upon completion, students will be able to apply for state of Colorado Nurse Aide Certification.

The Nursing Assistant program is one semester long and requires two courses: Certified Nurse Aide Health Care Skills and Nurse Assistant Clinical Experience. It is recommended that students also take the Medical Terminology course.

Students may enter the program by registering at OJC and for the two required courses, listed above.

Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant program trains students to handle the administrative and clinical functions that keep a medical office running smoothly. OJC has two programs for Medical Assistants: the Associate of Applied Science Degree, and Certificate Program.

The AAS degree program is two years in length and requires 60 hours of classes to complete. The Certificate program is one year long and requires completion of 30 hours of classes.

Contact:
Otero Junior College
1802 Colorado Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050

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