CCU?

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Oct 26, 2010

I had never heard of them until your post, and I lived in Lakewood too. Their web site says they are seeking accreditation. I'd make sure of that first. Sorry can't say more than that.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2010

Never heard of them.

But according to the CO BON: http://www.dora.state.co.us/NURSING/education/RN-PassRatesAssociate.pdf

CCU has yet to send more than 10 students per year to test NCLEX and have been unwilling to release their NCLEX pass rate. They are not currently accredited. Anyone can seek accreditation, but having it is what matters.

There are WAY too many RN schools in CO for the market. 1/3 of them are great 1/3 of them are good, and 1/3 of them are somewhat sketch because of shady business practices or unaccredited short term existence: (like University of Pheonix, CTU, Concord, NAU). I'd recommend finding a reputable community college or nonprofit university. There's too many new grads in CO. Finding job is hard enough.

IBCLCLittletonJenn · Oct 27, 2010

I start in January. I heard about the new program when it was still really hush hush. I refrained from posting about it on here since I have classmates still waiting to hear if they get to start. There won't be accreditation until the first class of BSN students take the NCLEX. It was started by one of the founders of the Regis nursing program, Dr. Barbara White. I don't see how this program would be any different than when CU or Regis when they first started nursing programs. I initially was going to apply to CU and Regis but knew that was a pipe dream with how popular those programs are. CCU has different prerequisites and on a whim, I dropped Chemistry at ACC and transferred to CCU less than a week before classes were to begin this fall. I’m thrilled I did. I love the five and ten week courses. The new BSN program is aimed for working people or stay at home parents. As of now, we will have 3-4 two day blocks of clinicals, which begin in May every ten weeks. Our class will graduate in May 2013-27 month program. I love the people over there and have been very impressed with CCU all around. I’m thrilled to be starting and not sit around and wait till I get in elsewhere. If there's 300 people applying for 30 spots at some schools or whatever the percentage is...it doesn't seem like there are enough nursing programs-I know there are too many graduates for the market though. When I interviewed at DSON, they had people flying here from all over the country to go there. CCU's nursing program is based at the North Glenn campus, clinicals at one institution closest to where you live and some online courses. I couldn't be happier:heartbeat I got lucky, their numbers are through the roof aready with applicants.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2010

There won't be accreditation until the first class of BSN students take the NCLEX.

You might want to do more research about your school if you think it is a BSN program. As of September 2010, CCU does not even possess interim approval from the Colorado Board of Nursing to operate a BSN initial licensure program. (Source: http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/education/RNprograms.pdf ) Interim Approval is what a school needs to even admit and graduate students who can be licensed as RNs in Colorado during the first 2-3 years of operation.

As near as I can tell from the COBON website, CCU only has received CO BON interim approval for their LPN->ASN/RN associates program and is due to either sink or swim as it were.

I don't see how this program would be any different than when CU or Regis when they first started nursing programs.

You mean in 1948 (Regis/LHSON) and 1920 (CU)? Both have been specifically NLNAC/CCNE accredited since the early 50s.

I initially was going to apply to CU and Regis but knew that was a pipe dream with how popular those programs are. CCU has different prerequisites and on a whim, I dropped Chemistry at ACC and transferred to CCU less than a week before classes were to begin this fall.

Also, that there is no Chemistry req is a bad thing and non-conducive to accreditation as most BSN programs are adding it since CCNE and ANA are strongly recommending it. That's why Regis has had it and CU just added it.

Frankly, I wonder about the academic standards of a school that requires their BS Biology Majors to take this class:

BIO 301 - Evolutionary Theory

Definitions, philosophical problems, critique of evidences, postulated mechanisms, phylogenetic pathways, and analysis of the biblical texts relating to creation.

With a little more reading, I've learned that CCU is an evangelical school that requires their students to be Christians and requires them to attend the campus chapel a minimum number of times or face fines... unless minimum church attendance is met, you can't graduate. For that reason alone, I wouldn't be allowed to attend.

IBCLCLittletonJenn · Oct 27, 2010

My posts really bothered you huh? Looks like you went back and dissected it to get out what you had to. Obviously, you are not attending Regis since that's a "religious" institution. For the record, no one ever has asked me what my religious affiliation was or if I was religious at all. I guess it depends on how bad you want to get into a program. Personally, you sound very intolerant and I wonder how you will do with patients that hold different beliefs than you do. That's just my impression. Most everyone starting the program has already fulfilled the same prerequisites as everyone else for schools like CU and Regis and have been sitting around waiting for acceptance elsewhere. This program is just starting. Just because Chemistry is not a prerequisite now, doesn't mean that it won't be in the future. CCU is aimed at courses that we will actually use. I took Healthcare Informatics, Patho and Micro this past block and start Human Genetics and Genomics the 1st. It's all been very useful and something I will use when I am practicing.

CCU should be getting their official letter from AACN-CCNE anytime now. The site visit was in April and we were 100% compliant so Drs. White and Dewitt see no reason CCU should not be receiving accreditation. As far as CBON, I'm sure if it's a requirement it's being taken care of. I also don't think most of the hospitals, let alone Children's would agree to hold clinicals there if we weren't a compliant university, that's common sense. Sounds like I ruffled your feathers because this just means more competition for you, which you clearly have a problem with. Have a great day:)

Edited to add that the CAGS doesn't fit into the attending chapel services...I've never heard of such a thing.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2010

Your post yesterday is inspired me to learn about CCU.

Oh, I don't have a problem with religious institutions in general. I do have a problem with Focus on The Family and their anti-gay, anti-feminist, anti-evolution, pro-Christian prayer-in-public-school agenda. When I realized that CCU works directly with FOTF, has them as speakers, uses them to teach courses, and promotes their agenda of intolerance... well I that kind of ruffles my feathers. I guess I'm just intolerant of intolerance. :yeah:

And I don't have academic respect for a school that openly makes creationism an upper division biological science requirement instead of a philosophy or religious studies class. I guess that makes me intolerant of masquerading faith as science.

Anyhow, you'd better check on that CO BON thing. It's pretty important if you actually want to become a licensed nurse in CO. Good luck! :)

IBCLCLittletonJenn · Oct 27, 2010

According to Dr. White,

Here is her response:

"We have phase 2 interim approval from the CBON and we're in the continual accreditation process. As soon as official notifications are made, we will appear on the website."

I also just got an email from my advisor we now have full AACN-CCNE accreditation, if it's not on the website it's because it just happened and nothing has been updated. Just posting so people don't get bad information on what the program is all about. The College of Adult and Grauate studies is what the nuring program falls under. We don't have the same "rules" as everyone else. We don't have mandatory chapel times. It is true it is Christian based and teachings are incorporated into our courses but that's just fine with me. It's all applied and done with good taste. I mde the decision I didn't have a problem with that and was thrilled to be in the very first class! I have applied the requirements for the BSN at CCU for those interested.

BSN Nursing Program Classes-4.pdf

kbcg · Oct 27, 2010

Hi Penny82, I'm also going to be in the first cohort for CCU. I have been slowly taking prerequisites since it's important for me to also be mom for my little guys, and was beginning to look at what programs I was really going to apply to when I found out about CCU's program. I have been very impressed so far with what I know and can't wait to get started! I really appreciate the approach of allowing their students to have a life outside of school. :yeah: The admission requirements are a little tougher, you have to have a 3.25, take the TEAS, write an essay, 2 letters of recommendation, and interview. I think they're already pretty tough with the requirements because it's going to quickly become competetive, but they are great to work with and open to answering my many questions.

I was also concerned about accreditation before I applied, spoke with Dr. White directly, and she confirmed just what I wanted to know...that they were in the final stages of accreditation. Now I hear they have received the letter, so that's great news!

I think wherever you choose should be a good fit. For example, I don't think SummitAP would work very well at CCU! And that's great, we all have our own belief systems we will bring into our job and education, no matter what they are. What we are going to learn is how to serve and help people, while seeing them as a whole person, not just a "case" that needs to be solved.

I have studied enough topics that I don't necessarily agree with and survived...however, now I am thrilled to be studying science through what I know is true without facing condescension and judgment. I don't think science and faith are mutually exclusive either. SummitAP I don't want you to pin all Christ followers under one umbrella. Nobody is perfect so it's not fair to look at a human being as the ultimate example of how to live. People will ALWAYS fail you!

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2010

Well, I now will certainly admit that it sounds like the nursing program is on the up and up as far as approvals and accreditation. Interesting that the nursing division operates under separate rules from the main school. Thanks for clearing that up IBCLC! :)

However, I still don't personally have much respect for CCU itself because of the clear anti-evolution stance and the association with FOTF.

kbcq: I have no problem with all "Christ followers" as you put it, just certain ones... Jim Daly et al.... Bruce Chapman and his crowd...

And science and faith are not mutually exclusive, but faith rejecting actual science while representing faith as "the real science" is faith refusing to coexist with science as surely as a militant atheist refuses to coexist with faith.

Penny82 · Oct 28, 2010

Thanks for all of the info on both sides of the spectrum. I don't think this school is a good fit for me. Good luck to those in the program.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Feb 11, 2011

Thanks Summit for directing me here. I will be getting my RN from Front range which is an accredited school. I am only looking at CCR for the RN-BSN program. I talked to the gal today and she said that church attendance is not required. But that their classes are Christian based. (which I expected since it's a christian university) but since I am already going to be an RN I am more concerned about just getting the actual BSN degree since a lot of jobs are starting to want to gear that way. When it comes to that aspect, the BSN degree is just as good as getting your BSN at UNC or Regis isn't it? I mean it's a BSN from a legit college correct? (asking seriously because I don't know the ins and outs about that aspect)

I graduate from my current college in May and will be able to take my boards for the RN right after that.

UNC just changed a lot of the requirements for their RN-BSN program so I might look back into that but so far I am not impressed with the lady running it. I have sent her 4 emails over the past year and she has never replied to one of them. I had 4 other people in my class tell me the same thing. It looks like UNC is no longer requiring Organic Chem and Inorganic Chem. I already have those classes done though.