Nursing

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If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference, you might want to consider pursuing a career in Nursing by attending Lamar Community College.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. With nurses making up the majority of the industry, the demand for skilled Registered Nurses (RNs) is greater than ever. RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide guidance and support to patients and their family members.

As an RN, you will be making a difference in the lives of others, all while enjoying some of the highest starting salaries along with a wide range of employment locations and work schedules. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May of 2024, the median pay for RNs was $93,600 per year (equivalent to approximately $45.00 per hour).

LCC’s program is nationally accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The program offers a five-semester Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree (A.D.N.), which will prepare you for practice as an RN. With the successful completion of program requirements, you will be eligible to apply to test for RN licensure through the NCLEX-RN exam. Students also have the option to test for a Practical Nursing license at the end of the first year of the Nursing Program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

If you would like more information about the nursing program or have our CTE & Nursing Coordinator or Director of Nursing & Allied Health reach out to you, please click on the link below:

Lamar Community College Nursing Program Inquiry Form

Or call us at (719) 336-1594 to speak with the program coordinator or director today!

Please note: The PN option is not ACEN accredited. However, it is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and LCC graduates are eligible to take the Practical Nursing Boards (NCLEX-PN).

Degrees & Certificates

The LCC Nursing Program is an Associate Degree program comprised of two levels. Level I is the first year of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Students have the option to sit for the PN licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) upon the successful completion of Level I. Level II is the second year of the program. Students who have completed Level I may go directly on to Level II. Level II is also open to L.P.N.’s seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing and transfer students. Level II completers are awarded an A.A.S. Degree in Nursing and qualify to sit for the R.N. licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). For the Nursing degree plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. NOTE: Students must be 16 years of age or older to qualify to take the licensure examination. Over the course of five semesters of full-time coursework, students progress through a sequence of courses, moving from basic to complex. Theory classes are provided on campus, along with a significant number of lab hours in which students practice and perfect new skills for their profession. Students are provided a large number of clinical experiences from local nursing homes and hospitals to acute care experiences at a distance in adult health, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. The program is offered in a full-time format on the LCC campus, beginning in August and ending in May. This Associate Degree program is comprised of two levels. After successful completion of Level I, students have the option to sit for the PN licensure exam (NCLEX-PN). Level II is the second year of the program. Once students complete the program and become an RN, they are encouraged to continue their education to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Program graduates will be able to:

Provide safe, quality evidence-based patient-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings to diverse patient populations.
Engage in critical thinking and clinical reasoning to make patient-centered care decisions.
Implement quality measures to improve patient care.
Participate in collaborative relationships with members of the interdisciplinary team, the patient, and the patient’s support persons.
Use information management principles, techniques, and systems, and patient care technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
Provide leadership in a variety of healthcare settings for diverse patient populations.
Assimilate professional, legal, and ethical guidelines in practice as a professional nurse.
Promote a culture of caring to provide holistic, compassionate, culturally competent care.

See the full catalog page for Nursing, A.A.S.

The Nurse Aide certificate prepares a student to enter the nursing occupation at its most basic level, as a Nurse Aide. Successful completion of the course qualifies the student to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination. This program prepares students for employment as nurse aides in hospitals, skilled care and other health care facilities. Students will learn to become direct caregivers as a part of a team. Entering students must pass a background check through LCC prior to enrollment. Additionally, they must complete:

Pass drug and background check.
AHA CPR (Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers)
Provide documentation of immunization
- 2 Doses MMR or Titer
- 3 Doses Hepatitis B or Titer
- 2 Doses of Varicella or Titer
- Tdap
- COVID Vaccination
- Seasonal Flu Vaccine
- Current TB test

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Colorado National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) for certification through the Board of Nursing. Approximately an eight week course of study. Certificate recipients will be able to:

Establish and employ effective communication techniques and interact competently with clients and the interdisciplinary tea on a one-on-one basis.
Demonstrate sensitivity to clients’ emotional, social and mental health needs through skillful, directed interactions.
Discuss and prescribe the process of motivating and assisting clients to attain and maintain independence while recognizing each individuals’ individual capabilities in regards to ADLs, hygiene, grooming, nutrition and elimination.
Recall and employ knowledge and skills that support and promote each client’s rights as well as respect for the client as an individual.
Illustrate appropriate observational and documentation skills needed in the assessment of clients’ health, physical condition and well-being.
Demonstrate and apply professional employability skills, such as the importance of being timely and providing proficient, quality care for clients according to their care plan(s).
Identify, discuss, employ and adhere to required proficiencies of the State Board of Nursing (SBON) Chapter 11 Rules and Regulations for Approval of Nurse Aide Training Programs.

See the full catalog page for Nurse Aide Certificate

Successful completion of the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic certificate allows a student to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Basic Exam. The curriculum includes basic trauma and medical assessment as well as treatment of the sick and injured. In most cases, EMS students qualify for partial or full scholarships. Certificate recipients will be able to:

Demonstrate the proper donning and doffing of protective gear appropriate for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and situation.
Assess, manage, and stabilize patients of all ages and demographics with medical and traumatic emergencies.
Perform basic airway management and perform CPR, both 1 and 2 persons, for adult, child, and infant to Healthcare provider level consistent with American Heart Association guidelines.
Demonstrate the roles and responsibilities of an emergency medical technician (EMT) within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
Demonstrate the knowledge of triage and assigning patients to the appropriate level facility.
Demonstrate the ability to interact with other responders appropriately, including giving and taking advice on patient care.
Demonstrate the ability to interact and collaborate as a member of a team.
Demonstrate the ability to complete a patient care report, including summation of treatment provided to the receiving facility or transporting ambulance.
Perform safety management principles at the scene of an emergency.

See the full catalog page for Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate

This Certificate builds upon the knowledge gained in the basic skills certificate. The curriculum includes advanced trauma and medical assessment as well as treatment of the sick and injured. Successful completion of the Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced certificate allows a student to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Exam as well as take the National Registry of EMTs Advanced level practical examination. In most cases, EMS students qualify for partial or full scholarships. Certificate recipients will be able to:

Examine and analyze the nature and seriousness of the patient’s condition or the extent of injuries.
Demonstrate how to assess the need for emergency medical care and perform appropriate medical care based on assessment findings of the patient’s condition.
Demonstrate how to lift, move, position, and otherwise handle the patient to minimize discomfort and prevent further injury.
Define and employ the roles and responsibilities of an advanced emergency medical technician within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
Perform the basic concepts of development, pathophysiology, and pharmacology for assessment and management of emergency patients.
Demonstrate how to properly administer medications per industry standards.
Perform advanced airway management for adults, children, and infants. Perform CPR, both 1 and 2 persons for adult, child, and infant to Healthcare provider level consistent with American Heart Association guidelines.
Demonstrate how to effectively communicate with patients, peers, and healthcare professionals.

See the full catalog page for Emergency Medical Technician Advanced Certificate

Program Details

Lamar Community College admits new cohorts every Fall. Capacity is limited, therefore admission is competitive. Students must have all 5 pre-requisites courses completed prior to the Fall term start of NUR courses as well as successfully pass an entrance exam to be fully considered for admission into the program.

Admission Checklist:

ASAP: Connect with LCC Nursing Program Coordinator Alma Gallegos by calling (719) 336-1594 or complete the Program Inquiry Form
Before the anticipated Fall start: Complete Pre-requisite Courses with a C or higher in each course. GPA must be 2.75 or higher. If course work is completed outside LCC, ensure official transcripts are sent to transcripts@lamarcc.edu
Within 60 days of testing: Pay for the Kaplan Admission Exam via the Kaplan Website
As soon as you’ve paid for the Kaplan Admission Exam: Schedule Kaplan Admission Exam testing session via the LCC Coordinator (email for link) or this link (only ope mid March-June 30). Testing occurs from April to June of each year.
Take Admission Exam on scheduled date: The Kaplan Admission Assessment Exam consists of four sections which are Reading, Math, Writing, and Science, with a total of 91 questions.
- The minimum score required is a 65 on this exam. The Kaplan company has a study guide available for purchase through online retailers. It is recommended that the most current edition be used.
- The exam may be taken before you have completed the prerequisite courses. Applicants may take the exam two times, with 14 days at least between the two attempts, each admission cycle.
Between March and June of anticipate start year: Apply for Admission to Nursing Program using the Nursing Admissions Application. The application opens April 1 and closes June 30..

Prior to August:

Anticipate a decision letter approximately 3-4 weeks after you’ve submitted the application and decision materials (transcripts for coursework and Kaplan test results).
Begin to gather required documentation for Fall cohort start
- Immunization Records: MMR, Hep B, Td or TDaP, Varicella (or immunity via titer), annual influenza, COVID primary series (recommended)
Decision Time: Once you’ve been admitted, consider your choices and commit to the program seat saved for you at one of them. Complete pre-admission work as directed via email.
- Physical clearance form
- PPD skin test
- Uniform purchasing and embroidery
- Technological purchases based on requirements for the year
- Compliance package purchasing- background check and UA
- Acknowledgement forms and releases

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Lamar Community College at the Lamar Main campus located in Lamar, Colorado is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Applied Science in nursing program is continuing accreditation.

Dr. Morgan Clark, DNP, MSN, RN
Dean of Integrated Health, Director of Nursing Education
(719) 336-1597
morgan.clark@lamarcc.edu

It is good to be home! I am a Southeastern Colorado native and am very happy to return home to give back to the community that gave so much to me! My husband (also a SECO native) and I have one spoiled GermDean of Integrated Health, Director of Nursing Educationan Shorthair Pointer. We like to spend our free time outside-golfing, camping, boating in the summer. In the colder months, I enjoy reading historical non-fiction, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with family playing cards or board games.

I am a proud LCC alum, graduating with my Associates of Applied Science in Nursing in April 2012. Through the dual enrollment agreement with University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, I worked on BSN classes while here and completed that degree in August 2012. I have worked in long term care, med/surg, mental health, and public health areas of nursing before going into nursing education full time. I was also an adjunct nursing instructor for LCC for 4 years before becoming a full time instructor. I obtained my MSN with an emphasis in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University in April 2020, and completed my doctoral degree from Regis College in May 2023.

The best part about being an educator, is helping students achieve those “ah ha” moments. Many think that nursing is a skill set, but in reality it is a way of thinking. So helping student master the nursing process and watching them critically think their way through complex case scenarios is so rewarding. I believe that the small class sizes here at LCC can make a significant difference in the education nursing students get and am proud to be a member of this team. Let’s go Lopes!

Mary Ann Turner, RN, MSN, NE
Nursing Faculty
(719) 336-1625
maryann.turner@lamarcc.edu

Learning is one of the most empowering and important human experiences. The ability and desire to learn are the key attributes that allow us to gain knowledge, wisdom and personal growth. The opportunity to impart knowledge through teaching is one of the most important responsibilities we have as faculty members. I believe that excellence in teaching originates from an insatiable desire to learn, and a constant pursuit to maximize one’s ability to communicate information to others.

In my educational pursuits I have utilized the ladder model in acquiring my nursing education. I received both a PN and ADN from Otero Junior College in 1992. I then completed a BSN from the University of New Mexico and most recently completed a Master’s in Nursing with an emphasis on Education from Walden University.

I joined the LCC nursing faculty team in 2004. This has enabled me to promote the nursing profession through the training and development of future nurses. I believe that aspiring to be a great teacher is one of the most noble of goals; in it is the power to impart knowledge, to influence thinking and to ultimately create positive change in the world.

I look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you.

Jordan Mallard, RN, MSN
Nursing Faculty
(719) 336-1598
jordan.mallard@lamarcc.edu

I’m Jordan Mallard, I graduated from McClave high school and attended nursing school here at Lamar Community College! I then graduated from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with my BSN and Aspen University with my MSN with an emphasis in nursing education. I have been a practicing nurse for almost seven years, my experience includes correctional nursing, home health, long-term care, medical surgical and labor and delivery. Labor and delivery and nursery is definitely my passion! I continue to work at Prowers Medical Center in New Beginnings Birth Center on a PRN basis. I live in Hasty with my husband, three kids and one dog. We like to go out on the lake during the summer and fish. I am excited to be back at Lamar Community College teaching, running our on-campus clinical simulation and working with the current faculty! Go Lopes!

Kara Reeder, RN, BSN
Nursing Faculty
(719) 336-1596
kara.reeder@lamarcc.edu

I’m Kara Reeder and I am a native of our area and moved back to raise my family after obtaining my BSN degree from Texas Tech and working in critical care nursing for 8 years in Amarillo and Lubbock. I have 3 children with my husband, Dustyn. I have expertise in ICU, Surgical, Chemotherapy, and Leadership Nursing areas, and was previously a clinical adjunct for our LCC program. I am happy to be part of the team and exited to help guide the next generation of health care professionals in Southeastern Colorado.

Megan Thrall, RN, BSN
Nursing Faculty
(719) 336-1486
Megan.thrall@lamarcc.edu

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. After beginning my career in medical-oncology and as a middle school nurse, I returned home to southeast Colorado, where I’ve spent more than a decade caring for patients in rural healthcare.

Most of my nursing experience has been in labor and delivery, with additional experience in the emergency department, public health, and travel nursing. I’m also a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and hold certifications in perinatal bereavement and as a bereavement doula.

As a nursing instructor at Lamar Community College, I enjoy teaching in the lab, simulation, and clinical settings, helping students build confidence through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Outside of work, my husband and I stay busy raising our three daughters on our family farm.

Next Steps

By the end of the program students will be able to:

Provide safe, quality evidence-based patient-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings to diverse patient populations
Engage in critical thinking and clinical reasoning to make patient-centered care decisions
Implement quality measures to improve patient care
Participate in collaborative relationships with members of the interdisciplinary team, the patient, and the patient’s support persons
Use information management principles, techniques, and systems, and patient care technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making
Provide leadership in a variety of healthcare settings for diverse patient populations
Assimilate professional, legal, and ethical guidelines in practice as a professional nurse
Promote a culture of caring to provide holistic, compassionate, culturally-competent care

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Graduate Job Placement Rates
Program Completion Rates

Graduating Class	LCC NCLEX-RN Pass Rates	CSBON NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rates	National NCLEX-RN Pass Rates for Associate Degree (Jan 1-Dec 31)
2025	92.8%	73%	86.1%
2024	100%	89%	90.6%
2023	100%	93.33%	87.75%
3 Year Aggregate	97.6%	85.11%	88.15%

Graduating Class	Employment Rate, 12 Months After Graduation (June 1-May 31)
2025	100%
2024	100%
2023	93%

Graduating Class	On time Completion* (Completion in 3 Years for years prior to 2023)	Attrition Rate
2025	75%	10%
2024	90.9%	9.1%
2023	68.75%	31.25%
2022	88%	41%

Morgan Community College

Students from LCC who complete their AAS degree and pass NLCEX-RN can begin BSN completion in a friendly, online learning environment with courses every 7 weeks. MCC holds spots in each admission cycle for LCC alumni.

Trinidad State College

Students can begin BSN coursework with TSC as soon as their first semester of RN school has been completed. This dual-enrollment option allows the student to complete the AAS in one semester and the BSN in the following term if the student has kept the pace.

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Currently the LCC Nursing Department has an articulation agreement with UCCS. The two colleges also have a Dual Enrollment agreement that allows nursing students who complete the first year of the program to begin BSN coursework prior to entering the second year of the nursing program. This allows the student a seamless transition from finishing their Associate Degree of Nursing to completing their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

University of Phoenix

The LCC Nursing Department has an articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix.

As a nursing student if you are interested in discussing any of these articulation agreements, please feel free to contact any of the Nursing Department faculty.

Career Outlook & Opportunities

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Our advisors work closely with you to choose and register for the classes you need, adjust your class schedule, and ensure students planning to transfer to a 4-year college take the right steps.

Featured Programs

Helpful Links

Degrees & Certificates

Nursing, A.A.S.

Nurse Aide Certificate

Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate

Emergency Medical Technician Advanced Certificate

Program Details

Admissions

Accreditation / Certification / Articulation Agreements

Faculty and Staff