Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Nancy Smith, Dean
University Hall, Room 128
Phone: (719) 255-4411
www.uccs.edu/~bethel/
Mission
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences (the College) 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 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
- 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 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). The undergraduate Strength & Conditioning option is a recognized education program by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Faculty
Dean: Nancy Smith; Associate Deans: Amy Silva-Smith, Jeff Spicher; Chairs: Deborah Pollard, Jacqueline Berning; Professors, tenure track: Jacqueline Berning, Kathryn Blair, Mary Ann Kluge, Nancy Smith; Professor Emerita: Mary Enzman-Hines, Jenenne Nelson; Associate Professors, tenure track: Melissa Benton, Amanda Elder, Margaret Harris, Andrea Hutchins, Deborah Kenny, Nanna Meyer, Deborah Pollard, Amy Silva-Smith; Assistant Professors, tenure track: James Dawes, Helen Graham, Morgan Lee, Keston Lindsay, Kathy Prue-Owens, Judith Martin Scott; Associate Professors, clinical teaching track: Craig Elder, Jeff Spicher; Assistant Professors, clinical teaching track: Becky Lynch, Lynn Phillips, Carole Traylor; Instructors, clinical practice track: Jennifer Jones, Mary Ann Kates, Teresa Littlefield, Sylvia Metzger, Judi Wanyama, Paige Whitney; Senior Instructors: Lynne Bryant, Kay Craig, Sue Davis, Ben Galatzan, Eileen Gerrard-Gough, Jessica Kirby, Sherry Lee, Denise Millot, Kim Schenck, Debbie Tuffield, Mary Claire Wahl; Instructors: Gina Burton, Susan Finke, Susan Garrett, Cheryl Hawkinson, Margaret Hunt, Denise Lecompte, Sherry McCormick, Janol Montroy, Denise Ostovich, Deborah Pina-Thomas, Mysha Tompkins, Ivana Young.
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.
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 website for student handbooks and 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
Incomplete Grades: Please refer to the Academic Policies, Registration, and 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 undergraduate nursing students, no course grade below a C is allowed if the course in a required health science or nursing course.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 suspension from the College.
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 health science or nursing courses. 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
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. 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.
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 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 spots available, selection will be determined based on GPA and grade 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 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 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. 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. The College 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 coursework prior to entering the College 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 and a 2.5 GPA. 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. Check our website for current authorized states.
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 coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing while completing their associate degree in nursing. Dual Enrollment requires a cumulative 2.5 GPA. Check website for current authorized states.
RN Refresher
The RN Refresher course will help out-of-practice nurses feel current and technologically up to date. Past RN Refresher students repeatedly express the feelings of security and self-assurance that they received from taking this course. If you want to reenter the health care profession as an RN, or if you feel intimidated by recent changes in technology, join our RN Refresher course and gain the skills to become an effective registered nurse.
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.
Suggested High School Course Units for Helen and Arthur E. Johnson 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. To be accepted into the program, 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 portfolio requirement of this option. Since this is a completion option, students are not admitted to this option as freshman, and must submit their allied health portfolio before being admitted.
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 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.
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