Nursing Programs in Denver, CO

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Denver, CO

To start out as an RN, students in Denver have the option of entry-level programs including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs are designed for those who don't already hold a nursing license.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses are already experienced in providing patients with basic care and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. For LPNs who want to expand on these skills and become licensed as RNs, some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs that provide an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse. For example, at Front Range Community College, students with valid LPN licenses are awarded advanced placement in the associate’s degree program and transfer the equivalent of 21 completed course credits.

ADN Programs

The ADN program is the basic, entry-level route to becoming an RN. These programs take about 2 years to complete and are regularly offered at community and technical colleges in the city. Arapahoe Community College, for example, offers an ADN program with high NCLEX pass rates, allowing students to enter the workforce or continue on to a bachelor's degree program.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The 4-year baccalaureate nursing program has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years. With many employers requiring this type of nursing degree, some students choose to earn it from the get-go. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers both a traditional BSN as well as an accelerated BSN for those who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Find out more about Colorado Accelerated BSN Programs

Denver RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Denver

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Denver based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Colorado out of 28 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Arapahoe Community College - #6
• Denver College of Nursing - #10
• Front Range Community College - Westminster - #3
• Metropolitan State University of Denver - #5
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - #8

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Denver, CO

Those RNs who are licensed and have previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma can opt to further their careers with an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. These bridge programs offer the benefits of earning a higher degree in a shortened time span, taking into account the nursing education the RN has already completed.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. Many of these programs have the option to be completed online in order to accommodate working RNs. Colorado Christian University offers an RN to BSN completion program that requires 120 total credit hours but allows students to transfer up to 87 credits.

Learn more about Colorado RN to BSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses wanting a more advanced option may decide to pursue an RN to MSN program. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically allow students to specialize in a niche area, such as pediatrics or women's health. Aspen University offers an RN to MSN bridge program in a number of nurse practitioner specialties, with full-time and part-time attendance options available.

Learn more about Colorado RN to MSN programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Denver, CO

For nurses looking to enter advanced practice as nurse practitioners, Denver schools have a number of options. From MSN degrees to post-graduate certificates to doctoral nursing programs, RNs have a variety of available pathways depending on their goals.

MSN Programs

The traditional graduate pathway can be found at most universities in the area. In around 2 years of study, students are well-equipped to work in a number of nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. Aspen University, for example, offers traditional MSN degrees with the choice between a Forensic Nursing or Public Health specialization.

Learn more about Colorado Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates are designed for RNs who have completed a master's program and don't want to complete an additional master's or DNP program to change specialties. These certificates take just 1-2 years to finish. The University of Colorado offers post-master's certificates in many specialties, including Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, and more.

Learn more about Colorado Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

The terminal degree options for nurses are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees. While the DNP degree is mainly focused on clinical practice, the Ph.D. degree is geared toward academia and research. Regis University offers a post-BSN to DNP pathway that culminates in both a master's and doctoral degrees. The University of Colorado offers a Ph.D. in nursing that includes 42 credits of coursework and 18 dissertation credits.

Learn more about Colorado DNP Programs.