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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.

You are doing something amazing--- and don't lose sight of the end product. This is the moment when life is testing you to say- "Can you handle this?" Now--- if you ask me- 4 summer classes is WAY too much. I have a feeling, though, that you're kind of in it too far to be able to drop any of these classes. You just need to rely on your husband right now- and communicate your needs to him. ie, "I need you to take the kids tonight so I can study." Or "I need you to do the grocery shopping today and I'll take the kids and try to get some reading in while we're at the park." Those kinds of things. You can do it- you just need to rely on the assistance of others. And try, in the future, to not overload yourself with school. I think by taking a bit more conservative approach to your schedule- you will ultimately be a better student. This workload is something that takes time to adjust to. Know that you're not going to just "get it" right away. The people who drop out of pre-nursing, are ultimately the people who are not cut out to be nurses. Is this you? I bet not. Hang in there. I know that "OVERWHELMING" feeling... and behind it all, you're getting stronger each day.

I think that people say the Denver School of Nursing route is about $60K--- because you are not encouraged to work during that time, and so I would have to take out extra money to cover my cost of living...cause I don't have a dime saved right now. Man- I wish I knew what would be the best route...

I'm satisfying my pre-requisites right now, so I can apply to nursning school. I have an unrelated Associates Degree- and I am aiming to get a Bachelors (in Nursing). I currently have a full time day job-- so I'm accustom to the work/school grind. QUESTION: Is it better for me to go get an Associates degree in Nursing, from a reputable community college ... so I can get my foot in the door at a local hospital--- then work as a nurse, while I go back to school to do the ADN to BSN program at Metro State? This program at Metro State allows you to continue working, while achieving your Bachelors degree in Nursing. Also-- this might be a somewhat less expensive route because it's all through community and state colleges. OR... Is it best to just knock it out all at once and go to Denver School of Nursing for their Bachelors Program and spend the $60,000? My fear with this- is that I will have graduated with a Bachelors degree- but still have no real life work experience. And it's expensive. Any advice on this? Thank you in advance!

So I was just looking at their website for the school of nursing at Platt College. They have a BSN Program and there are basically little to no requirements to get in. (I mean, you have to pass some tests and ultimately, the decision is up to the board.) Here I am, beating myself silly working a full time job and trying to tackle all of my pre-requisites so I can apply to Nursing school (AP 1 & 2, Microbio, etc...) and you can basically just walk into Platt College with only a GED and a smile? This is either the best news I've heard all year---- or this is the worst school on the face of the planet. Can someone help me determine which statement is correct? Thanks!

You guys are AMAZING!!!! Thank you for your support and I will continue to return to this post for encouragement when I need. I guess I didn't realize how HARD Nursing is-- and I never took into account how little credit Nurses get for the amount of work required to get them in the door. I have a lot to be grateful for. I was told that the Pre-Nursing classes are what determines who is serious and who isn't. Hang in there guys. I foresee this site being such a blessing to me in the years to come!

I'm working full time in the corporate world, while trying to satisfy my pre-requisites so I can apply to Nursing School. I'm feeling completely overwhelmed. It seems like every time I turn around- I need to take MORE classes. Because I can only go to school 1/2 time- I still have a full year left of pre-requisites. I just found out today that I have to take Chemistry in order to get into Microbiology. I'm just so far away from the end goal, that I can't see the light. I've already taken out $7K in student loans, so this is not something that I can just walk away from. I want this--- but I just am feeling stuck. I'm not happy at my job, but I NEED this job to support me while I get my pre-requisites taken care of. I've been at my job for 5 years and I make good money and have good benefits. I can't walk away . This is going to be such a long, uphill climb for me. Is there anyone else out there who can relate? Does anyone else feel overwhelmed?