(1) Before a community college offers a two-year degree program with academic designation, as authorized by section 23-60-201, the community college shall determine the program designation for the degree. A two-year degree program with academic designation shall only be for a degree program that has a valid student transfer agreement pursuant to section 23-1-108 (7); except that a community college may offer a two-year degree program with academic designation in dental hygiene without a valid student transfer agreement. The community college shall then submit the degree program designation to the board for its review and approval. The community college may offer the degree program only after it has been approved by the board and by the Colorado commission on higher education. The community college shall exclusively use the degree program designation name in official publications, course catalogs, diplomas, and official transcripts.

(2) Successful completion of an associate of arts or associate of science degree with academic designation does not guarantee the degree holder admission to a four-year state-supported institution of higher education; nor does it guarantee the degree holder automatic transfer of credits unless the degree holder has fulfilled the requirements of an existing statewide transfer agreement.

(3) Pursuant to section 23-60-213, Red Rocks community college may offer a graduate program in physician assistant studies.

(4) Subject to the approval of the Colorado commission on higher education pursuant to section 23-1-133, the board may establish at community colleges within the state system technical, career, and workforce development bachelor of applied science degree programs. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, nothing in this section shall be construed to allow for the approval of bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree programs.

(5) Subject to the requirements of sections 23-1-113.7 and 23-1-107, and notwithstanding the provisions of section 23-1-133, a community college that is part of the state system of community and technical colleges established and governed by this part 2 may, with board approval, offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing as a completion degree to students who have or are pursuing an associate degree in nursing. In considering whether to approve a request by a community college to offer a bachelor of science in nursing as a completion degree, the board shall consider student and workforce demand, cost effectiveness for the students, and accreditation and licensing requirements. The board shall provide such information to the Colorado commission on higher education and solicit the commission's input in a joint meeting of the board and the commission. A community college that is seeking board approval shall provide the board with data regarding its current partnerships with existing bachelor of science nursing degree programs and its plans to continue such partnerships. At least ninety days prior to requesting board approval to offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing as a completion degree, the community college seeking such board approval shall provide notice to the Colorado commission on higher education and all state public and nonpublic institutions of higher education.