Nursing

The Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Nursing is designed to be completed in two (2) years of full-time course work, plus a series of prerequisite courses prior to application to the program. More details can be found in the Nursing AAS degree section of the College Catalog.

Prerequisite Semester	Credits
BIO 2101* - Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIO 2102* - Anatomy and Physiology II	4
ENG 1021 - English Composition	3
PSY 2440 - Human Growth and Development (Instructor request for waiver for PSY101 or use as elective)	3
*BIO 2101, ENG 1021, and PSY 2440: Prerequisite courses need to be completed prior to the start of your fist semester of nusing courses. BIO 2102 can be completed in first semester of your Nursing courses with prior approval and if not taking compressed BIO 2101/2102 course

First Semester (Fall)	Credits
NUR 1009 - Fundamentals of Nursing	6
NUR 1012 - Basic Concepts of Pharmacology	2
MAT 1120 - Math For Clinical Calculations (Must be completed by 1st semester with passing grade)	3
HWE 1050 - Nutrition or HPR 108 (1)	3
Total	14

Second Semester (Spring)	Credits
NUR 1006 - Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts	7
NUR 1050 - Maternal-Child Nursing	6
BIO 2116 - Pathophysiology**(can be taken in any time before NUR 2006)	3
Total	16

Third Semester (Fall)	Credits
NUR 2006 - Advanced Concepts of Medical-Surgical Nursing	6.5
NUR 2012 - Pharmacology II	2
NUR 2011 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing	4
Total	12.5

Fourth Semester (Spring)	Credits
NUR 2016 - Advanced Concepts of Medical-Surgical Nursing II	5
NUR 2030 - Transition to Profession Nursing	4
Elective	3
Total	12

Optional Courses	Credits
NUR 1089 - LPN-RN Bridge (required for LPN-RN Bridge)	5
NUR 1069 - Transition to LPN	4

 

The Practical Nursing Certificate exit option is designed to provide education to prepare the student for practice as a licensed practical nurse after completion of the first two semesters of the ADN RN program. Upon admission to the nursing program the student may opt to stop after the first two semesters and take the optional Transition into Practical Nursing course and receive a Certificate of Practical Nursing. More information can be found under Practical Nursing in the College Catalog.

Prerequisite Semester	Credits
BIO 2101* - Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIO 2102* - Anatomy and Physiology II	4
ENG 1021 - English Composition	3
PSY 2440 - Human Growth and Development (Instructor request for waiver for PSY101 or use as elective)	3
*BIO 2101, ENG 1021, and PSY 2440: Prerequisite courses need to be completed prior to the start of your fist semester of nusing courses. BIO 2102 can be completed in first semester of your Nursing courses with prior approval and if not taking compressed BIO 2101/2102 course

First Semester (Fall)	Credits
NUR 1009 - Fundamentals of Nursing	6
NUR 1012 - Basic Concepts of Pharmacology	2
MAT 1120 - Math For Clinical Calculations (Must be completed by 1st semester with passing grade)	3
HWE 1050 - Nutrition or HPR 108 (1)	1 or 3
BIO 2104 - Microbiology	4

Second Semester (Spring)	Credits
NUR 1006 - Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts	7
NUR 1050 - Maternal-Child Nursing	6
NUR 1069 - Transition to LPN	5

 1. The student must apply for general college admission to Otero College.  Student must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate.

2. Complete required pre-admission courses (Pre-requisite Courses) with a grade of C or higher for each course and a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher for the required pre-admission courses listed below. A higher GPA will receive a higher admission score. The science courses must be completed within seven years of the application date of the program.

Required Pre-Admission Courses (Pre-requisite Courses)

English Composition I (3 credits)

Human Growth & Development (3 credits)

Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)

Co-requisite Courses

Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits) *

*BIO 2102 / Human Anatomy & Physiology II can be completed in first semester of your Nursing courses with prior approval and if not taking compressed BIO 2101/2102 course.

3. Apply to the nursing program at Otero using the Online Application.

4. Provide official transcripts confirming completion of Pre-requisite courses and GPA to the Otero Nursing Department.

5. Complete the Accuplacer Reading and Math tests within six months of application to the Nursing Program. The minimum Reading score is 80. Minimum Math score is Elementary Algebra (EA) 61. Higher scores on each test will receive a higher admission score. To schedule contact the Student Services Office at 719-384-6831.

6. Evidence of permanent residence in the Otero Service area of Bent, Otero and Crowley counties is not required but will receive points toward admission.

7. A clear criminal background check and urine drug screen (information will be provided upon application). See the Disqualifying Offenses document for more information.

8. Evidence of State Nurse Aide Certification or honorable military service is not required but will receive points toward admission score.

9. Attendance at a Pre-Nursing Information session with the Nursing Office. Call 719-384-6898 to schedule.

10. All admission criteria must be submitted to Otero or the Nursing Office by the Nursing admission deadlines. 

11. A deadline will be set and students who have completed all of the admission criteria will be admitted from the top score down until all slots are filled. To fill any vacant slots, a second and third deadline will be set and remaining and newly qualified applicants will be considered and admitted from the top scores again until slots are filled. 

For LPNs entering the second year of the ADN Program 

1. Complete steps 1-4 from the previous section.

2. Complete Pathophysiology (BIO 216) with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in the ADN program.

3. Provide a copy of your LPN license.

4. Provide official transcripts of your LPN program courses. If your Practical Nursing (PN) program was completed more than ten years prior to application additional testing may be required.

5. A clear criminal background check and urine drug screen (information will be provided upon application). See the Disqualifying Offenses document for more information.

6. Complete the NUR 189 LPN to RN Transition course with a grade of C or higher if LPN was completed prior to April 2007. Contact the Otero Nursing Office for the dates of the next scheduled NUR 189 course.

7. All admission criteria must be submitted to Otero or the Nursing Office by the Nursing admission deadlines. 

8. A deadline will be set and students who have completed all of the admission criteria will be admitted from the top score down until all slots are filled. To fill any vacant slots, a second and third deadline will be set and remaining and newly qualified applicants will be considered and admitted from the top scores again until slots are filled. 

 

After you have successfully completed the Otero accredited nursing program and earned your degree, you will take the NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination), a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine if a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice.

PDF NCLEX-RN current pass, completion, & job placement rates

Current NCLEX Pass Rates

Year	Number of Students	NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
2017	40	87.50%
2018	24	83.33%
2019	37	97.2%

The Otero Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program and the LPN exit option is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing and the Colorado Community College System. Our AAS-Nursing is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).

What is a Traditional Program Schedule?

In the Traditional program, students are in class or lab two days a week in addition to clinical two days a week. Most clinical experiences are during the week. The course of study will align with the same timeline as students taking the Non-traditional schedule program.

Who are Traditional Schedule Students?

Traditional Schedule students are typically students who do not have outside obligations, such as families or jobs, thus allowing them to attend class during the week days and complete their clinical experiences during the week.

What is a Non-traditional Course of Study?

In the Non-traditional program, students are in class or lab two evenings a week. Most clinical experiences are on the weekends. The course of study will align with the same timeline as students taking the Traditional schedule program.

Who are Non-traditional Schedule Students?

Non-traditional Schedule students are usually students who have families, jobs, or other obligations that take their time during the daytime hours. These students often find that coming to nursing school two evenings a week and doing their clinical experience on weekends allows them the flexibility to meet their other life obligations.

How many nursing programs are there at Otero College?

There are three:

1. Nursing Assistant
2. Practical Nursing (LPN) exit option after year one of RN program (AAS in Nursing)
3. Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) Full-time and Part-time Program

How are the programs different?

The Nursing Assistant program provides the required training for theory, lab and clinical practice, to become a CNA (Certified Nurses Aide). It takes one semester or less.

The Practical Nursing Program provides the required training for theory, lab and clinical practice, to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). It takes two semesters of nursing courses and approximately 1 semester of pre-requisite courses.

The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing Program provides the required education for theory, lab and clinical practice, to become an RN (Registered Nurse). It takes 4 semesters of nursing courses and approximately 1 semester of pre-requisite courses.

The LPN to RN Bridge Program prepares the LPN transition to RN Program and takes approximately 3 semesters.

How do I apply for the Nurse Aide Program?

Complete an application to Otero College and register for the two required courses (NUA 101 & NUA 170)

Have official transcripts sent to Otero College from all other colleges attended.

Make an appointment with Student Services Center to take the basic entrance exam if needed.

How do I apply for the Practical or Registered Nursing Program?

As of January 16, 2009 all applications will be completed on-line through the Otero Online Nursing Application.

You must complete the pre-requisite general education courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher prior to applying on line. They are Human Anatomy & Physiology I, English Composition, Human Growth and Development, and Anatomy & Physiology II.

Can I apply for these programs anytime?

Admission selections continue each year until the program slots are filled or classes begin. Selection is based upon the date of application and completion of all admission criteria.

Does Otero give credit for having a Practical Nursing education and license?

Yes. According to the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model, if you have completed your Practical Nursing education and received your license in Colorado it would be equivalent to your first year of Otero’s ADN RN program courses. If you completed your Practical Nursing education in another state or at a technical college, contact the nursing Office for specific advanced credit allowed by the Articulation Model.

How much does the program cost?

Program Costs are subject to change from year to year. For the most complete list of costs please refer to the Nursing Student Manual.