Colorado Mesa University Nursing School Review

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) was founded in 1925, and was previously known as Mesa State College (MSC) until it was officially renamed in 2011. CMU has over 8100 students enrolled, and offers over 90 programs of undergraduate study. Almost 75% of all students are enrolled are attending school full time, and are traditional-aged students.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program is structured to prepare graduates to practice as Registered Nurses (RNs) after passing the state licensing exam.

To graduate students must complete a minimum of 126 semester hours, 68 of which will be nursing courses. A minimum of 28 of these must be taken at CMU (for transfer students). Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher in all coursework.

The BSN program is typically four to five years long for full time students, depending on whether they take classes during the summer semester or not.

Online RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN program at CMU is an online program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with an associate degree to earn their bachelors degree. Designed for the working nurse, RNs can complete this program full time over the course of a year, or part time in two years. Courses can be completed online or in a more traditional classroom setting.

According to the Colorado Articulation model, CMU may award RNs a total of 38 transfer credits for previous nursing education. An advisor will determine what courses will still need to be taken.

Students may apply to the program if they have a current Colorado RN license, proof of their CPR for the Caregiver certification, and a background check.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)-BSN

LPNs may challenge Nursing Diagnosis/Medical Terminology for credit. They must also get IV certification before applying to the program. Otherwise, they will need to take the rest of the courses in the BSN program.

Practical Nursing (PN)

CMU encourages students interested in nursing careers to become LPNs, work as a nurse, and then continue their education. The PN program prepares students to take the state LPN licensing exam, and to be primary caregivers. After obtaining their LPN license, students may pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or their BSN.

To apply to the PN program, students must first be accepted into CMU and show they have reading and writing skills at a college level.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (LPN-AAS)

The LPN to AAS program (LPN to ADN) allows students to continue their education path to graduate with an AAS degree, take the state licensing exam and become RNs. The program is three semesters of study for those who are already LPNs.

To apply, students must have graduated from a state approved LPN program, have passed LPN licensing exam, and have a current LPN license in the state of Colorado. They must also show they have worked as an LPN within the last six months, have their IV certification, and have current certification for CPR for the Professional Caregiver.

Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology

The two year program involves classes and clinical practice, and will prepare the student to graduate with an AAS degree and be allowed to take the national registry exam for certification as a Registered Technologist (RT). Graduates will be qualified for basic duties in radiology.

Admission to the program is limited due to the amount of clinical facilities in the area. Applicants are recommended to have taken high school or college level courses in Biology, Physics and Chemistry before applying. Students will be selected for the program based on their Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) scores, academic preparation, aptitude, and number of program slots available.

To continue with the program, students need to maintain a GPA of 2.0, and must earn a 2.0 or higher grade in each Radiologic Technology course they take.

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Radiologic Technology

The BAS program in Radiologic Technology allows students with an AAS to earn their bachelor’s degree and become certified in one or more additional specialty areas. To apply for the program, students must have graduated from the AAS program and be certified as an RT. If students have completed a certificate program and not an AAS, they must contact the program director for consideration.

Students must apply to both CMU and the Radiologic Technology program to be considered. The BAS program takes approximately four full time semesters to complete, and students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better. The specialty fields students may pursue include CT, MR, Mammography and Cardio/vascular Imaging.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1)

The EMT-1 program will train students to administer care to patients at accident scenes and while transporting them in an ambulance. The EMT-1 program requires an application to CMU and the EMT program, a high school diploma or equivalent, letters of recommendation, CPR certification, and an interview. After admission to the program, students will need to pass a background investigation to be allowed to continue.

The EMT-1 program requires 10 semester hours of classes, and 195 hours of time in an ambulance or emergency room. Graduates of the program may take the state or national certification test to become Registered Emergency Medical Technicians.

Emergency Medical Responder

The Emergency Medical Responder program is for students wishing to become certified as Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responders (NREMR). Students must take the three hour First Responder course, and do not need to apply to CMU.

Paramedic

To enter the Paramedic program, students must be currently certified as EMTs and must maintain this certification throughout the program. Students will work toward either a Certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree.

When applying for the AAS degree program, students must indicate whether they are applying for the traditional (classroom) or hybrid (online and classroom) program.

After graduation, students will be able to take the exam to become certified as paramedics.

The Paramedic program is a two year course of study if taken full time. Students must apply to both CMU and the Paramedic program. They must also take the HOBET test, and submit letters of reference, a copy of their EMT certification, and CPR certification.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN degree prepares students to become leaders in the field of nursing. The program has an emphasis either in Advanced Nursing Practice or Nursing Education.

This degree program is for RNs who have a BSN. To apply students must have a current RN license, a 3.0 or better in their undergraduate nursing courses, submit transcripts and letters of recommendation, submit an essay about nursing, and complete an interview if required.

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in the program. The MSN program is expected to take four years, and requires a thesis or research project.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-Family Nurse Practitioner

The DNP degree allows students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). The program takes six years to complete and requires over 1000 hours of clinical practice, as well as completion of a research project. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to remain in the program.

To apply to the DNP program, students must have a BSN, have an RN license, have a GPA of 3.0 or better in undergraduate nursing classes and any prior graduate coursework, submit transcripts and letters of recommendation, submit an essay about nursing, and complete an interview if required.

Contact:
Colorado Mesa University
1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122

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