The University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth are joining forces to transform nursing education with an innovative, accessible path designed to empower aspiring nurses while tackling the nationwide nursing shortage.
This game-changing collaboration—the UCHealth/CU Nursing Employee Program—offers eligible UCHealth employees in the organization’s Ascend Career Program a streamlined journey to earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while maintaining their current positions. The brilliantly structured program, the brainchild of CU Nursing’s Kelly Stamp and UCHealth’s Jo Ann Delmonte, combines two years at Community College of Aurora, followed by two years at Colorado's premier nursing college, culminating in a BS in Nursing degree in four years.
"This is a unique opportunity for UCHealth employees who have a passion for nursing to earn their degree from Colorado's top BS in Nursing program," declares CU Nursing Associate Dean of Academic Programs Kelly Stamp, PhD, NP, RN, CHFN, FAHA, FAAN, who, with UCHealth’s Vice President of Professional Development and Practice Jo Ann Delmonte, is the driving force behind the creation of this program.
"We already work closely with UCHealth, and many of our faculty and alumni are employed throughout the UCHealth system, so this partnership is a wonderful way to strengthen our relationship while making earning a BS in Nursing more accessible," Stamp says.
What makes this program truly revolutionary is its flexibility—students can continue working while pursuing their education through evening and weekend classes. Even more exciting, students will complete their clinical requirements at UCHealth facilities and gain hands-on experience in CU Nursing's cutting-edge simulation labs on the Anschutz Medical Campus.
"The college has worked closely with UCHealth to ensure their eligible employees can take advantage of all the wonderful educational opportunities CU Nursing has to offer," explains Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Program Tammy Spencer, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CCNS, CNE. "This partnership highlights CU Nursing's and UCHealth's dedication to teaching the next generation of nurses."
The financial benefits are equally impressive. The UCHealth Ascend Career Program will cover a majority of tuition and fees for the final two years at CU Nursing, provided graduates commit to working at UCHealth for a specified period. During their first two years, students pay the more affordable Community College of Aurora rates, with additional education assistance available to help cover costs for books and supplies.
"We believe this partnership creates a wonderful opportunity for our employees to advance their careers, stay with an institution who cares about them, while helping stem the nationwide nursing shortage," emphasizes Nicole Schell-Dreyer, UCHealth Vice President, Total Rewards. "This partnership with CU Nursing was a natural fit, and we're excited it encourages our employees to follow their dreams of becoming nurses. UCHealth is proud to offer tuition benefits, making earning a nursing degree affordable for our employees."
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity! Applications for the inaugural cohort are open as of April 1, 2025, with a deadline of June 1, 2025. Students will begin at Community College of Aurora in Fall 2025 and transition to CU Nursing in Summer 2027. Applications for the Fall 2026 start will open August 15. For complete admissions requirements, visit CU Nursing's website.