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That's certainly something to think about, thank you! My hurdle with CU is that some of my required pre-requisites have expired because they're too old (Stats, ENG 122, PSY 100, SOC 100). So... CU is at the bottom of my list, simply because I would have to repeat those classes in order to be eligible for the program. Also, do they require you to take a foreign language (as part of the creative arts)? I haven't taken any- so I'd need to add that to the list of pre-reqs as well (I hear it's strongly recommended). So... they're my last option right now because of the "retakes" they require.

Ms.Dre22, How is the CCA "pathways" program structured? Do you have to take ALL of your pre-requisite classes at CCA and then you're guaranteed (more or less) entry to UCD (Granted you met all of the GPA requirements and took the needed classes for their BSN program)? That seems pretty awesome if you ask me. I took most of my pre-requisites at CCD (at least 7 classes).

Oh Snarf, I am so sorry!! So, what is causing all of this? Years ago, when I embarked on this journey, all I heard about was the "nursing shortage". I thought for sure that there would be many options for schools & programs, and job options upon graduation (or NCLEX completion). Is this due to a surge in new nurses hitting the scene, and now hospitals can pick from the litter, what kind/level of nurse they want to hire? Or does this have to do with, say, the "quality" of nurses entering the field. Lord knows, I have encountered some sub-par classmates who've made me wonder, "How did you even make it this far in school?" I would love to know more about why this is happening. And yes, I will write my state rep. Hugs to you.

Wow-- you guys are amazing. You're so helpful and knowledgable. THANK YOU! The ability to do the upper division & Ethics class(es) after being accepted to the program makes a big difference. I don't feel like I've hit three completely dead ends at this point. I actually have plans to attend info seminars at both Regis and CU within the next month. UNC is indeed an option as well. I live Downtown, but thankfully have parents up north that I could stay with, should UNC become a feasible path. I'm so grateful for this forum and for all of the feedback I've recieved from you guys. Honestly, the ADN program wasn't my favorite choice, but it's what I thought would get me from point A to B as quickly (and cheaply) as possible. Now that it doesn't seem like the best option, the idea of going straight into a BSN is a little more exciting. Getting a BSN would be my greatest achievement.

Thank you, Sand Dollar. Let me clarify about my GPA. I have a 4.0 for my science pre-requisite GPA. In the last 3 years, I only got one B, which was in Algebra (which Regis doesn't need me to have). However, if you look at my GPA from back in 2001, when I received my Associates degree, and combine it with what I currently have--- I'm at about a 3.6 or 3.7. So I kind of feel like that's low, considering that UNC will look at the last 45 credits, PLUS, the "C" I got in Statistics in 1996 and the "B" I got in ENG 122 in 1997. Thoughts? (I'm not concerned about my ability to pull A's going forward. It's just low grades in my past that I'm concerned about.)

Summit--- Thank you! This is very helpful information. I didn't realize that I could take some of those classes after being admitted into the program. That's good to hear! Just to clarify, does that mean that I can get accepted into the Nursing program and then finish my upper division electives? My life DREAM is to be an ER nurse--- so being able to ANYTHING related to ER... makes me overwhelmed with joy just thinking about it. I have no doubt that being a nurse is what I was born to do. It's just been a really long road and I'm bummed that my original plan didn't work. I thought my days of working full time and going to school at night were over--- and, it looks like I've got a couple more semesters of that to undergo. By the way, what is the admissions process like at Regis? I thought I heard that the seamless transfer students get all the slots, then people from "off the streets" get to apply for whatever is left over. So, you'll have like 150 people applying for like 30 seats. Is that correct? I have a 4.0 GPA, but no medical background- and I'm assuming that someone with medical experience would get accepted over someone who doesn't.

Wow- I wonder if the "Pathway to BSN" program that CCD is building, has something to do with the traditional BSN program that Metro is rumored to be creating. This scenario would be the answer to my prayers. I'm now looking into BSN programs (not ADN programs). Regis is so hard to get into, and I'd need to take 6 more pre-requisite classes (2 religion/2 upper division electives/ethics & chemistry). CU Denver, I saw just became a little more lenient with their expiration date of pre-requisites. Electives do NOT expire, but the 16 required pre-requisites do. So... I'd have to take 9 more classes (four of them being "retakes" of mine that expired). Looking at UNC- it seems doable. But I'd still need 5 more pre-reqs (2 chemistry/1 foreign language/redo my Nutrition class because the one I took previously doesn't qualify and Pharmacology). It's discouraging that all three schools want different pre-requisites and so it's like you have to pick one school and go for it. If you don't get in, those additional classes are almost a waste of time, because you have to go back and take different pre-reqs for the next school you want to apply to. Is anyone else in this same boat with me? I have NO medical experience. I've been in the corporate world for 15 years- and I have NO previous Bachelor's degree. (I have an associates degree from 2001) What I DO have, is thousands of dollars in student loans already and so I need to finish this--- backing out is not an option. Ideas/thoughts/stories to share?

Does anyone know of any other BSN programs IN Denver, aside from Regis, CU and DSN? The one that Metro has is a bridge from ADN to BSN. I don't want to move!

I'm in the same boat. I applied. Was told that they were postponing the decision deadline for three weeks, and then received that same letter on Friday. I'm so upset. The BSN programs in Denver don't fit my situation. My plan was to apply to CCD for the 2 year ADN and then bridge to a BSN. I am completely lost right now and don't know what my next step is. CU Denver... All of my previous lower division classes (English, Sociology, etc.) are too old and they won't accept them. Denver School of Nursing is insanely expensive and accreditation issues make it controversial. Regis is terribly hard to get into. I just don't know what to do now. Do I apply to an ADN wait list then try to bridge to a BSN afterwards? (like I originally planned) The fact that CCD told you that they're not working with a four year college is completely insane. What? Why would they mention that in their letter and then say something different when you call them? This ENTIRE situation was so poorly handled. They didn't even say that they were canceling the two year program until about 300 words into the letter. It should have been stated in the first paragraph. Anyway--- Does anyone have any ideas out there? I'm so lost/frustrated/discouraged. I've worked so hard over the past couple of years to satisfy my pre-requisites, keep my GPA up, working a full time job. I am heartbroken.

It looks like I'm going to have .... Is anyone familiar with her?

Thanks so much! Are you taking this through Community College of Denver? I'm not sure what CCC online is. Obviously, class formats will be a little different depending on which school you're taking the class through.

I'm getting ready to apply to Community College of Denver Nursing Program (ADN). In the interim, I'm thinking about taking BIO 216 (Pathophysiology). They offer it online and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this. I heard through the grapevine that it's easy when you take it online. It looks like *** is teaching it in spring. Any additional feedback would be great.

Thanks for the advice! I do not have a previous bachelors. I have an Associates Degree (arts & sciences) from a community college (Front Range) that I received about 8 years ago. I remember looking into Regis, and realizing (as was a similar case with CU) that they have time restrictions on how old some of your pre-req classes can be. Thus- I would have to go back and retake about 70% of the classes I've already taken when I got my AA. (Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Biology, English, etc) Hardly worth the money. I guess the least expensive route is to do an AAS from a community college-- the cost, I think, is around $13K. I'm just so fearful about graduating and not being able to find a job. I have NO hospital experience. I have been in the corporate world all of my life. I have no husband or anything to help support me, so I'm completely on my own here. What I do know- is that I have never wanted anything more than I want this- and that I KNOW I am one of the brightest, most determined people out there. If there is anyone else out there who is or was in my spot- can you tell me how you did it?

My dream/goal is to be a nurse. It would be a great accomplishment for me if I could get a Bachelors in Nursing. However--- My plan of attending Denver School of Nursing is somewhat shot--- just due to financing. You're not really supposed to work while in Nursing school and I just don't have the means to be without a job for that amount of time. Do you have any ideas for alternatives? (I live in the Denver) I'm looking into ADN programs- then trying to find work in a hospital and going back for a BSN (there is a program at Metro which lets you work in the nursing field while obtaining your BSN). I've looked into Community colleges- and am wondering if an AAS (Associates of Applied Science) is the equivalent to an ADN? It seems that they're not--- and that you can't necessarily transfer into a BSN program if you have an AAS. Any clarification on this? It just seems that each way I turn there are huge obstacles knocking me down from my dream. I don't know who to talk to or where to turn. Any advice or guidance would be so appreciated. Thanks!

I have excluded UCD (University of Colorado at Denver) from my options, because they have strict limitations on how old your pre-requisites can be. That means that I would have to re-take about 8 classes that I took when I got my Associates of Arts & Sciences. (Sociology, Psychology, Statistics, Biology, etc.) ON TOP of the science classes needed to satisfy the pre-reqs. (Anatomy, Physiology, Micro-bio, etc) I would basically have to re-do my Associates degree, and there is still no guarantee that they would even let me into their nursing school. At DSN, you are guaranteed admission, so long as you fulfill their requirements. (and yes, DSN is a private/trade school) Something else to think about with the ADN to BSN program is that some hospitals pay for continued education. So if I got an ADN and (assuming I) found work right away, then hopefully they would pay for me to get my BSN... I guess I don't want to be one of those people who graduates with a Bachelors, and can't find a job. I also don't want to be the person with TWO Associate degrees- who never goes back for her Bachelors.