Degree and Certificate Options
Students at Lamar Community College have the option of focusing their academic pursuits within one of four degrees or several certificates. The requirements for these are described below. Specific information regarding the various academic programs available within the degree and certificate options can be found in the programs section.
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at Lamar Community College provides a foundation in communications, social and behavioral sciences, the arts and humanities. It is designed primarily for those students intending to continue at a four-year college or university. Students who enroll in an A.A. degree program must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours. For Associate of Arts degree plans, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Emphasis Areas in A.A. Degree
A student may desire to pursue emphasis areas in Business or Elementary Education while obtaining an Associate of Arts degree. Access degree plans for specific requirements (www.lamarcc.edu or contact an advisor). Students, who are planning to transfer to a four-year institution, may refer to the receiving institution’s catalog for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance.
This emphasis area is designed for students who plan to transfer to a business program at a Colorado four-year college/university. The curriculum is designed to provide a student with a background of general education and basic principles of business. This degree offers a strong fundamental foundation of business theory, procedures and practices.
This emphasis area provides the student with an introduction to the teaching profession through theory and application. Students completing the prescribed Associate of Arts degree with an Elementary Education emphasis are eligible for transfer admission to schools of education (elementary) at Colorado four-year colleges. Students choose their last 19 credits of education courses based on where they plan to complete their bachelor’s degree.
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at Lamar Community College provides a foundation in mathematics and natural sciences. It is designed primarily for those students intending to continue at a four-year college or university. Students who enroll in an A.S. degree program must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours. For Associate of Science degree plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Emphasis Areas in A.S. Degree
A student may choose to pursue a Plan of Study in Secondary Math/Science Education or Sports & Fitness Management while obtaining an Associate of Science degree. Access degree plans for general and specific requirements (www.lamarcc.edu or contact an advisor). Students, who are planning on transferring to a four-year institution, may refer to the receiving institution’s catalog or web site for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance.
This emphasis area provides the student with an introduction to the secondary teaching profession through theory and application. Students completing an A.S. degree, with the appropriate coursework in their major of interest (Biology, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Physics or Mathematics), are eligible for transfer admission to CSU-Pueblo (pending finalization of articulation agreement). Students work with LCC advisers to choose their last 19 credits of coursework based on which subject area in which they plan to complete their bachelor’s degree.
The plan of study in Sports & Fitness Management includes classes teaching the hands-on skills needed for care and prevention ofathletic injuries as well as supervised opportunities to apply these skills to athletes. There is rigorous coursework in the anatomy and physiology of sports injuries. This Associate of Science degree is designed to prepare a student to transfer to a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Pre-physical Therapy, Sports and Conditioning or other sports-related areas. Without further preparation, our course of study in Sports and Fitenss Management prepares a student to take the National Council on Strength and Fiteness certified personal trainer exam (NCSF-CPT). Successful completion of this exam results in certification as a Certified Personal Trainer.
The Associate of General Studies degree at Lamar Community College is designed primarily for those students who wish to pursue a broad program of career and transfer coursework without the constraints of subject specialization. There are also emphasis areas within the A.G.S. degree which enable students to pursue a particular academic interest in greater depth. While the A.G.S. degree is not designed specifically to enable transfer to a four-year institution, it can be used for that purpose. Transferability depends upon the courses taken and the requirements of the receiving institution. A student who enrolls in an A.G.S. degree program at Lamar Community College must complete a total of 60 credit hours consisting of at least 18 credit hours in general education courses, 39 credit hours of elective coursework, and 3 credit hours of LCC requirements. For Associate of General Studies degree plans, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Emphasis Areas in A.G.S. Degree
Courses listed in the following emphasis areas relate to an area of academic interest and are offered as recommendations to those students wishing to pursue a particular academic interest in greater depth. Students who are planning to transfer to a four-year institution may refer to that institution’s catalog for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance.
This emphasis area prepares students who are considering transferring into four-year programs within Agricultural Business, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Animal Science, Equine Science, and Farm andRanch Management.
This area of study provides legal, technical, and procedural knowledge and skill necessary for students pursuing a career in law enforcement or corrections. Upon completion, students also have accomplished the core general education courses that fulfill the lower division general education requirements of Arts and Sciences at Colorado four-year institutions. This program is articulated with Colorado State University-Pueblo. Students transferring to CSU-Pueblo enter as juniors, and all courses earned at LCC with a grade of “C” or higher transfer.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree at Lamar Community College prepares students for entry-level employment in a given occupation. It is designed primarily for those students intending to seek employment opportunities upon completion. However, four-year institutions accept some A.A.S. coursework toward specific baccalaureate programs. If a student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, he/she should refer to the receiving institution’s catalog for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance. For Associate of Applied Science degree plans, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
This degree is designed for the student whose career goals include direct involvement in production agriculture or agribusiness as owner, operator, working manager, or partner. Students have the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the agriculture industry, and students also focus on their emphasis areas through internships.
This two-year degree is intended to provide students with the latest research and commercial information to enable them to implement best practice beef feedlot management techniques. The primary aspects of beef feedlot operations are covered, including principals of managing modern confinement feeding facilities, quality assurance, shipping and receiving cattle, safe handling and processing of feedlot cattle, waste management practices and animal welfare. The program focuses on feeding, health, environment and PC applications and provides an overview of leading management practices which achieve cost effective production of a consistent high quality product.
This degree program is designed to educate and train students to have an understanding of and the ability to work with simple and complex sources of information. Successful graduates are able to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit businesses and decision-making processes from technological, financial, marketing, management or other relevant business perspectives. The goal of the program is to provide students with the practical skills and competencies to enhance employability in business and information technology occupations. Students may select a course of study from three options: Integrated Business/Technology Solutions, Business Software Solutions, and Computer Information Systems Technology.
Associate of Applied Science in Horse Training and Management
The Horse Training and Management Program offers two Associate of Applied Science degrees and three certificate options. These degree and certificate programs prepare students for employment in a variety of areas in the horse industry. While these programs are not intended for transfer, some institutions may accept some or all of the coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. Consult with an academic advisor or LCC’s Transfer Coordinator for more information concerning transfer opportunities.
Within the degree program, two options are available. A student may pursue either a Horse Trainer or an Equine Business Management program of study. Classroom and practical laboratory experience is provided in both program options. If a student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, he or she may consider an A.G.S. Degree with an Equine Science emphasis (See AGS Agriculture - Transfer).
The curriculum of the HTM program is arranged in a sequential series of courses designed to effectively combine theory with practical experience. Therefore, students may enter the program only during fall semester and are expected to progress through the sequence of courses in a two-year period.
Admission Requirements
In addition to general admission requirements for LCC, those seeking acceptance in HTM programs must complete personal and riding interviews on campus during the year prior to fall enrollment. Interview dates and additional information may be obtained from the Student Services Center.
This degree program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, organize, influence, and control organizational resources to achieve goals in a dynamic business environment. Successful graduates are able to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit businesses and decision-making processes from technological, financial, marketing, management or other relevant business perspectives. The goal of the program is to provide students with the practical skills and competencies that are important elements in enhancing employability in business marketing and management careers.
Nursing
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 Nursing degree plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Nursing Department Mission
To provide quality education that prepares the learner to become a member of the profession of nursing, meeting the needs of a diverse population, in an ever-changing health care environment in both rural and/or urban settings.
Philosophy
The Individual
The individual is unique and complex, a holistic being of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Each individual operates within a personally determined value system which is acquired and shaped through experience, personal judgments, and interaction with others. Individuals possess deliberative abilities and have the potential to make rational decisions about their lives, their health, and their own goals. Individuals possess inherent human rights and are deserving of respect and support in accordance with their basic needs. Each person is influenced by his/her genetic inheritance, biological make-up, culture and the physical and social environment in which he or she exists.
Environment
Environment refers to the context is which nursing occurs, which ranges from the person’s home to clinical agencies to society as a whole. A person’s environment is a major determinant of health. It includes the spiritual, psychosocial, political, legal, ethical, physical, economic, spatial and temporal aspects in which the individual, family, community or healthcare system exists.
Health
Health is a dynamic state that is influenced by each individual’s inherited characteristics and life experiences. At any given time, a person’s health status is seen as being at a point on a continuum that extends from high-level wellness to the cessation of life. Human beings possess adaptive and recuperative abilities. Individuals can alter his or her health status resulting in individuals moving in either a positive or negative direction on the health continuum in response to his or her own efforts and/or through intervention of the health care system. Individuals who have achieved a reasonable level of understanding have the right to information regarding their health and are entitled to make choices about their heath care and status and the care they will receive. Wellness is viewed as a dynamic state of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. Wellness is defined by the individual’s perception of wellness and influenced by the presence of disease and the individual’s ability to adapt.
Nursing Practice
As a member of the health care team within the discipline of nursing, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct individualized care with shared responsibility for the care of the individual(s) under supervision of a professional nurse, MD, podiatrist or dentist. The LPN performs therapeutic and preventive nursing measures in structured settings within traditional and alternative health care delivery systems.
Associate degree education is one of the established entry points into professional nursing practice. At the associate degree level, nursing education is directed toward facilitating the student to develop basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the professional practice. Upon entry into practice, the associate degree graduate is prepared to function as a novice generalist in the roles of provider of care, teacher, manager of care, advocate and member within the discipline of nursing. The nurse provides direct care to patients with complex health needs, adjusting care as patient situations change; collecting and analyzing data from patients, families, and other health care resources; formulating appropriate nursing diagnoses, implementing therapeutic intervention and developing/revising plans of care based on evaluation. The ADN-RN maintains professional relationships by advocating and supporting patient decisions, and by collaborating and communicating with patients, families, and other health professionals. The ADN-RN manages the care of assigned patients and supervises care given by other licensed and unlicensed health personnel.
The baccalaureate degree nurse is distinguished from the associate degree nurse in the breadth and depth of care of the group and community as client and in leadership and research expectations.
The Profession of Nursing
Nursing is a humanistic, service discipline founded on knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and human experience. It is a scholarly profession that utilizes theories from nursing and other disciplines to guide its practice for the promotion of health, care of the sick, and support to individuals and families in the final stages of life. The focus of nursing care is to meet the needs of the individual who functions as a member of a family, culture and society. Whatever affects any part of an individual affects the whole, hence the emphasis for the holistic nursing approach. Nursing provides education and supportive, recuperative care for individuals needing assistance in attaining or maintaining health or coping with illness. An emphasis of nursing care is promotion of the highest level of wellness achievable by the individual and society as a whole. An attitude of empathetic caring is an essential element of effective nursing care. The nursing process is utilized by nurses within their roles, as they work cooperatively with patients, families and groups in finding solutions to individual and community health problems. Nurses provide care without bias to all persons needing their service regardless of the individual’s race, creed, culture, religious orientation or health status. Nursing requires continuous updating of its knowledge base and treatment modalities in an effort to promote an evidence based practice in response to emerging health care problems, scientific discoveries and new technologies in the profession. The discipline of nursing encompasses a wide range of technical skills and scientific knowledge.
Teaching/Learning/Nursing Education
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills as demonstrated in the change in behavior that persists. Learning is the cultivation of the potential of the individual and is more effectively achieved when learning opportunities are integrated and meaningfully related to the learner’s interests and level of achievement. The potential for education can exist in any situation, but the responsibility for learning lies solely with the learner.
The nursing education process is seen as a cooperative effort requiring extensive interaction between students and faculty. A variety of teaching learning strategies is utilized to meet individualized needs of students in both the academic and practice settings. Curriculum content is designed to proceed from the simple to the complex and progresses from the known to the new material.
Nursing education is seen as a continuous, life-long process through which individuals expand learning, enhance practice ability or qualify for advanced employment positions. Specific processes are provided to facilitate progression from the practical nurse to the associate degree professional nurse and then to the baccalaureate nurse level are defined and validated through the Colorado Articulation Model.
Graduates of an educational program offered by the Department of Nursing will possess knowledge of the history, development, accomplishments, and direction of the nursing profession. They will be informed regarding the unique roles, competencies, and responsibilities expected from individuals prepared at all levels. Graduates will also be aware of advanced practice positions and opportunities available to individuals prepared with baccalaureate and graduate credentials in nursing.
Competencies By Level
Upon successful completion of Level I, the student is prepared to:
- Take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses.
- Perform services requiring knowledge and skills in caring for the ill, teaching and promoting preventive health measures, and administering treatments and medication that a licensed physician or dentist prescribes.
- Begin practical nursing practice within a structured health care setting.
- Function within five interrelated roles; client advocate, provider of health care, manager of care, teacher, and member of the profession.
Upon successful completion of Level II, the student is prepared to (in addition to Level I competencies):
- Take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.
- Apply critical thinking skills utilizing the nursing process in a caring manner.
- Assimilate the roles of the registered nurse into their professional practice.
- Maintain nursing standards, the ANA code of ethics and promote the evolution of the nursing profession.
- Incorporate the human needs theory into their daily nursing practice in diverse health care settings.
- Provide caring competent, therapeutic interventions to patients, families and communities in a multitude of settings.
- Employ effective communication techniques to diverse patient populations that are culturally sensitive and therapeutic in nature.
Program Outcomes
- Following admission to the nursing program, students will complete all course requirements within three years.
- Program NCLEX pass rates will meet or exceed 75%.
- 90% of program graduates who seek employment will be employed within six months of graduation.
- 90% of employers will report a satisfactory or higher rating on the five year survey for LCC program graduates whom they have employed.
Admission Requirements
Students must complete the following requirements before the Nursing Department reviews the Application for Admission.
Level I and II Prerequisite Coursework:
- BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 204 Microbiology
- ENG 121 English Composition I
- MAT 090 Introductory Algebra
- PSY 235 Human Growth and Development
Level I and II Corequisite Coursework:
- NUR 189 Transition From PN to ADN (Required for Licensed Practical Nurses and students who have not been continuously enrolled from the first to second year of a nursing program, who wish to enter the RN year of the program).
- BIO 216 Pathophysiology. Must be completed prior to entry into second year of program.
- 3 credit hours of Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences prior to graduation (consult with Nursing advisor for options).
All of the above course work must be completed with a“C” or above and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for this coursework. All BIO courses must be completed within 7 years prior to entry into the program.
- Complete an LCC Application for Admission. This form is available online at www.lamarcc.edu or through the Student Services Center. The LCC Application should be completed before the Nursing Application.
- Submit Application for Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program at www.lamarcc.edu/nursing.
Admission Criteria
LCC utilizes a point system as admission critera. Points are based on the following and are weighted by the percentages shown:
- National League of Nursing Preadmission Exam (PAX-RN) - 50%. This exam can be taken a maximum of 3 times, with six months between testing. Required minimum scores are 65th percentile composite and 50th percentile in reading.
- GPA on specific prerequisite coursework - 20%. Points are generated based on the number of credits in the class and the grade received. A = 4 pts; B = 3 pts; C = 2 pts. Points awarded for BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 204, and PSY 235.
- GPA on specific coursework toward BSN - 20%. Points are generated based on the number of credits in the class and the grade received. A = 4 pts; B = 3 pts; C = 2 pts. Points awarded for CHE 101, CHE 102, ENG 122, MAT 135, ANT 101, and SOC 101.
- Highest previous degree - 5%. Doctorate = 5 pts; Masters = 4 pts; Bachelors = 3 pts; Associates = 2 pts; Certificate - 1 pt.
- Previous nursing-related work experience - 5%. 6-12 months = 1pt; 12 - 18 months = 2 pts; 18 - 24 months = 3 pts; 24 - 30 months = 4 pts; 30 - 36 months = 5 pts; and more than 36 months = 6 pts.
Required Documentation:
- Official high school and college transcripts which document a grade of “C” or better, in all required courses. BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 204, and BIO 216 must have been completed with a grade of “C” or better within the last 7 years.
- Complete Basic Skills Assessment which includes any one of the following:
Accuplacer score of 61 or higher in Elementary Algebra or documentation of completion of MAT 090 Introductory Algebra (or higher math) with a grade of “S/C” or better.
Accuplacer score of 95 or higher in English or documentation of completion of ENG 121 English Compositiion I (or higher level English) with a grade of “C” or better
Accuplacer score of 80 or higher in reading or documentation of completion of REA 090 Foundations of Reading with a grade of “C” or higher or successful completion of 12 credit hours of college-level coursework.
OR
ACT score of 23 or higher in math, 18 or higher in English and 17 or higher in reading OR SAT score of 460 or higher in math, 440 or higher in English and 430 or higher in reading.
If the scores are not at these levels, completion of preparatory studies is required. Completion of fundamental math and technical writing courses is highly recommended.
NOTE: Students with disabilities must self identify and are referred to the ADA Coordinator to address accommodations as needed.
Post-Admission Documentation Requirements
After admission into level I or II of the program students must provide the following documentation prior to participation in nursing courses:
- Completed physical form
- TB/Chest Xray (yearly) (results must be negative)
- Varicella
- Hepatitis B Series
- Immunization records documenting MMR, Tetanus (within last 10 years
- Criminal Background Check annually (If positive criminal background check, student must sign release permitting disclosure of the information as a condition of participation in the clinical component of the program).
- FBI Fingerprinting annually
- Random Urine Drug Screen annually (results must be negative. (A dilute drug screen result is considered a positive result).
- Copy of current American Red Cross for Healthcare Provider CPR card. (Must maintain a current CPR card throughout the nursing program).
Graduation Requirements
Students are to assume full responsibility for meeting all basic requirements for their specific nursing program as set forth in the Lamar Community College catalog that is current at the time of their admission into the nursing program.
Certificates
In addition to the four types of degrees available through Lamar Community College, students may earn a Certificate of Study by successfully completing specific sequences of coursework. Certificate programs are designed to prepare students for entrylevel jobs in occupational and professional areas. They also provide the opportunity to upgrade skills or acquire additional skills in occupational fields. Students enrolling in certificate pro - grams are subject to the same basic skills requirements as those enrolling in degree programs.
Certificates are available at LCC in the following programs:
Advanced Horsemanship Certificate
This one-year certificate within the Horse Training and Management program builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in the Starting Colts certificate program. It combines hands-on experience with a one-semester internship with a professional trainer. For the Advanced Horsemanship Certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Admission to this certificate program requires successful completion of the Starting Colts certificate program, or permission of the program instructors.
Agriculture Certificate
This one-year certificate allows students to focus solely on agriculture studies. It introduces students to the basics of animal science, agronomy and ag business. For the Agriculture Certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Beef Feedlot Management Certificate
This one-year certificate is intended to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to gain employment in the beef cattle feeding industry. Students will gain knowledge in livestock husbandry and management practices. This certificate can be used toward completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Beef Feedlot Management.
Business Certificate
Today’s business support personnel perform functions in coordination of various activities in an organization. Upon successful completion of the Business Certificate program, students possess basic skills and knowledge necessary for an entry-level position in a business organization. For the Business certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
IT Technician Certificates
These certificates prepare students for entry level positions as computer technicians. The IT Technician I certificate focuses on computer repair, installation and maintenance of operating systems, and basic security principles. The IT Technician II certificate focuses on networking for the small and home office and advanced security including computer forensics and data recovery. For the IT Certificate Plans, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Cosmetology Certificate
The Cosmetology Department offers four certificate programs designed to provide the successful graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to acquire licensure in these fields. The course of study in each field has been approved by the Colo rado State Office of Barbers and Cosmetology. The Cosme tology certificate is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a cosmetologist. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester. For the Cosmetology certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Desktop Publishing/Business Graphics Certificate
This certificate program prepares students for jobs requiring knowledge of and skill in word processing, image manipulation, font selection and use, and other small-scale publishing tasks. For the Desktop Publishing/Business Graphics Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Esthetician Certificate
This certificate program prepares students for provides students with the skills and knowledge to help clients attain healthy skin. Included in the program are various topics: skin anatomy and physiology, diseases and disorders, cosmetic chemistry and product formulation, electrical modalities for facials and skin care, professional hair removal, and others. Courses are offered in the spring semester only. For the Esthetician Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Hair Stylist Certificate
The Hair Stylist Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a hair stylist. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Courses are offered in the fall semester only. For the Hair Stylist Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate
As an option to the two year ladder R.N. program, students may choose to obtain a Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate after successfully completing Level I. See Nursing under Associate of Applied Science degrees earlier in this section for more information.
Microcomputer Applications Certificate
This certificate program introduces managers, small business owners, secretarial/clerical workers, and other computer users to a broad range of office applications software in use today. For the Microcomputer Applications Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Nail Technician Certificate
The Nail Technician Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a nail technician. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Courses are offered in the summer semester only. For the Nail Technician certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Small Business Management Certificates
This program is designed specifically for the business owner/operator. It is intended to introduce new management tools and to keep participants abreast of the changing business environment. Three distinct certificate tracks are available, each requiring one academic year to complete. Participants may elect to earn one or more certificates. Upon successful completion of all three, the businessperson is able to analyze financial statements, understand inventory control, complete all tax reports, forecast income and expenses, and understand the value of advertising. For Small Business Management Certificate plans, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Stable Management Certificate
This one-year certificate within the HTM program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully operate a training stable. For the Stable Management Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Starting Colts Certificate
This one-year certificate within the HTM program is designed to provide students, through hands-on experience, with the skills and knowledge needed to break colts for riding. For the Starting Colts Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section. |
