General Information
University Hall
Telephone (719) 255-4420
www.uccs.edu/~bethel
Mission
Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a distinguished and innovative college providing excellence in education, scholarship, and practice in the health professions.
Vision
Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences will provide interdisciplinary leadership for new directions in health promotion and wellness, as well as illness care and disease prevention, in the community and beyond through innovation in education, practice, research, and scholarship for health science professionals.
Goals
- Provide high quality comprehensive undergraduate nursing, graduate nursing, and health sciences educational experiences designed to prepare students to meet the present and future health care needs and expectations of the public and to excel personally and professionally as local and global citizens
- Graduate culturally competent health care professionals who value diversity and lifelong learning and are prepared for leadership roles in a broad array of health care environments
- Integrate technology into teaching/learning, research, and operational processes
- Graduate competent health care professionals who value and integrate sustainability
- Invest in health care scholarship, practices, and educational processes that integrate the academic expectations/requirements of the faculty, student learning opportunities, and the health care needs of the community
- Integrate the roles of teaching, research, and service in the academic lives of faculty
- Create a climate of innovation and entrepreneurship that fosters excellence in health care practice, research, and scholarship
Accreditation
The Undergraduate Nutrition program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. The Baccalaureate Nursing Program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The Baccalaureate in Nursing, Master’s in Nursing, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The College also holds membership in the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Colorado Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Colorado Council of Nurse Educators, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau (Xi Phi Chapter).
Faculty
Dean: Nancy Smith; Associate Deans: Tim Behrens, Deborah Kenny; Chairs: Andrea Hutchins, Amy Silva-Smith; Professors: Kathryn Blair, Mary Ann Kluge, Nancy Smith; Associate Professors: Tim Behrens, Melissa Benton, Amanda Elder, Andrea Hutchins, Barbara Joyce, Deborah Kenny, Nanna Meyer, Amy Silva-Smith; Associate Professors, Clinical Teaching Track: Craig Elder; Assistant Professors: Cheryl Buening, Jay Dawes, Margaret Harris, Mary Jo Stanley; Assistant Professors, Clinical Teaching Track: Vicki Brownrigg, Gail Katz, Kerry Peterson, Carole Traylor; Assistant Professor, Research Track: Becky Lynch; Senior Instructors: K.C. Craig, Sue Davis, Eileen Gerrard-Gough, Marcia Hacker, Sherry Lee, Fred Lege, Denise Millot, Lynn Phillips, Kim Schenck, Val Sievers; Instructors: Deborah Beatty, Holly Bradshaw, Susan Finke, Ben Galatzan, Susan Garrett, Margie Hunt, Jess Kirby, Teresa McKay, Deborah Pina-Thomas, Mysha Tompkins, Deb Tuffield, Mary Claire Wahl.
The programs at the undergraduate and graduate level that are available for completion through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs are listed on the Programs of Study table.
Beth-El Academic Policies
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General Academic Policies
All students are responsible for knowing and following the provisions set forth in this Catalog, in the Schedule of Courses and in the College Student Handbook. It is also the responsibility of the student to know and observe program requirements and deadlines.
The Catalog that governs a student’s graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time of a student’s most recent admission into the college of the student’s degree program. The academic policies and regulations stated herein are in effect at the time this Catalog is published but may be subject to change.
In an effort to regularly enhance the programs offered as well as meet the needs of our students, changes are made periodically to the curricula. These changes may not be reflected in this Catalog. Students are encouraged to visit the website and the student handbook for current information.
Background Check
All nursing and health science students participating in any clinical/practicum placement will be required to participate in a background check at the time of admission or first clinical/practicum course. Drug screens are also required of all nursing students. If the student is unable to pass or successfully appeal a negative background check, he/she will not be able to continue in the course and the program. Inability to participate in clinical/practicum experiences will force withdrawal from nursing or health science programs.
Computer Competency Requirements
Students are expected to have basic computer skills upon entering the College. If not, students can take a computer literacy course to count for general education elective credit.
Course Pass/Fail Registration
With the exception of NURS 2990 or 3990, students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences may not use courses taken on a pass/fail basis to satisfy degree requirements.
Grading Policies
Incomplete Grades: Please refer to the Academic Policies, Registration, and Records section of this Catalog for an explanation of incomplete grades.
Standards of Performance: Undergraduate
To remain in good academic standing, undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative CU grade point average of 2.0 or better for all courses attempted. In addition, no course grade below a C- is applicable to the degree program. For nursing students, no course grade below a C is allowed if the course is a required health science or nursing course.
Probation and Suspension Policy
Academic Probation for Nursing Students
Students may be placed on academic probation if their CU GPA falls below 2.0 or if they receive a grade below a C in required health science or nursing courses for the first time. They may continue with required courses unless the failed course/courses are prerequisites for upcoming courses. In that case, the failed course/courses must be repeated prior to progressing. If the failed course/courses are general education courses, the students must meet with the Advisor in the Student Success Center to create a plan for future success. Students may remain on academic probation for a maximum of three semesters. If, by the end of their third semester of probation, their CU GPA has not been raised to 2.0 or better, they will be subject to suspension from the College. Note: For Nursing, please consult the Nursing Student Handbook policies.
Academic Probation for Health Sciences Students
Students may be placed on academic probation if their CU GPA falls below 2.0 or if they received a grade below a C- in required health science courses for the first time. They may continue with required courses unless the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- are prerequisites for upcoming courses. In that case, the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- must be repeated prior to progressing. If the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- are general education courses, the students must meet with the Advisor in the Student Success center to create a plan for future success. Students may remain on academic probation for a maximum of three semesters. If, by the end of their third semester of probation, their CU GPA has not been raised to 2.0 or better, they will be subject to suspension from the College.
Academic Probation for Health Sciences Students in the Nutrition Option
Students in the Nutrition Option may be placed on academic probation if their CU GPA falls below 2.8 or if they receive a grade below a C- in any required courses for the first time. They may continue with required courses unless the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- are prerequisites for upcoming courses. In that case, the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- must be repeated prior to progressing. If the course/courses in which they received a grade below a C- are general education courses, the students must meet with the Advisor in the Student Success Center to create a plan for future success. Students may remain on academic probation for a maximum of two semesters. If, by the end of their second semester of probation, their CU GPA has not been raised to 2.8 or better, they will be subject to suspension from the College.
Clinical Probation for Nursing Students
Unsatisfactory clinical performance may result in student clinical probation. The student must consistently improve all clinical performance ratings to satisfactory by the date determined by the clinical faculty member to pass the course. It is possible to receive a failing grade in clinical without having previously been placed on probation. Clinical failure constitutes failure of the entire course, regardless of academic scores on theory content.
Academic Suspension for Undergraduate Nursing Students
Two failures of any required nursing core and/or specialty courses of two credits or greater will result in dismissal from the College. Students may petition in writing to the Undergraduate Nursing Admissions and Progressions Committee for re-admission to the College within 30 calendar days. Dismissal from the Undergraduate Nursing Program does not imply dismissal from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Academic Suspension for Health Sciences Students
Receiving a grade below a C- for two required health sciences core and/or specialty courses of two credits or greater will result in dismissal from the College. Students may petition in writing to the Department Chair for re-admission to the College within 30 calendar days. Dismissal from the Health Sciences Program does not imply dismissal from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to graduate with a BS in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, a student must:
- Be admitted into the degree major at least 30 credits prior to graduation
- Grades: see Standards of Performance above
- Complete the Writing Portfolio as outlined in the Academic Policies, Registration, and Records section of this Catalog
- Satisfactorily complete any previously identified University designated assessments
Undergraduate Admission
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Nursing
Students who have a previous conviction for a felony as well as some misdemeanors may not be eligible to be placed in clinical assignments and may be ineligible for a license as a Registered Nurse in Colorado, even if they complete a degree in nursing. Contact the Colorado State Board of Nursing for additional information prior to application to Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Admission Criteria for Students Applying as Freshmen
- An un-weighted GPA of 3.0 or better in high school course units
- Composite score of 24 or higher on the ACT or a total score of 1080 on the SAT
Nursing Prep Students
Students who meet admission criteria are admitted into the Nursing program under Nursing Prep. Nursing Prep students complete general education requirements.
There are limited clinical facilities in Colorado Springs, which limits how many students we can accept into clinical courses. Students in the Nursing Prep major are expected to complete all first level courses maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Individual progress will be reviewed every semester by the Academic Advisor. Once the student has completed the first level courses with a GPA of 3.0, the student should contact the Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center to apply to the nursing major.
This application would include the following:
- Completion of Intent to Apply
- Completion of a background check
- Completion of a Pre-Admission Exam
The Pre-Admission Assessment Exam tests the course material the student has completed during the first level course work. The admission committee will review all applicants at that time to determine who will be accepted as a nursing major. Students who are accepted as a nursing major will start their second year course work and continue to progress through the curriculum. Those students who are not selected for admission may change their major to another field of study, apply to another school, or choose to apply the following semester. Students are only allowed to apply twice and will be considered along with all of the other students applying with no preferential consideration because they are seeking admission again. Due to the limited number of clinical spots available, selection will be determined based on GPA and grade on Pre-Admission Assessment Exam. More than four years may be required to complete the program. Nursing Prep students must meet with their Academic Advisor prior to registration for any semester.
Pre-Nursing Students
Students not admitted directly into the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences may still be admitted to UCCS under the College of Letters Arts and Sciences Pre-Nursing program. Pre-Nursing students are encouraged to complete an Intent to Apply when requirements are met. Those requirements are completion of the first year curriculum within four semesters and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Once the criteria have been met, the student should meet with the Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center to apply to the nursing major. This application would include the following:
- Completion of Intent to Apply
- Completion of a background check
- Completion of a Pre-Admission Assessment Exam
The Pre-Admission Assessment Exam tests the course material the student has completed during the first level course work. The admission committee will review all applicants at that time to determine who will be accepted as a nursing major. Admission eligibility to the University of Colorado does not constitute a guarantee of enrollment in any specific nursing program.
Accelerated BSN Program
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field may be eligible to apply for the accelerated BSN program. The cumulative GPA must be at least 2.5 or higher and a passing score on the pre-admission assessment test in order to be considered for this program. All required general education, pre-requisite courses and degrees must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the application year. Contact accbsn@uccs.edu for specific information.
RN to BSN and Dual Enrollment
RN to BSN
A registered nurse with an associate degree or diploma can choose the RN to BSN curriculum option. Beth-El participates in the Colorado articulation plan which facilitates mobility from one educational program to another. Each student will have variations in the plan due to completion of course work prior to entering Beth-El or due to scheduling variation (full-time or part-time). RN students are advised to apply to the nursing program prior to completion of general education requirements. Include a copy of RN License with application and a letter from the clinical manager stating that the applicant has completed 1,000 clinical hours in the last 3 years. If the applicant is within 3 years of graduation a letter is not necessary. This program is offered online; pre-requisites are not necessarily offered online.
Dual Enrollment
The Dual Enrollment is for students who are currently enrolled in a Colorado associate degree nursing program. After completing first semester courses, the individual may apply to start course work towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing while completing their associate degree in nursing. Dual Enrollment requires a cumulative 2.5 GPA and letter of support from a faculty member within the student’s current nursing program stating that the student is in good standing.
Health Sciences
Admission Criteria for Students Applying as Freshmen
- Rank in the upper 40% of high school graduating class
- An un-weighted GPA of 2.8 or better in suggested high school course units
- Composite score of 24 on the ACT or a total score of 1080 on the SAT
Freshmen applicants whose records vary in any way from the above admissions criteria will be considered on an individual basis by evaluation of their overall academic records including (a) the quality of their high school program of study; (b) the level of their college entrance test scores (SAT or ACT); and (c) any information unique to an individual situation.
Pre-Health Care Students
Students not admitted directly into the College of Nursing and Health Sciences may still be admitted to UCCS under the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Care program. Freshmen admitted to the Pre-Health Care program may apply to transfer to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences once 30 credit hours have been completed at UCCS with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Students entering UCCS as freshmen may apply to transfer to the Nutrition Option in Health Sciences once 30 credit hours of courses have been completed at UCCS with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better. Contact the Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center for details. Students who have completed 60 or more credits at UCCS without achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better are no longer eligible for admission to Health Sciences. Students who have completed 60 or more credits at UCCS without achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better are no longer eligible for admission to the Nutrition Option in Health Sciences.
Admission eligibility to the University of Colorado does not constitute a guarantee of enrollment in any specific health care science program.
Suggested High School Course Units for Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences Students
| English |
4 years |
| Math-College Prep |
3 years |
| Chemistry |
1 year |
| Biological Science |
1 year |
| Non-lab Science |
1 year |
| Social Sciences |
2 years |
| Foreign Language |
2 years |
| Academic Electives |
1 year |
Allied Health Completion Option
This upper division completion option is available for students who have completed training in allied health areas such as radiation technology, dental hygiene, medical technician, paramedic, respiratory therapy, etc. Students must complete a certificate or an associate’s degree in an allied health area from an accredited program other than UCCS that includes at least 40 training credit hours in order to complete the porfolio requirement of this option. Since this is a completion option, students are not admitted to this option as freshman.
Transfer Students: Nursing
Students who have attended a collegiate institution other than CU may apply as transfer students if they have completed 24 credit hours of transferable college level work. Applicants for the nursing program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Transfer students must be in good standing and eligible to return to all institutions previously attended. While transferability of credit is determined by the Admissions Office, final application to the degree program is determined by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students who meet admission criteria are admitted into the Nursing program under Nursing Prep. Students who are admitted to the Nursing Preparation Program with a 3.0 GPA must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Once the first level course work is completed with a 3.0 GPA, they may apply for admission to the nursing program as a nursing major.
This application would include the following:
- GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Completion of Intent to Apply
- Completion and passing of a criminal background check
- Completion of a Pre-Admission Assessment Exam
Transfer Students: Health Sciences
Students who have attended a collegiate institution other than UCCS or who have been admitted to a different college within UCCS may apply to transfer into the Health Sciences program once 30 credit hours have been completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Students who have completed 30 or more credits at UCCS without achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if additional hours may be completed before they are no longer eligible for admission to Health Sciences. While transferability of credits is determined by the Office of Admissions, final application to the degree program is determined by the Department of Health Sciences.
Transfer Students: Nutrition Option in Health Sciences
Students who have attended a collegiate institution other than UCCS, or who have been admitted to a different college within UCCS, may apply to transfer into the Nutrition Option in the Health Sciences program once 30 credit hours have been completed at UCCS with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better and their cumulative GPA, including transfer courses, is 2.8 or better. Students who have completed 30 or more credits at UCCS without achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if additional hours may be completed before they are no longer eligible for admission to the Nutrition option in Health Sciences. While transferability of credits is determined by the Office of Admissions, final application to the degree program is determined by the Department of Health Sciences.
Transfer Students: Allied Health Completion Option
Students who have attended a collegiate institution other than UCCS or who have been admitted to a different college within UCCS may apply to transfer into the Allied Health Completion Option in the Health Sciences program once 30 credit hours have been completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better AND their allied health portfolio has been approved by the Department of Health Sciences. Students who have completed 30 or more credits at UCCS without achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.5 will no longer be eligible for admissions to Health Sciences due to ongoing inability to meet the academic standard for admission Students who have completed 30 or more credits at UCCS without meeting the academic standard for admission to Health Sciences can request a review of their academic record on a case-by-case basis to determine if additional hours may be completed to try and meet the academic standard for admission to Health Sciences. While transferability of credits is determined by the Office of Admissions, final application to the degree program is determined by the Department of Health Sciences.
Returning Students: Nursing
Students who were previously admitted into the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences and who must reapply, must meet the admission criterion of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. If no clinical courses have been completed, students will be readmitted into Nursing Prep to complete general education requirements and await availability of clinical spot. If clinical courses have been completed, assessment of clinical skills may be required with determination of clinical placement based upon the assessment and availability of clinical spot.
Extended Studies
The Extended Studies Program for the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, BEES, provides a variety of accessible educational opportunities in traditional and non-traditional formats with a focus on career development as well as advancement and enhancement of personal knowledge and professional experience. Additionally, BEES offers the acquisition of additional university credit for licensure, certification, and re-certification purposes. Many BEES credit classes are transferable to UCCS degree programs.
BEES serves as an educational outreach arm to the communities and individuals it serves, with on-campus, online and hybrid course formats. Courses are offered for both semester-hour credit and continuing educational units. Students benefit from outstanding instruction and the experience of participating in a university environment, whatever their educational background or experience. BEES also administers the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) education, RN-Refresher, Spanish/English Medical Interpreter, Community Paramedic, and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs.
BEES is a self-funded program and part of the Colorado Statewide Extended Campus. Contact by phone at (719) 255-4651 or by email at bees@uccs.edu. Additional program information and a list of current courses may be found at http://www.uccs.edu/bees.
Certificate Programs
Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers four levels of certificate programs: Professional Development Non-Credit, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-Master’s Certificates.
Students with master’s degrees in nursing may apply for these certificate programs: family, and adult/gerontology. Please request information from the College.
Certificate programs can be taken through the College department of Extended Studies.
Additional certificate program offerings:
- Correctional Health
- Forensic Nursing
- Disaster Public Health
Health Sciences
Undergraduate Major
Undergraduate Minor
Graduate Major
Nursing
Undergraduate Major
Graduate Major
Post Graduate
