IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pikes Peak State College Expands Degree Offerings to Meet Workforce Demands with Three
New Programs for Fall 2025
Colorado Springs, CO – Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is expanding its degree offerings in Fall 2025 to meet growing industry needs, providing new pathways in healthcare and business. The college will introduce three new programs:
These programs reflect PPSC’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, career-focused education that aligns with regional and statewide workforce shortages.
Addressing Colorado’s Critical Nursing Shortage
The healthcare sector continues to face a severe nursing shortage, with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment projecting a 29% increase in demand for registered nurses over the next decade. PPSC’s LPN to RN Bridge Program and Paramedic to RN Bridge Program provide streamlined pathways for experienced healthcare professionals to advance their careers and earn their RN licensure faster.
“These bridge programs allow students to build upon their existing skills and transition into higher-level nursing roles efficiently,” says Carmen Luttrell, Director of Nursing Education Practices at PPSC. “With Colorado facing significant healthcare staffing shortages, these programs provide a much-needed solution to help fill critical roles while offering career advancement opportunities for students already in the field.”
Both bridge programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible coursework and clinical experiences in local healthcare settings. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, opening doors to higher-paying, in-demand nursing careers.
Launching the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration
As businesses navigate rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and workforce changes, the need for business professionals with advanced skills is growing. PPSC’s new Bachelor of Applied Science (BS) in Business Administration is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, with coursework emphasizing management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and data-driven decision-making.
“This degree is designed for students who want to take their careers to the next level—whether they’re aiming for management positions, starting their own business, or pursuing specialized business fields,” says Dr. Carol Kurkowski, Co-Department Chair of the Business Department at PPSC. “By offering this program at an affordable cost, we’re making a four-year business degree more accessible to students in the Pikes Peak region.”
The BAS in Business Administration will include internship opportunities, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with real-world business acumen and leadership skills.
Expanding Opportunities for PPSC Students
With the addition of these three new programs, PPSC continues to provide high-quality, career-focused education that directly meets employer needs in Colorado. These programs will help students transition seamlessly into high-demand fields, increase earning potential, and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
“These new degrees and bridge programs are designed with our students and community in mind,” says Jacquelyn Gaiters-Jordan, Vice President for Instructional Services. “We are constantly evolving to ensure our programs align with industry needs, and these offerings provide new, affordable, and accessible pathways to career advancement in healthcare and business.”
Enrollment for Summer and Fall 2025 opens March 10. To apply, visit pikespeak.edu/apply. To enroll, visit pikespeak.edu/enroll.
About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number of bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.