Accelerated Nursing Programs In Colorado
If you are venturing into the world of nursing and you have evaluated all your options, then you will have come across accelerated nursing programs. Colorado has a number of colleges throughout the state that offer accelerated nursing degrees, some of these programs are quite intensive as you can imagine, and range from 12 months to 20 months in length with most being of a full-time nature. The admission requirements for these programs vary, which in turn means the costs for each program are dependent on how many prerequisite courses you may have to take, as well as the length of the program itself.
Tuition And Costs Of Bsn Programs In Colorado
BSN tuition costs and associated equipment, uniform, textbook, and technology costs can vary greatly between schools. Students may find the effort of researching each school’s tuition and full costs useful exercise in helping them decide where to attend. Particularly true of nursing programs, there are a large number of scholarships and grants available. The University of Colorado’s on-campus BSN program tuition costs about $477 per credit hour for in-state residents. Additional costs are extra.
Prospective Msu Denver Students
Interested Accelerated Nursing Option students must apply and be accepted to MSU Denver as Nursing before taking any other steps.
MSU Denver Nursing applications are accepted all year. Eligible ANO applicants can apply to the ANO program between by 5 p.m.
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University Of Colorado Anschutz
One of the best nursing schools in Denver and the Denver metropolitan area is the University of Colorado Anschutz. The school has four types of BSN programs, as well as masters programs, a DNP program, and a nursing PhD. There is a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN, a program for RNs and AAS students, and a program for students attending community colleges in the area. The Master of Science in Nursing program has 12 different specialties to choose from. There is a BS to DNP program as well as a post-graduate DNP. There are three areas of focus available within the PhD program: biobehavioral sciences, caring science, and health care systems research.
The University of Colorado College of Nursing is driven by the future and steeped in history. The school uses advanced teaching methods and state-of-the-art technology on its Anschutz Medical Campus to prepare students for a successful career in nursing.
HIGHLIGHT: The UC College of Nursing was listed among the best graduate nursing programs for 2019 by US News & World Report.
Programs: BSN DNP/PhD
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Classes

Course No. | |
---|---|
Topics of Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
Foundations of Nursing | 10 |
Medical Surgical Nursing I | 10 |
Mental Health Nursing | 6 |
Medical Surgical Nursing II | 9 |
Research and Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
Community/Public Health Nursing | 7 |
Life Transition: Death and Dying | 4 |
Senior Integrative Seminar and Capstone Clinical | 9 |
Total Quarter Credits for the BSN Degree | 180 |
A minimum of 75% of the DCN program courses must be earned at Denver College of Nursing.
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Tied #4 Denver College Of Nursing Score 55
NCLEX pass rate: 90.50%
Annual in-state tuition: $12,835
Out-of-state tuition: $12,835
Denver College of Nursing pours its heart and soul into students, focusing solely on the art and science of nursing. The school only offers nursing degrees.
Choosing Denver College of Nursing means that you will be surrounded by peers with the same goal. Everyone on campus is there to become a professional nurse! This private college offers smaller class sizes that will feel like family. That might be one reason that this school has the highest graduation rate.
The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission . The associates degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing . The associate and bachelor programs are approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing .
Programs offered at the University of Northern Colorado include the following:
Getting An Absn Degree
As mentioned above, earning an ABSN degree would mean that you have completed an accredited bachelors degree program. Students are, therefore, expected to have acquired good judgment, communication, and decision-making skills.
Also, depending on the courses offered during these programs, students can transfer credit units to their nursing coursework. This is possible if they studied chemistry, biology, and philosophy courses.
Furthermore, ABSN degree programs are available in online or physical forms. The online training allows students to take classes over the air for the entire length of their programs.
After this, they will be required to take in-person clinical practices in healthcare facilities.
Students will prepare for the National Council Examination for Registered Nurses at the end of their degree programs. This is the final step in earning an ABSN degree.
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Is Accelerated Nursing The Right Option For You
It is highly recommended that students obtain experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant before they apply to this program. This on-campus accelerated nursing program generally serves students who have maintained a high G.P.A while completing some or all of the required prerequisite courses and can transfer their credits to MSU Denver. Our Accelerated Nursing Option is a very competitive Bachelor of Science program. Students who pursue the Accelerated Nursing option must have a previous baccalaureate degree, successfully transfer or complete prerequisite courses, take the HESI exam, and demonstrate a 3.0 G.P.A. for prior and prerequisite course work. Students who pursue the Accelerated Nursing must first apply and be accepted to MSU Denver as Nursing .
Take a look at the courses required within the Accelerated Nursing Option along with your path to graduation.
Msn Programs In Colorado
For nurses who are determined to lead in their field, there is an increasing number of programs available at the Master of Science in Nursing level. Today’s MSN programs are building the leaders of tomorrow’s nurses in pathways such as administrators, nurse educators, managers, and policymakers. Whether candidates are interested in clinical care, administrative or teaching environments, MSN options are designed to accelerate your nursing career.
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Associate Degree In Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing program is a six quarter, 18-month program for students that already completed the pre-requisites and are ready for core nursing courses.
Graduates are prepared to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse . At a full-time status, the program takes 18 months to complete.
ADN Program Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above in all prerequisite courses
- Completed all prerequisites prior to the start date of their program
- One-page typewritten personal statement addressing the professional goals, healthcare related work background and volunteer experience
- Eligibility for all ADN programs is pending the successful completion of a drug screen and a criminal background check due five weeks before the start of the program
- Eligibility for all ADN programs is pending the successful submission of all required immunizations records and completed “Fit For Practice” form
- CPR Certification
- DCN is not eligible to accept international students at this time
- Interview
- Applicants with Bachelors degree from accredited college do not have to take the HESI A2 entrance exam
Getting A Colorado Nursing License
For Colorado State regulations for licensure by examination or endorsement a completed application, including your Social Security Number along with the following items should be submitted:
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status completed affidavit of eligibility
- Completed screening questionnaire
- Name change documentation
- health care Professionals Profiling Program questionnaire to be completed
- Transcripts to be mailed directly to the state nursing board
- Proof of registration for the NCLEX-RN examination
Apply for endorsement of licensure can be done by providing all of the above documentation, as well as the following:
- Current/active license from another state
- NURSYS Verification request completed
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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.
Nursing Major: Accelerated Nursing Option Bsn

Nursing is a scientific discipline that integrates theory and evidence-based practice. But, it is also the art of providing compassionate care that is ethical and centered on the patient. Many consider it a calling.
If you have a baccalaureate degree in another field and feel a calling to pursue nursing, MSU Denvers bachelor of science in Nursing Accelerated Nursing Option is a great choice. Completed in 17 months over four consecutive semesters, the Nursing ANO program is fast-paced and convenient.
In this accelerated B.S.N. program MSU Denver Nursing students attend classes, participate in simulation activities, practice in the skills lab, and have 765 hours of clinical experiences at various locations in metropolitan Denver. MSU Denvers small classes will give you plenty of opportunity to develop working relationships with Nursing professors who embody the highest standards of practice.
As a graduate of the bachelor of science in the Nursing ANO program, you will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and begin your nursing career.
This program is for students who have earned an associates degree or completed a diploma nursing program.
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University Of Colorado Accelerated Nursing Pathway
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing is a full-time, 12-month program option, which requires students have earned a previous bachelors degree by the semester or quarter prior to beginning the nursing program. The degree can be in a health-related or non-health related field of study. Beginning with the spring 2020 cohort, the UCAN program will be primarily offered at the CU South Denver location in Lone Tree, CO. However, UCAN students may be required to attend some classes or labs on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Metropolitan State University Of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers three pathways to the BSN degree. There is the accelerated nursing option, the traditional nursing option, and the baccalaureate registered nurse completion option . The accelerated option is a 17-month program for students who have already completed a bachelors degree in another discipline. The traditional program is for students without a bachelors degree. The BRNCO is for Registered Nurses who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students must have a current RN license that is unencumbered in order to enroll.
Metropolitan State University of Denver has been pushing the boundaries of education for over 50 years. The school provides real-world experiences to empower its students to improve their careers and their lives. MSU Denver jump-starts its students careers by providing access to professional networks and internships. Over 95% of the schools students are from Colorado.
HIGHLIGHT: The BRNCO program is completely online.
Programs: BSN
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Baccalaureate Program Curricular Guiding Statement
The University of Colorado College of Nursing faculty believes that nursing is a professional discipline with academic and practice dimensions, and that the program prepares generalists for practice at the baccalaureate level. The College of Nursing faculty also believes that the program prepares professional nurse leaders to be good stewards of the profession, managing patient care in a variety of healthcare contexts through the advocacy of compassionate, evidence-based, relationship-centered, interprofessional team-based care to enhance and sustain health and healing. These core faculty beliefs are the context in which the curricular foundations of the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials and QSEN framework are realized in the College of Nursing BS program.
What Prerequisite Science Courses Will I Need For An Absn Program In Colorado
First applicants must have a bachelors degree from an approved university. The typical list of prerequisites for admission to the Accelerated BS in Nursing program usually include the following:
- BIOL 211/212: Human Anatomy and Lab
- BIOL 215/L: Introductory Microbiology and Lab
- BIOL 281/282: Human Physiology and Lab
- CHEM 103/L: Introductory Chemistry I and Lab
- MATH 140: Introductory Statistics
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What Is A Typical Schedule Like
The nursing program is full-time, days. You are typically on-campus three to four days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. You attend four full-time semesters and are told each semester the classes for which to register. There are no lecture classes during the summer semester. A schedule may include lecture classes two days per week, up to three clinical shifts per week and additional lab assignments.
Clinical shifts may be 8 , 10 or 12 hours and may be days or evenings, any day of the week. Some clinical shifts may occur in the summer semester. The schedule for clinical shifts is subject to last-minute changes. Shifts are scheduled at area health care facilities.
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
If choosing the right nursing school came down to one factor, then nobody would care about the rest. With that in mind, you shouldnt choose a nursing school just because it has a high NCLEX pass rate or a high acceptance rate. Consider multiple factors prior to choosing your school, including:
You should also check to see that schools are offering exactly what youre looking for. Remember, the program you choose could alter the trajectory of your future nursing career.
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Accelerated Bsn Programs In Colorado
Explore Nursing Programs
There are 7 nursing schools in Colorado that provide Accelerated BSN program.We gathered some key information about each school to help you learn more about the schools’ characteristics and the programs they provide.
Where applicable we also list weighted average NCLEX pass rate of the students who attended the schools in the last 3 years.
Average NCLEX pass rate
- RN: 100.00%
Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public university in Pueblo and part of the Colorado State University system. The university started as a three-room junior college inside the Pueblo County Courthouse with just 63 students. It now serves over 5,000 students each semester and offers 29 undergrad degree programs. The main campus sits on 275-acres in northern Pueblo and includes several …
Average NCLEX pass rate
- RN: 89.60%
The Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver. It offers a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing programs. The school was founded in 1965 to provide a college education to students from all walks of life. The main campus is still located in the old Auraria neighborhood. However, the campus has grown to include multiple …
Average NCLEX pass rate
- RN: 79.40%
Average NCLEX pass rate
Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College offers an LPN-to-ADN program, an AAS in Nursing for students who want to become RNs, and an RN-to-BSN completion program. The LPN-to-ADN program is for LPNs with at least one year of work experience. The AAS in Nursing prepares students for entry-level RN positions in healthcare settings. The program is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. For students who are already RNs, there is the RN-to-BSN completion program. Students must have an ADN and a current nursing license to be admitted to the program.
At Front Range Community College, the schools top priority is the success of its students. FRCC is committed to helping its students find their purpose and reach their goals. The school connects students to peers and mentors with related interests and helps each student develop a plan to reach his or her goals.
HIGHLIGHT: Students who complete the AAS in Nursing are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Programs: ADN BSN
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Lpn To Rn Programs In Colorado
Colorado Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become registered nurses can opt to enroll in an LPN to RN specialty program. The aim of these programs is to bridge the gap between practical and registered nursing skills and duties. There are a few different program types fall under the LPN to RN umbrella, including LPN to RN diploma programs, LPN to ADN, and LPN to BSN pathways.
Are You Highly Motivated
If you are determined to earn your nursing degree, obtain your certification, and work in this demanding field, you are arguably already more motivated than the majority of your peers. Even so, committing to an accelerated track takes unusually strong determination and drive. If youve ever been labeled an over-achiever, this approach might be right for you. You will be carrying a heavier academic load than your traditional-track peers, so be prepared for significant pressure. You may be required to show evidence of preparedness for an accelerated-track program before being accepted. A relatively high Test of Essential Academic Skills score may be required, for example.
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Who Is An Accelerated Nursing Program For