Bachelor's in Nursing Available for Traditional Undergraduate Students
Colorado Christian University is excited to announce a new pathway for traditional undergraduate students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Colorado Board of Nursing approved CCU's request to double its total number of BSN students, allowing for the launch of a Pre-Nursing pathway for students in the College of Undergraduate Studies.
Traditional undergraduate students accepted to the Pre-Nursing pathway will complete prerequisite courses through the College of Undergraduate Studies during their freshman and sophomore years. Upon successful completion of BSN admission requirements, pre-nursing students will have direct admission to the BSN program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions beginning their junior year. The first cohort is expected to start in fall 2019.
"At CCU, nursing is in our DNA. We equip the next generation of Christian nurses to become exceptionally compassionate and competent professionals who are leaders in the industry -- leaders ready to impact their world and transform healthcare by showing Christ's love as they minister to the needs of hurting people," said Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, president of Colorado Christian University.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The new pathway is designed for undergraduate students who are seeking licensure as a registered nurse through a traditional in-seat program. Grounded in not only liberal arts and sciences but also in biblical truth, the BSN curriculum will provide students with an intensive, state-of-the-art educational experience that combines theory, simulation, and clinical learning.
"We're excited for this new chapter in nursing education at Colorado Christian University," said Dr. Barbara White, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. "The Colorado Board of Nursing and our clinical partners recognize CCU's quality education and the servant-leader reputation our students have in the community. They have helped to make this expansion possible. At CCU, nursing is more than just a scientific discipline, it is a sacred calling. Nursing is ministry."
CCU has a history of more than a decade of providing high quality nursing education, starting its first nursing program in 2007. The University's BSN program for adult undergraduate students began in 2011, and has consistently produced graduates whose test scores have exceeded state and national averages for first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The most recent cohort had a 97 percent pass rate for first-time testers, 10 points above the national average.
Helping to facilitate the BSN program expansion is the November opening of CCU's School of Nursing and Health Professions Simulation Center in Lakewood, a 4,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.
Colorado is currently facing and is expected to continue to face a nursing shortage. According to forecasts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the state could face a shortfall of more than 4,000 nurses by 2025.
"The newly launched pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for traditional undergraduate students is an exciting opportunity to follow God's direction as He manifests His plan for CCU," said Dr. Kyle Usrey, vice president of Academic Affairs for the College of Undergraduate Studies. "The program is further validation of the University's commitment to provide a well-rounded, Christ-centered education to the future leaders of our country."
The College of Undergraduate Studies will immediately begin accepting applications for the fall 2019 cohort. For more information, visit www.ccu.edu/prenursing.