Hello everyone! I am starting this thread for those of you who are interested in the process of getting into Denver School of Nursing. Throughout the years, I have found that not many nursing students are willing to offer much information about their programs. There isn't much in-depth information about this college on this website that isn't outdated (from 2006). I hope that this information will be useful to some of you and that this thread isn't used to bash DSoN for their lack of accreditation. Everyone knows they are not accredited and that you may want to look elsewhere if you wish to further your education. And, everyone knows that they are candidates for both national and regional accreditation. The regional team visited the school in November and the national team is visiting in the spring. So, with that said, here is my information:
I applied to DSoN in August 2010 for the April 2011 BSN cohort for students with prior education. The application period ended in October. One month later, I received a call from the Director of Admissions stating that I had been chosen for an interview. One week later, I interviewed with the director. The director did most of the talking, making sure I understood that they lack accreditation and what that means if I were to want to continue my education. The questions he did ask me had to do with identifying what stressors may keep me from reaching my goal of graduating - things like having to work, children, etc. He then took me on a tour of the facilities which were quite impressive. After this, I was scheduled to take the HESI a month later.
The HESI tests you on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and mathematics. The practice book put out by Evolve-Reach is all you need for preparation. The only advice I would offer as far as studying beyond the practice book, would be to memorize every conversion you can. I memorized around 100 conversions due to adivice given to me by the director. This memorization helped immensly! I scored 93% overall and the average for the group I tested with was 81%. You need to score 75% in order to move on in the enrollment process. If you are unable to score the 75%, you will be given one more opportunity to pass. In my group, there were only two students re-taking the exam.
One week after taking the test, I met with the director to sign my intent to enroll in the program. I chose to take pathophysiology ahead of time which saved me $2000. I would definitely recommend taking it at a CC not only to save you a few thousand dollars, but also to relieve your first quarter stress.
I am meeting with financial aid in a few weeks to discuss loan options. I have financing available from family as a back up, but would like to do as much on my own as possible. The most one can qualify for as far as Stafford loans is $28,000. That leaves a little bit of a deficit for students to have to deal with. The Sally Mae loan is really not that great an option due to variable interest rates (which we know are going to rise), and the need for good credit and a co-signer. I do have excellent credit, but do not want to go this route if at all possible.
I received an e-mail last week, stating that the orientation for the April BSN cohort is at the end of March from 9AM - 2PM. Our tenative schedules will be available one month before classes begin. Also, all immunizations, background check, drug test, and CPR certification are due by the beginning of March.
Well, that is all the information I have for now. I really hope that some of you find this information useful and I wish you all much success as future student nurses!
