Nursing Programs in Denver, CO

Front Range Community College's Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN) program is a campus-based curriculum preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through 42.5 nursing credits and 29 general education credits. This bachelor's-level program requires planning with a Health Sciences advisor but does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams. ACEN-accredited, it offers clinical experiences across Denver healthcare settings with a focus on critical thinking and ethical responsibility. The program's effectiveness is reflected in strong NCLEX performance, with 2024 pass rates of 98.59% and 98.72% across cohorts, indicating robust preparation for nursing licensure.

• Campus-based program.
• 42.5 nursing credits.
• 29 general education credits.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• ACEN accredited.
• Clinical experiences in Denver.
• Focus on critical thinking.
• Emphasizes ethical responsibility.
• Holistic patient care approach.
• Advisor-guided admissions process.

Front Range Community College's RN-to-BSN Completion Program provides a hybrid pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, combining online coursework with practical experience. This program does not require entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, focusing instead on accessibility for working professionals. With over 50 years of nursing education excellence in Colorado, it emphasizes leadership preparation and flexible scheduling. The NCLEX pass rates for FRCC's ADN programs have been consistently high, with 2024 rates at 98.59% and 98.72%, demonstrating strong foundational training. Admission requires an Associate Degree in Nursing or current enrollment, with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

• Hybrid program format
• Accredited nursing education
• Flexible online coursework
• 68 practicum hours required
• Minimum 2.0 GPA for admission
• Designed for RNs and ADN students
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Affordable tuition rates
• Over 50 years of excellence
• Dedicated online advisors

Arapahoe Community College's campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Nursing prepares students for the NCLEX exam with high pass rates, including 100% in 2023. This ACEN-accredited program requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, a CNA license, and the HESI A2 entrance exam. Focused on medical/surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing, it features state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences for seamless BSN progression and diverse healthcare careers.

• Nationally approved by ACEN.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Seamless BSN progression.
• Competitive admission process.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• 3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement.
• CNA license required.
• HESI A2 exam required.

Designed for licensed Practical Nurses, Arapahoe Community College's PN to RN option prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam through advanced medical-surgical, psychiatric mental health, and pharmacology coursework. This campus program requires a Colorado LPN license, a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, and may need documented work experience. It leads to eligibility for Colorado RN licensure, building on high NCLEX pass rates like 96.34% in 2024 for comprehensive professional transition.

• For licensed Practical Nurses
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Requires Colorado LPN license
• 3.0 GPA prerequisite courses
• Advanced medical-surgical nursing
• Psychiatric mental health nursing
• Pharmacology included
• Eligibility for Colorado RN licensure
• Work experience may be required
• Comprehensive professional preparation

Arapahoe Community College's online RN-BSN completion program offers licensed RNs or AAS/ADN students flexible advancement through 120 credit hours, including 48.5 BSN-specific credits. This ACEN-accredited program enhances leadership, research, ethics, and community health skills without requiring entrance exams. Electives in gerontology and behavioral health allow specialization for advanced nursing roles. The program's online format accommodates working professionals seeking career growth.

• Online program flexibility.
• 120 total credit hours.
• 48.5 BSN-specific credits.
• ACEN accredited.
• For licensed RNs or AAS/ADN students.
• Enhances leadership skills.
• Focus on community health.
• Electives in gerontology, behavioral health.
• Requires active RN license.
• Prepares for advanced nursing roles.

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for generalist nursing practice. This top-ranked program emphasizes evidence-based, relationship-centered care through classroom instruction, clinical simulation, and direct patient care experiences. Students collaborate with multiple healthcare disciplines and can choose from Traditional, Accelerated, or Integrated Nursing Pathway options. Admission requires a verified NursingCAS application and is competitive. The program consistently demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, with recent pass rates ranging from 86.67% to 97.01%. No specific entrance exam requirement is mentioned for this bachelor's level program.

• Multiple pathway options
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Clinical immersion experiences
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Competitive admission process
• Hands-on patient care
• Classroom and simulation learning
• Health assessment training
• Pharmacology for nurses
• Mental health nursing

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a rigorous 12-month program designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This intensive curriculum combines classroom learning with clinical simulation and direct patient care experiences to prepare graduates for generalist nursing practice. The program emphasizes evidence-based, relationship-centered care and features competitive admissions through NursingCAS. Recent NCLEX pass rates for the university's BSN programs have ranged from 86.67% to 97.01%. No specific entrance exam requirement is mentioned for this accelerated bachelor's program.

• 12-month accelerated program
• For non-nursing bachelor's degree holders
• Includes clinical simulation
• Direct patient care experiences
• Competitive admissions process
• NursingCAS application required
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Relationship-centered care focus
• Prepares for generalist nursing practice
• Classroom and clinical components

The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway is a unique 3+2 hybrid program for Colorado residents pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This pathway combines three years of prerequisite coursework at CU Denver with two years of nursing studies at CU Nursing on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The program emphasizes healthcare diversity, offers early admission to the BSN program, and provides personalized advising with opportunities to earn health-related certificates. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and holistic admission review, the program boasts high NCLEX pass rates (recently ranging from 86.67% to 97.01%). No specific entrance exam requirement is mentioned for this bachelor's pathway.

• 3+2 program structure.
• Early admission to BSN.
• Personalized advising.
• Health-related certificates available.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• For Colorado residents only.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Holistic admission process.
• Application opens in September.
• Diversity in healthcare focus.

Metropolitan State University of Denver's Traditional Nursing Option delivers a rigorous on-campus BSN program requiring a minimum 2.75 GPA in prerequisites and the Casper Admissions Assessment, with no ACT/SAT mentioned. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and communication through 750+ clinical hours across diverse settings, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 92.11% in 2024, 95.83% in 2023, and 96% in 2022. The estimated $40,000 cost covers tuition and fees, while MSU Denver students receive application advantages, reflecting the program's commitment to graduate success in nursing careers.

• On-campus program
• Highly competitive admission
• 750+ clinical hours
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Prerequisites with lab components
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required
• Casper Admissions Assessment
• Estimated $40,000 program cost
• Strong communication skills focus
• Critical thinking emphasis

Regis University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive 120-credit education with 756 clinical hours across Colorado's Front Range. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes ethical foundations and social justice, offering traditional, accelerated, and CHOICE pathways. With a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 96.64% for 119 students, the program demonstrates strong exam preparation. Admission requires official transcripts, resume, essay, and recommendations, but does not require ACT or SAT exams. The 2025-26 tuition is $48,490, and the program includes generous transfer credit opportunities for diverse learners.

• 120 credit hours total.
• 62 credits for BSN completion.
• 756 clinical hours required.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Three unique BSN pathways.
• Daytime on-campus classes.
• Clinical placements across Colorado.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Tuition $48,490 for 2025-26.
• Generous transfer credit opportunities.

Regis University's Accelerated BSN program offers a fast-track one-year pathway for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. This intensive program includes over 750 clinical hours with a 180-hour preceptorship and incorporates three graduate-level courses to reduce future master's degree costs. With a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 88.64% for 44 students, the program prepares graduates effectively. Admission is competitive and considers GPA, healthcare experience, recommendations, and an essay, but explicitly does not require GRE or HESI exams. The 2025-26 tuition is $599 per credit hour, with financial aid available.

• One-year program duration.
• 64 credits for BSN completion.
• Over 750 clinical hours.
• Includes three graduate-level courses.
• Competitive admission process.
• Prerequisites required before start.
• $599 per credit hour tuition.
• Financial aid options available.
• On-campus classes Monday-Friday.
• 120 total credits for graduation.

The CHOICE BSN program at Regis University is a hybrid format designed for healthcare professionals, combining evening on-campus classes with weekend clinicals to accommodate working students. This 120-credit program requires 756 clinical hours and maintains a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 89.29% for 84 students. Admission prioritizes those with healthcare experience and requires a minimum 2.75 GPA with science prerequisites, but does not specify entrance exam requirements. The 2025-26 tuition is $975 per credit hour, with financial aid options available for eligible students in this CCNE-accredited program.

• Hybrid program format
• Evening classes, weekend clinicals
• 120 credit hours required
• $975 per credit hour
• Competitive admissions process
• Priority to health care professionals
• NCLEX-RN eligibility upon graduation
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required
• Science prerequisites needed
• Financial aid available