HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS

The Department of Health Sciences offers several degrees designed to suit a wide variety of students. Following is a brief description of the programs offered. Each program is discussed in greater detail on each program's home page, accessed through the links below.

The Department of Health Sciences is located in the Medesy building on Mesa State College's main campus. The building was remodeled specifically for health sciences technology programs and includes both x-ray and nursing labs, as well as a study/learning area containing a reference library, computers, and videos. Most of the health sciences technology classes meet in classrooms in this same building. (The exceptions are the LPN-AAS, PN, and EMT-Basic classes which are held at the Western Colorado Community College, a branch of Mesa State College. ) The students obtain the clinical portion of their experience at various facilities in Grand Junction and other towns in the region. Faculty offices are located in Medesy Hall.

We encourage all students to apply, but be aware that students are admitted contingent upon their passing a criminal background investigation that is conducted at the expense of the applicant. For full information, please read our policy statement here.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN is a 4+ year degree program open to both traditional and non-traditional students. A person who is awarded a BSN is able to take the Colorado State Board of Nursing (NCLEX) test for Registered Nursing Certification. The program integrates nursing theory, practice, and science with a broad liberal arts education. The program has been developed to prepare a highly competent professional with the education necessary to meet the increasing need for quality health care in society today.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for people who are already Licensed Practical Nurses who would like to go back to school to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which will then allow them to take the NCLEX test for RN.

Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for the 2 year certificate, Associate of Applied Science of Nursing, or Associate Degree of Nursing holder (ADN-RN) who would like to add to their education and get a Bachelor of Nursing. Students in this program join the BSN program as advanced placement students and attend class on campus.

Online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for the 2 year certificate, Associate of Applied Science of Nursing, or Associate Degree of Nursing holder (ADN-RN) who would like to add to their education and get a Bachelor of Nursing. Nursing courses are delivered online.

Radiologic Technology Program - Associate of Applied Science
The Radiologic Technology Program at Mesa State College is two years in length and includes classroom studies and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program the student receives an Associate of Applied Science degree. All classroom studies are conducted on the Mesa State Campus. The students obtain the clinical portion of their experience at various facilities in Grand Junction and other towns in the region.

Radiologic Technology Program - Bachelor of Applied Science
This program is designed for radiologic technologists with AAS degrees in radiologic technology to achieve a bachelor of applied science in radiologic technology, allowing the graduate to be certified in at least one additional specialty area in radiology. This can lead to greater employment opportunities, increased compensation and more job security.

Students will develop skills in advanced specialty areas in radiology, cross sectional anatomy, advanced patient care, radiology informatics and the business side of health care.

Practical Nursing (PN)
The Mesa State College Practical Nurisng program teaches students to provide routine patient care under the direction of a registered nurse or a physician. Once students successfully complete the practical nursing program at Mesa State they must pass the Colorado State Board of Nursing (NCLEX) test for Licensed Practical Nursing certification. The Mesa State College PN program is taught at the Western Colorado Community College, which comes complete with its own Auto-Tutorial Lab (ATL) and classroom.

Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN)
This program is for Licensed Practical Nurses who would like to go back to school to get their Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, which will then allow them to take the NCLEX test for RN. After gaining acceptance to Mesa State College, the student must complete general education and prerequisite course work before applying for acceptance into the LPN to AAS program. This program is taught at the Western Colorado Community College in Grand Junction and the Mesa State College Montrose Campus in Montrose, both of which come complete with their own Auto-Tutorial Lab (ATL) and classroom. LPN to AAS in Nursing classes begin each January at Mesa State College in both Grand Junction and Montrose.

Emergency Medical Technician-BASIC
The EMT-Basic, also known as EMT-1, represents the first component of the emergency medical technician system. An EMT-B is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. EMT-Basic coursework typically emphasizes emergency skills, such as patient assessment, managing respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies. The Mesa State College EMT-Basic program is taught at the Western Colorado Community College, which comes complete with its own Auto-Tutorial Lab (ATL) and classroom.

Emergency Medical Technician-PARAMEDIC
The EMT-Paramedic, also known as EMT-4, represents the most advanced level of training of the emergency medical technician system. At this level, the caregiver receives advanced training in the use of procedures, medications, and equipment to manage medical emergencies and traumatic injuries in patients of all ages. EMT-Paramedic (EMT-4) provides the most extensive pre-hospital care.

Revised 3/25/2008