Pueblo Community College Nursing Program Review
Pueblo Community College began as Southern Colorado Junior College in 1933. A series of name changes followed, and it became Pueblo Community College (PCC) in 1982. Today PCC is a state leader in health care education and offers over 50 associate degree programs. Besides the main campus in Pueblo, PCC has branch campuses in Freemont, Durango and Mancos, CO. The average age of the student body is 29 years old.
Nursing Programs
Associate of Applied Science Degree, Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program is designed for students who wish to begin a career in nursing. After completing the program, graduates will have an AAS degree, and be allowed to take the state licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
To be eligible to apply to the program, students must have basic math and reading skills, and have completed the prerequisites of English, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Human Growth and Development with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
To apply, students must take the TEAS exam, have a negative drug test, a successful background check, and complete CPR for Health Care Providers. They must also file a letter of intent with transcripts to the Nursing Department.
There is no waiting list for this program. If a student is not selected, they must apply again the following term.
The PCC Nursing Program is a full time program for the first year. After the first year, students may request to switch to part time (evenings and weekends) if the courses are being offered.
Students that already have completed courses to be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may transfer up to 20 credits into the program, per the Colorado Articulation for non-PCC graduates. They will also need to take the Transition from LPN to ADN course, in addition to meeting the ADN requirements above.
The ADN program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Practical Nursing
PCC has a program for students wishing to pursue a Certificate in Practical Nursing. To do so, they must begin the ADN program and successfully complete the first two semesters. At that point, they are eligible to sit for the state licensing exam for LPNs (NCLEX-PN). They may then leave the program, or continue working toward their AAS degree and eventual RN license.
Nurse Aide
The Nurse Aide Mini Certificate program qualifies students to work as an entry-level caregiver, such as a nursing assistant, nurse aide, attendant or orderly in home health care or in a health care facility.
Students that successfully complete the courses of Certified Nurse Aide Health Care Skills, Nurse Assistant Clinical Experience, and Advanced Nurse Aid Clinical will earn a Nursing Aide Certificate.
To apply for this mini certificate program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have basic English, Reading and Math skills, and complete a background check, drug screening, CPR training, and immunizations. They must also have malpractice insurance.
Psychiatric Technician
The Psychiatric Technician Certificate program prepares students to work in health care situations as a psychiatric caregiver. This program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Students must complete the prerequisites of Math and Basic Anatomy and Physiology, and any courses recommended by the PCC Basic Skills Assessment Test, before they can apply for the program.
Once they have finished the prerequisites, students may complete the application for the program. If not selected, they must reapply the following term.
After acceptance, students will complete 25 hours (two semesters) of coursework. Those who complete the program will be awarded a certificate and will be allowed to sit for the state licensing exam.
Contact:
Pueblo Community College
900 West Orman Avenue
Pueblo, CO, 81004
Tel: (719) 549-3200
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