Nursing Programs in Denver, CO

Front Range Community College in Westminster, CO, offers a Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN) program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. This campus-based program combines 42.5 credits of nursing courses with 29 credits of general education, blending science and art for holistic patient care. Accredited by ACEN, it provides clinical experiences across Denver's healthcare settings. Ideal for aspiring nurses, the program emphasizes critical thinking and ethical responsibility. Admissions require planning with a Health Sciences advisor, ensuring a path tailored to student success in the evolving healthcare field.

• 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 offers a flexible, accredited pathway for nurses to advance their education. Designed for both current nursing students and registered nurses, this hybrid program combines online coursework with practical experience. With over 50 years of nursing education excellence in Colorado, FRCC prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. The program emphasizes affordability, quality, and flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Admission requires an Associate Degree in Nursing or enrollment in an ADN program, with a minimum 2.0 GPA. This program is a stepping stone for those aiming for higher positions in nursing, including management and education roles.

• 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 offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This program prepares students for the NCLEX exam and careers in various healthcare settings. With a focus on Medical/Surgical, Obstetric & Pediatric, and Psychiatric Nursing, students benefit from high NCLEX pass rates, state-of-the-art labs, and seamless progression to a BSN. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, a CNA license, and successful completion of the HESI A2 exam. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical experiences and simulation labs.

• 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.

The AAS Nursing: PN to RN Option at Arapahoe Community College is designed for licensed Practical Nurses aiming to advance their careers to Registered Nurses. This program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a focus on transitioning LPNs into the ADN program. Prerequisites include specific courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program requires a current Colorado LPN license and, depending on graduation timing, may require documented work experience. Successful completion leads to eligibility for Colorado RN licensure. The curriculum includes advanced medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric mental health nursing, and pharmacology, culminating in a comprehensive preparation for professional nursing practice.

• 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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN) is designed for licensed RNs or those in an AAS/ADN program seeking career advancement. This flexible program enhances nursing skills, leadership, and clinical practice perspectives. It requires 120 credit hours, with 48.5 hours specific to the BSN. Admission requires an active RN license or current enrollment in an AAS/ADN program. The program is accredited by the ACEN, ensuring quality education. Courses cover research, ethics, community health, and leadership, preparing graduates for advanced nursing roles. Electives allow specialization in areas like gerontology and behavioral health.

• 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) through its College of Nursing, recognized among the top nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report. This program prepares students for generalist nursing practice at the baccalaureate level, emphasizing evidence-based, relationship-centered care. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction, clinical simulation, and direct patient care, collaborating with disciplines like pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine. The program offers multiple pathways including Traditional, Accelerated, and Integrated Nursing Pathway, catering to diverse student needs. Admission is competitive, requiring a verified application through NursingCAS. The curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and more, culminating in clinical immersion experiences.

• 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 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field. This rigorous 12-month program equips students with the necessary skills to practice as generalist nurses, focusing on evidence-based, relationship-centered care. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, clinical simulation, and direct patient care experiences, preparing graduates for the challenges of modern healthcare. Admission is competitive, with requirements including prerequisite courses and a verified application through NursingCAS. The program is ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its quality and the excellence of its faculty.

• 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 program designed for Colorado residents aiming to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It combines 3 years of prerequisite coursework at CU Denver with 2 years of nursing studies at CU Nursing, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus. This pathway emphasizes diversity in healthcare and offers early admission to the CU Nursing TRAD BSN program. Students benefit from personalized advising, nursing concept exposure, and the opportunity to earn health-related certificates. The program boasts high NCLEX pass rates and is tailored for first-time college students with a 3.0 GPA prerequisite. Application opens in September, with a holistic review process.

• 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 (TNO) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses seeking a comprehensive education. This on-campus program is highly competitive, focusing on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through rigorous coursework and over 750 clinical hours. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, all with lab components. The program emphasizes strong communication and critical thinking skills, with an estimated cost of $40,000 covering tuition and fees. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses and completion of the Casper Admissions Assessment. MSU Denver students gain an edge in application scoring, highlighting the university's commitment to supporting its students' success in the nursing field.

• 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 (BSN) program offers a comprehensive education blending nursing science with ethical foundations and social justice. Designed for diverse learners, it includes traditional, accelerated, and CHOICE pathways. The program requires 120 credit hours, with 62 dedicated to BSN completion. Clinical education spans 756 hours across Colorado's Front Range. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year is $48,490. Admission requires official transcripts, a resume, essay, and recommendations, with priority deadlines for high school and transfer students.

• 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 in Denver, CO, is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, offering a fast-track to a nursing career in just one year. The program combines classroom instruction with over 750 clinical hours, including a final 180-hour preceptorship. Students benefit from three graduate-level nursing courses, reducing future master's degree costs. Admission is competitive, considering GPA, resume, recommendations, and healthcare experience. Prerequisites must be completed before starting, with at least three science courses by the application deadline. Tuition is $599 per credit hour for 2025 and 2026, with financial aid options 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 designed for health care professionals seeking to advance their careers into nursing. This hybrid program combines evening on-campus classes with weekend clinicals, allowing students to balance work and study. With a focus on innovative curriculum experiences, the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission is competitive, prioritizing those with health care experience. The program requires 120 credit hours, with tuition at $975 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. Prerequisites include a minimum 2.75 GPA and completion of science courses. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

• 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