Program structure

The BSN program at DCN is designed to equip students with comprehensive nursing knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for the NCLEX-RN® licensure examination and subsequent professional practice. The program is structured over seven quarters, typically completed in 21 months of full-time study.

Curriculum Components:

1. General Education Prerequisites:

   • Prior to enrollment, students must complete a minimum of 56 semester credits of post-secondary coursework from accredited institutions. This includes 40 semester credits in designated prerequisite courses and 16 semester credits in general education across at least three disciplines such as Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Communications, or History. Specific prerequisite courses encompass Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Human Growth & Development, Nutrition, Statistics, English Composition, General Psychology, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, and General Education Electives. Notably, Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses must have been completed within seven years prior to the intended start date at DCN.

2. Nursing Core Courses:

   • The program comprises seven quarters of nursing-specific courses that integrate classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Key courses include:
     • Foundations of Nursing (with Skills Laboratory and Clinical): Introduction to basic nursing skills and patient care techniques.
     • Medical-Surgical Nursing I (with Skills Laboratory 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.
     • Community Health Nursing (with Clinical): Public health principles and community-based care.
     • Mental Health Nursing (with Clinical): Psychiatric nursing practices and mental health care.
     • Leadership and Management in Nursing: Development of leadership skills and management principles in nursing practice.

3. Clinical Practicum:

   • Students participate in supervised clinical rotations across various healthcare settings, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care. These experiences are designed to develop clinical competence and confidence.

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 Bachelor of Science 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 a BSN at DCN involves understanding the associated tuition costs and available financial aid options.

Tuition Costs:

• Annual Tuition and Fees: For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at DCN are $19,860.

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 Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Federal Work-Study Program
  • Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan
  • Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan
  • Federal PLUS Loan

  Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Veterans Benefits: The Denver campus of DCN is approved for participation in various funding programs offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• 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

Scholarship Guidance

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

External Scholarship Opportunities:

• National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships: NBNA offers annual scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for members currently enrolled in a nursing program, including BSN. Applicants must have at least one full year of school remaining.

• 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.

• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship: Offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees, including nursing. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, community involvement, and essay submissions.

• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Provides funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs to nursing students in exchange for a service commitment at an eligible healthcare facility with a critical shortage of nurses.

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 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 private sources of student financial aid.

Additional Resources:

• Nurse.org: Provides a comprehensive list of nursing scholarships and grants available to students at various levels.

• NurseJournal.org: Offers information on nursing scholarships and grants, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

• Incredible Health: Features a list of nursing scholarships and grants, including those for BSN students.

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

DCN's BSN program is tailored for students who have completed specific prerequisite coursework. The admission criteria differ based on the applicant's prior educational background.

For Applicants Without a Prior Bachelor's Degree:

• Prerequisite Coursework:

  • Completion of a minimum of 56 semester credits of post-secondary coursework from an accredited institution.
  • At least 40 semester credits must be in designated prerequisite courses with a grade of 'C' or better (C- or below is not acceptable).
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for these courses.
  • The remaining 16 semester credits should be in general education courses from at least three different disciplines, such as Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Communications, or History.
  • Prerequisite courses include:
    • Two courses in Anatomy & Physiology (one with a lab)
    • Microbiology with lab
    • Human Growth & Development
    • Nutrition
    • Statistics
    • English Composition
    • General Psychology
    • College Algebra
    • Introduction to Sociology
    • General Education Electives
  • Note: Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses must have been completed within seven years prior to the intended start date at DCN.

• Entrance Exam:

  • Applicants are required to take and pass the EVOLVE REACH (HESI A2) entrance exam.
  • A minimum score of 75% is required on the English Composite Subscale (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar) and the Math Subscale.
  • Applicants have two opportunities to achieve the required scores.

For Applicants with a Prior Bachelor's Degree:

• Prerequisite Coursework:

  • Completion of at least 21 semester credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Grades must be 'C' or above (C- or below are not acceptable) in the following courses:
    • Anatomy & Physiology (two courses; one with a lab)
    • Microbiology with lab
    • Human Growth & Development
    • Nutrition
    • Statistics
  • Note: Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses must have been completed within seven years prior to the intended start date at DCN.

• Entrance Exam:

  • Applicants with a prior bachelor's degree from an accredited institution are exempt from the HESI A2 entrance exam.

General Admission Requirements for All Applicants:

• Personal Statement:

  • Submit a one-page, typewritten personal statement (double-spaced, 12-point font) addressing professional goals, healthcare-related work experience, and volunteer activities.
  • 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:

  • Successful completion of a drug screen and a criminal background check before the program's start date.
  • 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 applicable governing bodies and state regulations.
  • Certification in CPR (not required with the initial application).

Application Process:

1. Complete the Online Application:

   • Access and submit the application through DCN's Apply Online portal.

2. Pay the Application Fee:

   • A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required.

3. Submit Supporting Documents:

   • Mail official transcripts and other required materials to:

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

4. Admissions Interview:

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

5. Entrance Exam (if applicable):

   • Applicants without a prior bachelor's degree will receive instructions to take the HESI A2 entrance exam.

Important Notes:

• Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
• The admissions process considers various factors, including personal statements, healthcare or volunteer experience, and cumulative/science GPA.
• Applicants are selected based on a ranked point system by the admissions committee.

For detailed information on the application process and requirements, please visit DCN's BSN Admissions Criteria page.

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

Application Procedure

The BSN program at DCN is designed for students who have completed the necessary general education prerequisites and are seeking a comprehensive nursing education. The program consists of seven quarters of nursing courses, encompassing both didactic instruction and clinical components, and is typically completed in 21 months of full-time study.

Curriculum Components:

1. General Education Prerequisites:

   • Students are required to transfer general education credits from accredited institutions prior to enrollment. These foundational courses include subjects such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, and other relevant sciences.

2. Nursing Core Courses:

   • The program comprises seven quarters of nursing-specific courses that integrate classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Key courses include:
     • Foundations of Nursing (with Skills Laboratory and Clinical): Introduction to basic nursing skills and patient care techniques.
     • Medical-Surgical Nursing I (with Skills Laboratory 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.
     • Community Health Nursing (with Clinical): Public health principles and community-based care.
     • Mental Health Nursing (with Clinical): Psychiatric nursing practices and mental health care.
     • Leadership and Management in Nursing: Development of leadership skills and management principles in nursing practice.

3. Clinical Practicum:

   • Students participate in supervised clinical rotations across various healthcare settings, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care. These experiences are designed to develop clinical competence and confidence.

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 Bachelor of Science 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.