Academic Pathways

At the Community College of Aurora, we know you are here because you are looking for coursework and skills that will allow you to get a higher paying job or transfer to a 4-year institution. Fox Lanes is our way of helping you choose a plan of study that will best direct you toward your ultimate career. We have six lanes that represent all of our degrees and certificates. Choose a lane that best fits your educational and career interests, and then you can find the best courses, certificate, and degree for you. Find your passion. Earn your degree. Start your career.

Explore Pathways of Study

The Communication & Languages pathway prepares students to write and speak to persuade and help others, or present information in the most effective ways. Most students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

The Creative Industries pathway prepares students to use their ideas, passion to create, and artistic expression. Most students enter the workplace directly after receiving their associates degree or certificate. Some students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

The Health pathway prepares students to enter healthcare and contribute to the betterment of society. Most students enter the workplace directly after receiving their associate’s degree or certificate. Some students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

El itinerario de Industrias Creativas prepara a los estudiantes para utilizar sus ideas, su pasión por crear y su expresión artística. La mayoría de los estudiantes se incorporan al mundo laboral directamente después de obtener su título de asociado o certificado. Algunos estudiantes se trasladan a una institución de cuatro años al graduarse.

The People, Societies & Ideas pathway prepares students to explore and explain human relationships and social, political, and ethical systems. Most students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

The Professional Studies and Public Service pathway prepares students to enter the workplace directly after receiving their associates degree or certificate. Some students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

The Science, Technology. Engineering & Math (STEM) pathway prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Most students transfer to a four-year institution upon graduation.

The AAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Addictions and Addiction Recovery prepares students for diverse careers in the field. They will be able to pursue work as certified addiction technicians, as well as peer recovery or prevention specialists. Graduates can also seek positions in residential treatment centers. After finishing the program, students are ready to complete the remaining requirements to become Certified Addiction Technicians through the CO Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Learn More
The Addiction Recovery Assistant Certificate ensures students have the knowledge of addiction treatment and recovery support positions through a strength-based model. The program includes the required course credits for certification as an addiction technician. There are also courses focused on socio-emotional skills and knowledge.

Certificate Requirements : 20

Learn More
The Behavioral Health Plus Certificate is an effective addition to almost any role (Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, etc.). It ensures students build foundational behavioral health knowledge as well as entry-level crisis management and de-escalation techniques. Students can then apply these skills in a variety of settings.

Certificate Requirements: 6

Learn More
The Community College of Aurora and the University of Colorado, College of Nursing offer a unique, integrated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Students will also earn an Associate of General Science degree from the Community College of Aurora within the program.

Students are selected for the program through an application process. For more information please view the department website at https://www.ccaurora.edu/programs-classes/departments/nursing or call 303-340-7090.

Degree Requirements: 62

Learn More
The AAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Mental Health and Social Work focuses on preparing students for careers in the mental health and social services field. Course work provides foundational behavioral health knowledge as well as the ability to apply a wide array of concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings. There is a particular focus on understanding and addressing mental health issues. Graduates are prepared to work in various mental health settings, such as clinics, hospitals, community centers, and social service agencies.

Learn More
This certificate program is designed to teach the student to perform the fundamental skills of the nurse assistant. Basic nursing skills, restorative services, personal care skills, safety and emergency care issues will be covered in the theory and lab. Students will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a work environment through clinical coursework. The student will also assist patients to meet emotional needs and to ensure patient rights. This program will prepare the graduate for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program for State Certification.

Please Note: This Program is Not Eligible for Financial Aid.

Certificate Requirements: 5

Learn More
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate program is designed to prepare students to work in a variety of health care environments. Students gain technical expertise to provide effective clinical assistance to patients. The PCT program prepares a student to work as an entry-level patient care technician in a clinic, hospital, nursing home or long-term care facility. Students will learn how to perform basic laboratory procedures, check vital signs, assist in medical examinations, and perform phlebotomy procedures.

This program is a combination of lecture and practical exercises in a simulation laboratory and in actual clinical settings. Upon successful completion of this program, the student is eligible to take the State of Colorado Nurse’s Aide Certification exam as well as national certification exams for Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician. All courses must be completed to obtain the PCT Certificate.

Students will be required to complete and pass a criminal background check, drug screen and provide proof of immunizations prior to starting internships/clinical experiences. Students unable to complete these requirements will not be able to begin the program.

Patient Care Technician Requirements: 21

Learn More
The Patient Navigator Certificate ensures students are prepared to support clients in identifying resources as well as navigating behavioral healthcare services and systems. Students will focus on promoting client health and wellbeing. While not directly providing services, navigators are equipped with valuable skills. These include empathy, cultural competency, understanding of behavioral healthcare systems, effective communication, and boundaries.

Certificate Requirements: 12

Learn More
Teaches the duties, responsibilities and skills associated with the practice of venipuncture, capillary puncture, and special collection procedures. Students will have hands on experience with blood specimen collection and processing, as well as a thorough knowledge of quality control, infection control and safety procedures. This program includes a lecture/lab combination that teaches theory and direct application of theoretic content, as well as clinical opportunities for students to master learned skills. Upon successful completion, students may qualify to sit for a national certification exam through ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists).

Students will be required to complete and pass a criminal background check, drug screen and provide proof of immunizations prior to starting internships/clinical experiences. Students unable to complete these requirements will not be able to begin the program.

Please Note: This Program is Not Eligible for Financial Aid.

Learn More
The Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant Certificate ensures students build a strong foundation of behavioral health knowledge and competencies. The areas of focus include behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency, therapeutic communication, case management, and crisis intervention. Upon completion of this coursework, students will be a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration.

Certificate Requirements: 10

Learn More
The Behavioral Health Assistant II Certificate builds upon the Assistant I courses through service-learning experience, as well as a deeper study and understanding of diversity. It ensures students have theoretical and experiential knowledge of behavioral health care and practice. Following this program, students will have practiced applying many concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings. The areas of focus include behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency, inclusive practice, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and service-learning.

Certificate Requirements: 16

Learn More
Teaches the duties, responsibilities and skills associated with the practice of respiratory therapy. Students will learn principles of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and care. General education requirements will be taken at CCA and content specific to respiratory therapy will be offered at Pickens Technical College. Students must apply to Pickens Technical College to enter the program after general education requirements are met.

All courses with the prefix RCA must be taken at Pickens Technical College and transferred back to CCA.

Degree Requirements: 78

Learn More