Applying for Nursing Schools in Denver

oceanblue52 · Aug 31, 2014

CU and Regis will be a little bit of a stretch with a 3.0, but it can't hurt, especially if you have a great essay and experience. Is there a reason you are attached to Parker? A few of my co-workers attend Front Range in Longmont; I'm not sure how competitive it is but the general trend is that the further you get from Denver, the less competitive the program and job market. As I'm sure you know, the job market is quite competitive, so you may want to think about researching RN-BSN programs too, after you're done with your associates (if you want to live in CO that is). Good luck to you!

whiteorchid81 · Sep 3, 2014

I'll be starting the ADN program at Denver school of nursing in October. I didn't want to go the BSN route because, to be honest, my GPA isn't that great. Yes, the tuition is pretty expensive but I have been on this nursing program roller coaster for years now and I just want to be an RN and work already.

I'm new to Colorado, my family moved from California, and if the colleges here are the same as Cali then it's all pretty competitive. I took a chance with Denver school of nursing because I heard it is a lot easier to get into compared to the other colleges. But I have to tell you the BSN program at DSN can get pretty competitive as well. It depends on the number of applicants DSN receive per application period.

I hope the little info I provided helps, Good luck.

smtrangelo · Sep 3, 2014

Thank you very much for responding. I'm moving to Colorado in December and I will be staying near Parker with family. Front Range is a far commute. I am qualified to get into a BSN program as I've completed a majority of my prerequisites. Sill researching. I don't have volunteering background experience. Will this be a problem applying to these schools?

whiteorchid81 · Sep 3, 2014

Most schools want either medical experience or volunteer work. You might want to look into getting a little more experience. You'll be going up against applicants who have either worked as CNA's or at least in a hospital setting.

oceanblue52 · Sep 7, 2014

See if you can get into a volunteer program with a hospital, hospice, companion program, or nursing home; most of them have a fairly straightforward application process and just require things like a background check, vaccination records, and an interview to talk about your interest in healthcare. You can do as little as 2-4 hours a week and it is a great opportunity to get your feet wet and gather experiences for your application essays.

Pre-reqs are stressful, but if you have the time and a little extra $$, I'd highly recommend getting your CNA license, even if you dont think you will have time to actually work. It will show your programs that you are dedicated to the nursing field and it will make your Fundamentals class less stressful.

The community college in Aurora will be your best best as far as distance goes. I can't speak for competition to that particular program but having even a little healthcare experience will help your application immensely, especially if you are worried about your GPA. A 3.1 and 3.5 seems pretty good for an ADN program, especially if you do well in your pre-reqs and have strong rec letters.

smtrangelo · Sep 7, 2014

Thank you so much ocean blue!!!!!!! This truly helps!!!!

Lizzie21 · Sep 12, 2014

I would go for your BSN. Most hospitals are only wanting to hire BSN. Even some make you sign a contract saying that you must get your BSN within 4 years. I would say that most of the schools here for the BSN program are HIGHLY competitive. The ADN programs I would say are not as competitive, like I said before, most places want BSN nurses. I hope this helps.

tbjenkins2007, BSN · Sep 17, 2014

I agree with the BSN program.

Also, because you are moving from AZ you probably wont qualify for in state tuition for at least a year, making all of the nursing schools pretty much the same price.

I sat down one day and realized that DSN's 46k tuition is pretty dang close to any where else when you include all of the other expenses that other schools don't include. (i think its within 10k) I chose DSN because i didnt want the extra stress about having a picture perfect GPA. i didnt get in the first time i applied because i didnt have enough medical experience, i applied for a CNA program and I got in!

If you are planning on doing an ADN program, UCCS does a dual enrollment with any colorado community college ADN program. I would also look into UCCS for nursing if you are moving from AZ.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN or DUAL Enrollment - Online* - Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences | University of Colorado Colorado Springs

and so does metro i believe.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2014

I agree on the BSN, most hospitals here will not hire ADNs unfortunately.

Regis has a seamless transition program where you start as a freshman, do your pre reqs there and if your gpa is high enough, you are automatically in the nursing program. ONLY if they do not have enough incoming juniors from their own program do they begin to look at transfer students and it is very competitive.

CU always had a waiting list. If they no longer do, then it's new to me. Metro is accredited now, it's less expensive, its BSN and they brag 100% (or close to it) of their students pass NCLEX.

I don't know that much about community colleges except that they are ADN. I've heard good things about Denver School of Nursing, but don't know anyone who went there. I heard it is costly though.

Hope that helps.

smtrangelo · Sep 25, 2014

Wow, this is all great feedback!!! Thank you!!!!!