Academic Pathways

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).

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

The BAS degree in Behavioral Health with a focus on Addiction Recovery prepares students for diverse mid-level careers in the field. There is a focus on advanced substance use treatment concepts and application of skills through internship experience. Students will be able to pursue work as certified addiction specialists, case managers, program managers, program directors, and more. Graduates can seek positions in residential treatment centers, hospitals, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. After finishing the program, students are ready to complete the remaining requirements to become Certified Addiction Specialists through the CO Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Degree Requirements : 120 ( 67 from AAS, plus 53 remaining credits)

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

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

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.

The BAS degree in Behavioral Health with a focus on Mental Health and Wellness prepares students for mid-level careers in the mental health and social service fields. Course work provides advanced 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, along with application of skills through internship experience. Graduates will be able to pursue work as case managers, program managers, program directors, and more in residential treatment centers, hospitals, social service agencies, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

Degree Requirements: 120 (67 from AAS, plus 53 remaining credits)

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

The program prepares students for employment as a registered nurse (RN) by equipping them with the knowledge and essential skills for working in various healthcare settings. Through a combination of theoretical and applied skills instruction in classrooms, simulated labs, and clinical environments, students learn direct patient care skills applicable across diverse institutions. The curriculum covers adult, gerontological, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health nursing, with supervised clinical experiences at various healthcare clinical sites. Graduates will have developed entry-level skills for roles in hospitals and other settings, and with an A.A.S. degree in Nursing, they will National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Degree Requirements: 73.5

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

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

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.

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

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

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