Program structure

The ADN program at DCN is designed to provide a comprehensive nursing education, combining theoretical instruction with practical clinical experience. The program is structured as follows:

Duration:

• Length: Six academic quarters, approximately 18 months of full-time study.

Curriculum Components:

1. General Education Courses:

   • Transfer Credits: Students are required to transfer general education credits from accredited institutions.
   • Subjects Include: Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, and other foundational sciences.

2. Nursing Core Courses:

   • Foundations of Nursing Arts and Skills (with Lab and Clinical): Introduction to basic nursing skills and patient care techniques.
   • Basic Pharmacology Concepts & Calculations (with Lab): Principles of medication administration and dosage calculations.
   • Basic Medical-Surgical Concepts (with Lab and Clinical): Care for patients with common medical and surgical conditions.
   • Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts (with Clinical): Management of complex health issues.
   • Nursing Concepts for the Multigenerational Childbearing Family (with Clinical): Maternal and newborn nursing care.

3. Clinical Practicum:

   • Hands-On Experience: Students participate in supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, graduates are expected to:

• Clinical Competence: Provide patient-centered care effectively.
• Communication: Collaborate efficiently with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Decision-Making: Manage and coordinate nursing care to ensure quality and safety.
• Professionalism: Uphold ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in nursing practice.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate current nursing knowledge, theory, and research into patient care, addressing the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations.

For more detailed information, please visit DCN's Associate Degree in Nursing page.

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

Fees and Funding

Pursuing the ADN program at DCN involves understanding the associated tuition costs and available financial aid options.

Tuition Costs:

• Program Tuition: The ADN program is structured as a degree completion program, focusing on nursing courses built upon general education credits transferred from other accredited institutions. Specific tuition rates are not detailed on the official website. Prospective students are encouraged to contact DCN's admissions or financial aid office directly for the most current tuition information.

Financial Aid Options:

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

• Title IV Federal Financial Aid: DCN participates in federal financial aid programs, including:

  • Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Federal Work-Study Program
  • Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan
  • Federal PLUS Loan
  • Federal Pell Grant Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Veterans Benefits: DCN is approved for participation in various U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funding programs. Eligible veterans and their dependents can access these benefits to support their education.

• In-House Financing: DCN provides tailored tuition financing plans to meet individual student needs. The Financial Aid Department assists students in understanding the application process and eligibility requirements for various federal, state, and/or private sources of student financial aid.

Additional Resources:

• 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 or financial aid office directly.

Scholarship Guidance

Pursuing an ADN at DCN is a significant investment. While DCN offers various financial aid options, it does not provide institution-specific scholarships for the ADN program. However, students can explore external scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support their education.

External Scholarship Opportunities:

• Friends of Nursing (FON) Scholarships: FON offers scholarships to nursing students enrolled in baccalaureate or higher degree programs at participating Colorado schools, including DCN. Eligible students must have attained junior or senior status in an undergraduate program or be enrolled in a graduate nursing program (e.g., MSN). A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The application period typically runs from September 1 through November 8 each year.

• AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is available to students pursuing a BSN, MSN, or doctoral degree in nursing. Awards of $2,500 are granted each quarter. Applicants must be enrolled at an AACN member institution.

• A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship: Offered by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), this scholarship supports AISES members of American Indian or Alaskan Native ethnicity pursuing degrees in engineering, medicine, natural resources, math, and other sciences. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

• ACLS Medical Training Scholarship Program: This program offers multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Requirements vary by scholarship.

• Vohra Wound Care Scholarship for Nursing Education and Nursing Certifications: This scholarship awards $1,000 and a full tuition waiver for Vohra’s comprehensive Wound Care Certification course to nursing professionals and students aiming to earn a certification in wound care.

Financial Aid Options at DCN:

• Title IV Federal Financial Aid: DCN participates in federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Federal Stafford Loans. Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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

• In-House Financing: DCN offers interest-free payment plans, allowing students to make monthly payments throughout their program, facilitating manageable tuition payments without accruing interest.

Additional Resources:

• Scholarships.com: Provides information on various scholarships available to DCN students.

• Niche.com: Offers insights into scholarships and financial aid specific to DCN.

• CollegeFactual.com: Details financial aid and scholarship opportunities at DCN.

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: Scholarship availability and eligibility criteria are subject to change. It is advisable to consult the respective scholarship organizations or DCN's financial aid office for the most current information.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the ADN program at DCN, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Educational Prerequisites:

• General Education Courses: Completion of specific prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (a grade of C or better; C- or below is not acceptable). All prerequisites must be completed prior to the program's start date.

2. Entrance Examination:

• HESI A2 Exam: Applicants without a prior bachelor's degree from an accredited institution are required to take and pass the HESI A2 entrance exam. Those with a bachelor's degree are exempt from this requirement.

3. Personal Statement:

• Essay Submission: A one-page, typewritten personal statement (double-spaced, 12-point font) addressing professional goals, healthcare-related work experience, and volunteer activities. The content is paramount, but writing style, syntax, and grammar will also be evaluated.

4. Application Materials:

• Completed Application: Submission of a fully completed application form.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts of courses taken to date; official transcripts will be required before the program start date.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $100.

5. Interview Process:

• Admissions Interview: Selected applicants will be contacted for an admissions interview to discuss career goals, applicable experiences, and educational background.

6. Additional Requirements:

• Background Check and Immunizations: Details regarding background checks and immunization records will be discussed with an admissions advisor during the interview process.

Note: Admission criteria are subject to change. Prospective students should consult DCN's official resources or contact the admissions office for the most current information.

Application Procedure

Applying to DCN's ADN program involves several key steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's qualifications and readiness for the program.

1. Review Admission Requirements:

• Prerequisite Courses: Ensure completion of all required general education courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (a grade of C or better; C- or below is not acceptable). All prerequisites must be completed prior to the program's start date.

• Entrance Exam: Applicants without a prior bachelor's degree from an accredited institution are required to take and pass the EVOLVE REACH (HESI A2) entrance exam. Those with a bachelor's degree are exempt from this requirement.

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

2. Complete the Application:

• Application Form: Access and complete the online application available on DCN's Apply Online page.

• Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary coursework to date. Official transcripts will be required before the program start date.

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

3. Submit Application Materials:

• Mailing Address: Send all application materials via USPS to:

  Denver College of Nursing Attn: Application 1401 19th Street Denver, CO 80202

4. Post-Submission Process:

• Notification: Applicants will be notified via USPS, email, or phone approximately six weeks after the application deadline regarding the status of their application.

• Admissions Interview: Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview to discuss career goals, applicable experiences, and educational background.

• Entrance Exam: Applicants without a prior bachelor's degree will receive instructions to take the HESI A2 entrance exam. In-state applicants may borrow a study guide, while out-of-state applicants are advised to purchase one.

5. Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance:

• Background Check and Immunizations: Accepted students must complete a background check and submit immunization records. Details and deadlines will be discussed during the admissions interview.

• CPR Certification: Provide proof of current CPR certification.

• Health Insurance: Submit proof of current health insurance coverage.

For more detailed information on the application process, please visit DCN's Application Process page.

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