The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares students to enter professional nursing practice in a wide range of healthcare settings. Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, students learn to apply scientific principles directly to patient care. Graduates leave the program with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, competent, high quality care - and a strong foundation for those who choose to continue their education in a bachelor's degree nursing program.
AAS Nursing Information Packet (PDF document)
Tuition and fees: See this page for information about CMU undergraduate tuition and fees. For questions about tuition and fees, contact CMU's IRIS desk at [email protected] or (970) 248-1177.
This program allows students to achieve an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, opening up greater employment opportunities, increased compensation and job security.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in NursingAfter completing the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program graduates will sit for the NCLEX RN Exam. RNs have career opportunities in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, physician offices and long-term care facilities.
Many RNs who have earned their AAS will continue on to the online RN to BSN program.
Current RN-NCLEX Pass Rate
Examination pass rate of the most current student cohort.
Job Placement Rate
Average percentage of graduates employed within 12 months across three student cohorts.
Program Completion Rate
Average program completion rate across three student cohorts.
Program Effectiveness
Program Effectiveness for past three cohorts (2020, 2022 and 2024 graduation dates).
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes
Outcome #1: Implement patient-centered care strategies to promote patient outcomes in a variety of settings.
Outcome #2: Demonstrate professional nursing care as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to achieve quality patient care.
Outcome #3: Incorporate evidence-based practice and clinical guidelines to optimize patient outcomes.
Outcome #4: Identify areas for improvement that enhance patient safety and care effectiveness in a variety of settings.
Outcome #5: Explain error prevention strategies to minimize the risk of harm to patients and healthcare providers across a variety of care environments.
Outcome #6: Utilize healthcare information systems to communicate decision-making processes when delivering safe patient care.
Program Accreditation
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program at Colorado Mesa University at the Montrose campus, located in Montrose, Colorado is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.