Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kevin Laudner, Dean
University Hall, Room 128
Phone: (719) 255-3771
https://johnsonbethel.uccs.edu/
Mission
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson 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
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson 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 and graduate educational experiences in nursing, physiology, nutrition, and health sciences 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
- 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
- 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 Degree Program in Nursing, Master’s Degree Program in Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program 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). The undergraduate and graduate programs in Strength & Conditioning option are recognized education programs by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Faculty
Dean: Kevin Laudner
Associate Deans: Deborah Pollard and Jefferson Spicher
Assistant Dean: Paige Whitney
Chairs: Jacqueline Berning, Deborah Pollard and Andrew Subudhi
Associate Chair: Carole Traylor
Professors, tenure track: Melissa Benton, Jacqueline Berning, Kathryn Blair, Amanda Elder, Kevin Laudner, Amy Silva-Smith, and Andrew Subudhi
Associate Professors, tenure track: Jeffrey Broker, Margaret Harris, Andrea Hutchins, Kathy Liu, Nanna Meyer, James Pearson, and Deborah Pollard
Assistant Professors, tenure track: Brynn Adamson, Marissa Baranauskas, Katie Busby, Allison Findlay, Helen Graham, Robert Jacobs, Jessica Kirby, Joseph Lee, Keston Lindsay, Nathan Morris, Deborah Pina-Thomas, Kathy Prue-Owens, Judith Scott, and Jennifer Zohn
Professor, clinical practice track: Stephen Johnson
Associate Professor, clinical teaching track: Jefferson Spicher
Assistant Professors, clinical teaching track: Natasha Erb, John Frerichs, Seth Lummus, Sherry McCormick, Lynn Phillips, Natasha Smith-Holmquist, Carole Traylor, Deborah Tuffield, and Kristen Vandenberg
Instructors, clinical teaching track: Sean Svette
Instructors, clinical practice track: Diana Albor, Katherine Barger, Summer Hiett, Mary Ann Kates, and Teresa Littlefield
Senior Instructors: Sabine Allenspach, Rebecca Bryant, Gina Burton, Susan Davis, Susan Finke, Gregory Maruzzella, Hollis Morgione, Margaret Hunt, Daniel Lykins, Mysha Tompkins, and Mary Claire Wahl
Senior Instructor, clinical practice track: Paige Whitney
Instructors: James Scott Browne, Steven Ferguson, Daniel Hutchison, Lorinda Lindemulder, Lindsey Nelson, Denise Ostovich, Hazel Reyes, Camilla Sampson, Chad Sekutera and Ivana Young
Associate Professor, research: Iñigo San Millan
Professor Emeriti: Mary Enzman-Hines, Mary Ann Kluge, and Jenenne Nelson
Associate Professor Emerita: Barbara Joyce
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 table.
College Academic Policies
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All students are responsible for knowing and following the provisions set forth in this Catalog, in the Registration Handbook, and in the College Student Handbooks. 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 college website for current information.
Background Check and Drug Screening
All nursing and health science students participating in any clinical/practicum placement will be required to participate in a background check as directed. 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
As of fall 2021, undergraduate degree seeking students are eligible to request grade forgiveness for a limited number of courses with grades of C- or below after repeating the same course at UCCS. Refer to Academic Policies, Course Registration, and Student Records - Grade Forgiveness for policy details, process, and procedure.
President’s and Dean’s List Criteria
The criteria for the president’s and dean’s lists are as follows:
- President’s list: 4.0 grade point average.
- Dean’s list: 3.75-3.99 grade point average.
- Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during a regular semester (fall or spring).
The dean notifies awarded students by letter.
Incomplete Grades: Please refer to the Academic Policies, Course Registration, and Student Records section of this Catalog for an explanation of incomplete grades.
Standards of Performance: Nursing 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 prelicensure undergraduate nursing students, no course grade below a C is allowed if the course is a required Human Physiology and Nutrition, Nursing, statistics, or approved equivalent courses.
Probation and Suspension Policy
Academic Probation for Nursing Prep 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 a required course 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 Academic Advising 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 for policies.
Academic Probation for Health Sciences Students
Students may be placed on academic probation if their CU GPA falls below 2.0. 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 Academic Advising 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 immediate 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. 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 Academic Advising 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 immediate suspension from the College.
Academic Probation for Human Physiology and Nutrition Students
Students may be placed on academic probation if their CU GPA falls below 2.0. 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 Academic Advising 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 immediate suspension from the College.
Academic Probation for Nursing Students
Students who hold a clinical nursing seat in the nursing program 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 course. Unsatisfactory clinical performance may also 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
Students must maintain a “C” (74%) or better in all required nursing courses. Students with one course failure (this applies only to NURS XXXX, non-elective, 3 credit or greater classes), including failures related to safety or professional conduct in any undergraduate nursing option, can no longer progress in the nursing program. If students incur a course failure they may appeal once through the Admissions and Progressions Committee for continuation in the nursing program.
All first and second year courses must be completed before progressing to NURS 3100 or NURS 3200. If a failure to progress is greater than one academic year, the student must reapply to the nursing program.
Academic Suspension for Health Sciences Students
Failure to maintain a CU GPA of at least 2.0 for three consecutive semesters will result in immediate suspension from the College. Students may petition in writing to the Department Chair for re-admission to the College within 30 calendar days of the end of the terminal semester. Dismissal from the College does not imply dismissal from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Academic Suspension for Human Physiology and Nutrition Students
Failure to maintain a CU GPA of at least 2.0 for three consecutive semesters will result in immediate suspension from the College. Students may petition in writing to the Department Chair for re-admission to the College within 30 calendar days of the end of the terminal semester. Dismissal from the College 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. A Background Check Policy is provided in the Nursing College Student Handbook and on the Nursing College webpage. Contact the Colorado State Board of Nursing for additional information prior to application to Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Only two applications to the pre-licensure BSN undergraduate nursing program will be allowed in a four-year period.
Admission Criteria for Students Applying as Freshmen
- A 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 (prior to March 2016) or 1150 (after March 2016) on the SAT
Nursing Prep Students
Students who meet admission criteria are admitted into the Nursing College under Nursing Prep. Nursing Prep students complete general education requirements.
There are limited clinical facilities in Colorado Springs, which limits how many students can be accepted 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 Academic Advising to apply to the nursing major.
This application would include the following:
- Completion of the Traditional BSN Clinical Application
- Completion of a background check
- Completion of the Admission Assessment Exam
The Admission Assessment Exam tests the course material the student has completed during the first level coursework. 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 coursework 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 seats available, selection will be determined based on GPA and scores on the 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.
If a Nursing Prep or Nursing Intent Student opts to take a NURS XXXX course prior to admission to a Traditional Clinical BSN seat and earns a C- or lower, the student’s performance will be considered during the final selection process and may jeopardize the student’s standing in the application cohort.
Nursing Intent Students
Students not admitted directly into the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences may still be admitted to UCCS in University Studies. Students are encouraged to complete the pre-requisite courses and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. When ready to apply for clinical nursing, the student should meet with the Nursing Advisor in Academic Advising. Eligibility to apply and be considered for a clinical nursing seat would include the completion of:
- Traditional BSN Clinical Application
- Background check
- Admission Assessment Exam
The Admission Assessment Exam tests the course material the student has completed during the first level coursework. The Admissions and Progressions 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 Colorado Springs does not constitute a guarantee of enrollment in any specific nursing program.
If a Nursing Prep or Nursing Intent Student opts to take a NURS XXXX course prior to admission to a Traditional Clinical BSN seat and earns a C- or lower, the student’s performance will be considered during the final selection process and may jeopardize the student’s standing in the application cohort.
Accelerated BSN Option
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 Admission Assessment Exam 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. All science courses should be less than 10 years old. Waivers of the 10 year requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis upon verification of applicable work experience in the science field. The applicant has the responsibility to initiate the request for a waiver and supporting documentation as requested to the nursing recruiters or nursing advisors.
Nursing, RN-BSN
The RN to BSN option is designed for Registered Nurses who hold an unrestricted license and wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Classes are online and part-time so you may work full-time during the program.
The Dual Enrollment RN to BSN option is designed for students currently enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program at a community college who would like to begin working on their Bachelor of Science in Nursing simultaneously. Dual Enrollment means you continue to take courses toward your ADN while also taking courses at UCCS online that will count towards obtaining a BSN.
BSN Program Requirements
Clinical Requirements for Students in the BSN Program
Nursing students are required to upload documentation of the following clinical requirements to MyClinical Exchange. The documentation of these requirements for clinical will be reviewed by faculty and staff associated with our clinical agencies.
- Active, unencumbered RN License (for RN-to-BSN students only) unless dual enrolled
- Current CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Baseline testing for Tuberculosis or Tuberculosis screening form
- Evidence of two MMR immunizations if born after 1957 or titers indicating immunity to all three diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Completion of Hepatitis B series or titer demonstrating immunity
- Completion of two injection Varicella immunization or titer demonstrating immunity
- Verification of current health care insurance
- Completion of a tetanus containing vaccine every 10 years (Td or Tdap). One Tdap as an adult is required.
- Criminal Background Check cleared for Admission
- Negative drug screen
- Annual Flu Vaccine
BSN graduates are eligible to apply to the Colorado State Board of Nursing for RN licensure by examination with NCLEX-RN Exam.
BSN Curriculum Plan for Traditional Baccalaureate Nursing Students
First Year
- GPS 1010 - Gateway Program Seminar
- CHEM 1201 - Introduction to Chemistry or CHEM 1221 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- CHEM 1211 - Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry or CHEM 1221 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- ENGL 1310 - Rhetoric and Writing I
- ENGL 1410 - Rhetoric and Writing II: Argument and Research
- HPNU 3050 - Human Anatomy
- HPNU 3060 - Human Physiology
- PSY 1000 - General Psychology
- Global Social Elective
Total Hours: 31-33 credit hours
Note: General Education Elective recommended.
All first year courses must be completed prior to progressing to second year clinical courses.
Second Year
Total Hours: 36 credit hours
Note: All second year courses must be completed prior to progressing to third year clinical courses.
Third Year
- Nursing/Health Science Elective
- Humanities Elective (3 credits)
- NURS 2060 - Statistics for Nurses
- NURS 3100 - Mental Health Nursing
- NURS 3200 - Nursing Care of Adults I
- NURS 3210 - Nursing Care of Adults II
- NURS 4010 - Nursing Research
- NURS 4300 - Leadership and Management
Total:33 credit hours
Note: Humanities and general education elective recommended. All third year courses must be completed prior to progressing to fourth year clinical courses.
Fourth Year
- General Education Elective (3 credits)
- Humanities Elective (3 credits)
- NURS 4100 - Nursing Care of Children
- NURS 4200 - Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
- NURS 4290 - Medical/Surgical Nursing Capstone
- NURS 4400 - Public Health Nursing: Population Focused Care
Total:30 credit hours
Note: Humanities elective and general education elective recommended.
Total Program Credit Hours: 127
BSN Accelerated Option
This 16-month nursing program is designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in another field and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). All required general education, prerequisite courses, and degrees must be completed by the end of the Fall semester of the application year. Refer to the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences website for application eligibility requirements, curriculum plan and information specific to the Accelerated BSN Option.
Continuing Students
Once BSN students have accepted an invitation for a clinical spot, their status will be changed from Nursing Prep to Nursing. The nursing curriculum is a very structured program and must be adhered to in order. Second year courses must be successfully completed prior to progression into third year courses. Third year courses must be successfully completed prior to progression into fourth year courses. If an interruption of courses occurs, students accept a Leave of Absence knowing that a possible delay in program completion may occur. Non-matriculating students only return on a space available basis. Returning students must make an appointment with the Academic Advisor or the Option Coordinator prior to registration.
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence requests must be made in writing to the Option Coordinator. Refer to the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences website for an explanation of the policy.
Health Sciences
Admission Criteria for Students Applying as Freshmen
- A GPA of 2.0 or better
- Composite score of 18 on the ACT or a total score of 840 (prior to March 2016) or 920 (after March 2016) on the SAT (92 index)
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)
(c) Any information unique to an individual situation
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. To be accepted into the program, students must complete a certificate or registration, which may include 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 portfolio requirement of this option. Since this is a completion option, it is suggested that students in this option first complete their training in allied health areas before being admitted.
Human Physiology and Nutrition
Admission Criteria for Students Applying as Freshmen
- A GPA of 2.0 or better
- Composite score of 18 on the ACT or a total score of 840 (prior to March 2016) or 920 (after March 2016) on the SAT (92 index)
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)
(c) Any information unique to an individual situation
Transfer Students: Nursing
Students who have attended a collegiate institution other than CU may apply as transfer student to UCCS 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 coursework 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 Traditional BSN Clinical Application
- 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 with a GPA of 2.0 or better. Students who have not achieved a GPA of 2.0 or better will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 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 with a GPA of 2.0 or better AND their allied health portfolio has been approved by the Department of Health Sciences. Students who have not achieved a GPA of 2.0 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Final application to the degree program is determined by the Department of Health Sciences.
Transfer Students: Human Physiology and Nutrition
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 Human Physiology and Nutrition programs as long as they have achieved a GPA of 2.0 or better. Students who have not achieved a GPA of 2.0 or better will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While transferability of credits is determined by the Office of Admissions, final application to the degree program is determined by the Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition.
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Doctorate of Nursing Practice
Master of Science - Health Science Graduate Programs
Master of Science - Human Physiology & Nutrition Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Nursing
Minor
Other Programs
