Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Denver College of Nursing (DCN) is structured to provide a comprehensive nursing education, integrating both theoretical instruction and practical clinical experience. The program is designed for students who have completed the necessary prerequisite courses and aims to prepare graduates for professional nursing practice and licensure.

Program Duration:

• Length: The BSN program consists of seven quarters, which can be completed in as little as 21 months of full-time study.

Curriculum Components:

1. Didactic Instruction: Classroom-based courses cover essential nursing concepts, theories, and principles, providing a solid foundation in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing ethics.

2. Clinical Practice: Hands-on clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced professionals.

3. Skills Laboratory: Simulation labs offer a controlled environment where students can develop and refine practical nursing skills before engaging in clinical rotations.

Prerequisite Requirements:

• General Education Courses: Applicants must have completed 40 semester credits of prerequisite courses with a grade of 'C' or better (C- or below is not acceptable) and a GPA of 2.0 or higher. These courses should include subjects from at least three different disciplines, such as Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Communications, and History.

• Additional Credits: An additional 16 or more semester credits of general education courses are required.

• Entrance Exam: Applicants who do not hold a prior bachelor's degree from an accredited college are required to take the HESI A2 entrance exam.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the BSN program are prepared to:

• Licensure: Apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), a requisite for becoming a licensed registered nurse.

• Professional Practice: Deliver quality healthcare with a focus on patient safety, integrating knowledge from nursing and the arts and sciences.

• Critical Thinking: Utilize current knowledge, theory, and research to inform evidence-based practice.

• Collaboration: Engage in effective inter-professional collaboration to enhance patient health outcomes, including those of diverse and vulnerable populations.

• Technology Integration: Employ patient care technologies and clinical information systems to support decision-making in the delivery of safe care.

For a detailed breakdown of the program structure and course descriptions, please refer to DCN's Bachelor of Science in Nursing page.

Note: Program details are subject to change. It is advisable to consult the college's official resources or contact the admissions office for the most current information.

Fees and Funding

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Denver College of Nursing (DCN) involves understanding the associated tuition costs and available financial aid options.

Tuition Costs:

• BSN Program: For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition and fees for the BSN program are $19,860.

Financial Aid Options:

DCN offers various financial aid opportunities to assist students in managing their educational expenses:

• Grants and Scholarships: A significant percentage of DCN students receive grants or scholarships. Specifically, 87% of enrolled undergraduates have been awarded grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $2,328.

• Federal Student Aid: Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

• Veteran Benefits: DCN provides information and assistance for veterans seeking to utilize their educational benefits.

• External Scholarships: Students are advised to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by the Denver Health Foundation, which supports nursing education through various scholarships.

Net Price Calculator:

To estimate the net cost of attendance after accounting for financial aid, DCN provides a Net Price Calculator. This tool helps prospective students gauge their potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Note: Tuition rates and financial aid availability are subject to change. For the most current information, please consult DCN's official resources or contact the admissions office directly.

Scholarship Guidance

Pursuing a BSN at Denver College of Nursing (DCN) involves understanding the financial resources available to support your education. DCN offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and in-house financing plans.

In-House Financing:

• Interest-Free Payment Plans: DCN provides in-house, no-interest payment plans that allow students to make monthly payments throughout their program. This option facilitates manageable tuition payments without accruing interest.

Federal Financial Aid:

• Title IV Programs: DCN participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, offering eligible students access to:
  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
  • Federal Work-Study Programs
  • Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
  • Federal PLUS Loans
  Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Veterans Benefits:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Programs: DCN is approved for participation in various VA funding programs, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Eligible veterans and their dependents can access these benefits to support their education.

External Scholarships:

• Elmira K. Beyer Scholarship: Awarded by the University Women’s Foundation of Jefferson County (WA), this scholarship supports students based on educational and professional goals, as well as academic achievement. For instance, a DCN student received an $11,000 scholarship through this program.

• Friends of Nursing (FON) Scholarships: FON offers scholarships to nursing students in Colorado, including those attending DCN. The application period typically runs from September through November.

• Denver Health Nurses Care Scholarships: These scholarships aim to promote high standards of healthcare by supporting the advancement of nursing through academic support. They are available to extraordinary employees and those aspiring to become nurses, with a focus on improving healthcare quality within the Denver Health community.

Additional Resources:

• Grants for Nursing Students: Various grants are available to nursing students, which are essentially free gifts with no repayment obligation. Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to help finance their education.

For detailed information on financial aid options, including application procedures and eligibility criteria, please visit DCN's College Financing page or contact the financial aid office directly.

Note: Financial aid availability and eligibility criteria are subject to change. It is advisable to consult the college's official resources or contact the financial aid office for the most current information.

Admission Requirements

Denver College of Nursing (DCN) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for individuals aiming to enter the nursing profession. The admission criteria vary based on the applicant's prior educational background.

For Applicants Without a Prior Bachelor's Degree:

• Prerequisite Coursework:

  • Completion of at least 56 semester credits of post-secondary coursework from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • This includes 40 semester credits of specific prerequisite courses with a grade of 'C' or better (grades of C- or below are not acceptable).
  • An additional 16 or more semester credits of general education courses from at least three different disciplines, such as Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Communications, and History.

• Entrance Exam:

  • Applicants are required to take the HESI A2 entrance exam, achieving a minimum score of 75% on both the English Composite Subscale (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar) and the Math Subscale.
  • Applicants have two opportunities to obtain the required scores.

For Applicants with a Prior Bachelor's Degree:

• Prerequisite Coursework:

  • Completion of 21 semester credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or better.
  • Grades must be 'C' or above (C- or below are not acceptable) in the specified prerequisite courses.

• Entrance Exam:

  • Applicants who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college are exempt from taking the HESI A2 entrance exam.

General Requirements for All Applicants:

• Science Coursework Currency:

  • Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses must have been completed within seven years prior to the start date at DCN.
  • Pathophysiology cannot be used as a science prerequisite, as it is part of the DCN program.

• Personal Statement:

  • Submit a one-page, typewritten personal statement (double-spaced, 12-point font) addressing professional goals, healthcare-related work background, and volunteer experience.
  • The statement will be evaluated for content, writing style, syntax, and grammar.

• Transcripts:

  • Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended.
  • Transcripts must be sent directly to DCN and should reference current and maiden names, if applicable.

• Additional Requirements:

  • Eligibility for all BSN programs is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen and a criminal background check before the program's start.
  • Submission of all required immunization records and a completed "Fit For Practice" form.
  • Ability to meet all requirements for licensure and the physical, psychological, and emotional standards established by governing bodies and state regulations.
  • Certification in CPR (not required with the initial application).

For detailed information on the application process and to access the online application form, please visit DCN's Apply Online page.

Note: Admission requirements are subject to change. It is advisable to consult the college's official resources or contact the admissions office for the most current information.

Application Procedure

Application Process: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Denver College of Nursing

Applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Denver College of Nursing (DCN) involves several key steps. The process is designed to assess your academic readiness and commitment to the nursing profession.

1. Review Admission Criteria:

• Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet the prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements specific to your educational background. Detailed criteria are available on DCN's BSN Admissions Criteria page.

2. Prepare Application Materials:

• Completed Application Form: Access and complete the online application through DCN's Apply Online portal.

• Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary coursework. Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance.

• Personal Statement: Write a one-page, typewritten personal statement (double-spaced, 12-point font) addressing your professional goals, healthcare-related work experience, and volunteer activities. The statement will be evaluated for content, writing style, syntax, and grammar.

• Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of $100.

3. Submit Application:

• Online Submission: Once all materials are prepared, submit your application through the online portal. Ensure all information is accurate, as the application cannot be edited after submission.

• Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation within one week of submission.

4. Entrance Exam (if applicable):

• HESI A2 Exam: Applicants without a prior bachelor's degree are required to take the HESI A2 entrance exam, achieving a minimum score of 75% on both the English Composite and Math subscales. Applicants with a bachelor's degree are exempt. Instructions for the exam will be provided upon selection for an admissions interview.

5. Admissions Interview:

• Scheduling: Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview. Be prepared to discuss your career goals, relevant experiences, and educational background.

6. Post-Acceptance Requirements:

• Background Check and Drug Screen: Upon conditional acceptance, complete a criminal background check and drug screen at least five weeks before the program start date.

• Immunizations and Health Forms: Submit all required immunization records and a completed "Fit For Practice" form.

• CPR Certification: Obtain certification in CPR prior to program commencement.

For detailed information on the application process, including deadlines and start dates, please visit DCN's Application Process page.

Note: Application procedures and requirements are subject to change. Consult DCN's official resources or contact the admissions office for the most current information.