Navigating Nursing Colleges in Denver, Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide
The healthcare industry is facing a critical shortage of nurses, making it more important than ever to pursue a nursing education. In the early days of the pandemic, hospitals were overwhelmed, and medical staffs were stretched thin. Today, medical facilities are hitting capacity limits again, but this time, the cause isn’t overwhelming Covid cases. There simply aren’t enough nurses. Denver, Colorado, offers a variety of nursing programs to help address this demand and provide aspiring nurses with the education and training they need to succeed. This article explores various nursing education pathways in Denver, including ADN, BSN, and RN-BSN programs, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective students.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage Through Education
The current nursing shortage highlights the importance of robust nursing education programs. Denver's nursing colleges are working to meet this need by offering diverse programs that cater to different educational backgrounds and career goals. These programs not only equip students with essential skills but also prepare them to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Arapahoe Community College (ACC) Nursing Programs
Arapahoe Community College (ACC) is a recognized leader in nursing education, preparing students for high-demand, rewarding careers in Denver's south metro communities. ACC continues to be a recognized leader in nursing education, preparing students for high demand, rewarding careers in our south metro Denver communities. ACC's Nursing Program is housed in the School of Health and Public Services Division. The office phone number is 303.797.5798. ACC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
ADN Program
ACC's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed to prepare graduates for employment as registered nurses. The beginning professional nurse will have developed entry-level skills for employment in hospitals and other health care settings. Clinical nursing courses include supervised patient care experiences at a variety of health care agencies. Upon successful completion of program requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council of Licensure Examination - Registered Nursing). As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information.
- Curriculum: The curriculum includes clinical nursing courses with supervised patient care experiences at various healthcare agencies.
- NCLEX-RN Eligibility: Upon completing the program, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam.
- HESI Nursing Entrance Exam: A HESI Nursing Entrance Exam is required for students.
- Prerequisites: BIO 2101, ENG 1021, and PSY 2440, and HPR 1010 or HWE 1050 (11-13 credit hours) must be taken prior to Nursing Program application submittal.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
The PN-RN option allows Licensed Practical Nurses licensed in Colorado to obtain Nursing AAS Credit for the first two semesters of the Nursing Program and complete the AAS Nursing in three semesters without duplicating PN coursework.
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- Eligibility: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Colorado are eligible for this bridge program.
- Credit for Prior Learning: LPNs receive credit for the first two semesters of the Nursing Program.
- Program Length: The AAS Nursing can be completed in three semesters.
- Requirements: No work experience is required within three years of graduation from PN Program.
RN-BSN Completion Program
The RN‐BSN Program is designed for Registered Nurses who wish to earn the baccalaureate nursing degree or for current nursing students (dual enrollment) who are enrolled in the Nursing AAS program who wish to earn the baccalaureate nursing degree. The focus of the program is to add value to their nursing education, increase their perspective of current clinical practice beyond the ADN level, enhance their leadership abilities and promote life‐long learning within the nursing profession.
- Target Audience: Registered Nurses with an active RN license (from the United States) or current nursing students (dual enrollment) in the Nursing AAS program.
- Program Focus: The focus of the program is to add value to their nursing education, increase their perspective of current clinical practice beyond the ADN level, enhance their leadership abilities and promote life‐long learning within the nursing profession.
- Dual Enrollment: ADN students may apply during 1st semester and will be provisionally admitted. LPN to ADN Bridge Program students may apply while taking NUR 2002 and will be provisionally admitted.
- Application Deadlines:
- Fall start: July 1
- Spring start: November 1
- Summer start: April 1
- Transfer Credit: Credit can only be transferred from regionally accredited educational institutions. CCCS policy (BP 9-71 Transfer Credit)
CCD and the University of Colorado - College of Nursing (CON) Partnership
CCD and the University of Colorado - College of Nursing (CON) are offering a unique, integrated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This partnership provides an integrated pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Prerequisites: CCD students complete 32 credit hours of prerequisite courses.
- Application Process: Once you are close to completing courses, you can apply to the program through NursingCAS.
- Cohort-Based Program: Students are accepted into a cohort-based program taken in the last two semesters of the associate degree at CCD.
- Support System: Students learn, study, and support each other throughout the two semesters as a cohort.Expert faculty and staff will be available to offer ongoing support and provide the best learning opportunities for successful completion.
- Associate Degree: Credits earned during the last two semesters and the additional prerequisite credits lead you to complete an Associate degree of General Studies.
- Transition to CON: After graduation from CCD, you will transition to CON to complete coursework during the remaining six semesters.
University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus)
The University of Colorado, College of Nursing Online RN to BS in Nursing program is completely online, allowing you to seek your BS degree, balance your life, and work at the same time. The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus) has a partnership program with the University of Colorado Denver for students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing.
Traditional Nursing Pathway
The Traditional Pathway is a full-time, 24-month Bachelor of Science option, designed for students who may or may not have earned a degree in the past. This program includes class room, clinical simulation, and clinical practice as part of the curriculum. Beginning with the summer 2019 cohort, the Traditional Pathway program will be primarily offered at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing is a full-time, 12-month program option, which requires students have earned a previous bachelor’s degree by the semester or quarter prior to beginning the nursing program. The degree can be in a health-related or non-health related field of study. Beginning with the spring 2020 cohort, the UCAN program will be primarily offered at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, CO.
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CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway
The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway was created to promote the diversity of healthcare professionals and to better serve the healthcare needs of the State of Colorado.
Online RN to BS in Nursing Program
The availability of online courses supports the unique need for flexibility and access to adult learners who want to complete their bachelor of science degree while working. Apply if you are a licensed RN. *Admission into the RN to BS program was paused starting Spring 2024 with no new admissions being offered.
Sample Program Plans
The following are sample program plans for the Traditional Nursing Pathway:
Year 1
- Summer:
- NURS 3023 Patient-Centered Health Assessment (2.5 hours)
- NURS 3034 Foundations of Nursing Practice (4 hours)
- NURS 3140 Pathophysiology for Nurses (3 hours)
- Total Hours: 9.5
- Fall:
- NURS 3150 Pharmacology for Nurses (3 hours)
- NURS 3617 Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I (6.8 hours)
- NURS 3080 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3 hours)
- Total Hours: 12.8
- Spring:
- NURS 3567 Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan (5 hours)
- NURS 4064 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (1 hour)
- NURS 4617 Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs (6.7 hours)
- NURS 3267 Health Promotion (2 hours)
- Total Hours: 14.7
- Year 1 Total Credit Hours:
- Didactic Hours: 24.9
- Clinical Hours: 12.1
- Total Hours: 37
Year 2
- Summer:
- NURS 3667 Nursing Care of the Older Adult (2 hours)
- Total Hours: 2
- Fall:
- NURS 3447 Nursing Care of Children and Families (5 hours)
- NURS 4074 Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity (1 hour)
- NURS 3337 Nursing Care of Childbearing Families (5 hours)
- NURS 3880 Nursing Role and Practice (2 hours)
- Total Hours: 13
- Spring:
- NURS 4917 Immersion in Clinical Nursing (8 hours)
- NURS 4877 Population-Based Nursing - RN (6 hours)
- Total Hours: 14
- Year 2 Total Credit Hours:
- Didactic Hours: 15.75
- Clinical Hours: 13.25
- Total Hours: 29
- Program Total Credit Hours:
- Didactic Hours: 40.65
- Clinical Hours: 25.35
- Total Hours: 66
UCAN Pathway Program Plan
The University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway Program Plan for Spring start. Students starting in the Fall will follow a similar sequence of all the same courses.
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP)
At the October 23, 2024, Full Board meeting, the State Board of Nursing voted to approve Platt College baccalaureate degree in nursing teach out plan, recognized Concordia University St. Paul as the governing body of Platt College BSN program starting January 1, 2025, and accepted Concordia University St. Paul as the governing body of Platt College BSN program starting January 1, 2025.
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- NCLEX-RN Eligibility: CSP BSN program graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN® in any state, Virgin Islands.
- Additional Requirements: States may require additional licensure application conditions including but not limited to background studies that may include fingerprinting.
Additional Considerations for Nursing Programs
Accreditation
Arapahoe Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).The Nursing Program is also approved by the State Board of Colorado Community College Occupational and Education Programs. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. The contact information for ACEN is: 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta Georgia 30326. 404.975.5000, www.acenursing.org dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing; 303.894.2430.
Licensure
Each state has different requirements for professional licensure and certifications. If you are considering an academic program that prepares you to pursue professional licensure or certification, you are strongly encouraged to contact your state’s licensing authority for guidance before beginning an academic program outside of your state. If you relocate during your course of study: Since licensing requirements vary by state, moving to a different state before or during your program may impact the requirements for licensure or certification.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the College of Nursing bachelor of science program is highly competitive. In order to keep the selection process fair, admissions requirements are definitive and applied to each application in the same manner. Please keep in mind that applications are not reviewed until they are Verified by NursingCAS.
MSU Denver’s Department of Nursing
MSU Denver’s Department of Nursing Faculty and Staff are dedicated to student success. Our well-seasoned faculty have many years’ experience teaching and training student nurses. Additionally, most full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees. TO JOIN: Using the link below, search for Student Nurses Association under the Organizations tab.
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