Denver College of Nursing

Located in the "Lodo" district of downtown Denver, Colorado, Denver College of Nursing was founded in 2003. Originally known as the Denver School of Nursing, it transitioned to its current status as a private, for-profit institution in September 2017.

Discover Denver College of Nursing

Denver, Colorado

School Ranking: A
0 reviews

Denver College of Nursing is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including ADN/ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Demographics

  • 29 Average Age
  • 13% Men
  • 87% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 40% White
  • 26% Hispanic
  • 36% Black
  • 6% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $39,055 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $17,752 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

The Denver School of Nursing was established on July 1, 2003. Recently, in September 2017, the school became Denver College of Nursing (DCN), a private, for-profit college.

The campus of Denver College of Nursing is conveniently located in the "Lodo" area of downtown Denver, Colorado.

Undergraduate Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

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 (NCLEX-RN). At a full-time status, the program takes 18 months (one year, six months) to complete.

ADN Program Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • 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 Bachelor's degree from accredited college do not have to take the HESI A2 entrance exam

LPN to Associate Degree

Applications for the LPN to Associate Degree program are currently not being accepted.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is for the student who has already completed prerequisites. The program is 21 months in length, at a full-time status.

Requirements and Prerequisites (not all inclusive)

Without a prior Baccalaureate Degree

Applicants without a prior baccalaureate degree must show completion of all prerequisite courses that include a minimum of 56 semester credits of post-secondary coursework from an accredited institution (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0). This includes 40 semester credits of prerequisites with a grade of C or better and a GPA of 2.0 or better.

With a prior Baccalaureate Degree

Applicants who already possess a baccalaureate degree must show satisfactory completion of 21 semester credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.0 or better and with grades of C or above. Applicants that have already graduated with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college do not have to take the HESI A2 entrance exam.

Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Option (not all inclusive)

Same as ADN Program Requirements.

RN to BSN (online)

Denver College of Nursing's online option is unique because it is designed by nurses for the licensed, working nurse.

Requirements and Prerequisites (not all inclusive)

Submit an official transcript to the Dean of Nursing Education or designee indicating graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program or RN Diploma program (no transfer credits will be accepted after the first term).

Hold an unencumbered state license as a registered nurse.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online

The program can be completed within 15-18 months online. Students must hold a BSN before applying.

After acceptance, students must achieve and maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate. There is no retake for any test for a better grade. A minimum of a "C" is required to pass all courses. 

Requirements and Prerequisites (not all inclusive)

To be accepted, an applicant must hold an unencumbered state license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in their home state. The applicant must also have worked as a registered nurse for at least one year. Applicants must submit an official transcript to the Dean of Nursing Education Programs (or the Dean's designee) indicating graduation from a nationally accredited Baccalaureate Nursing program. Transcripts will not be accepted after the first term.

NCLEX Pass Rates

  • Associate Degree in Nursing - 100% (2018)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing - 95% (2019)

Accreditation and Approval

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited the baccalaureate nursing program and the associate degree nursing program.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Colorado State Board of Nursing approved the Pre-licensure nursing programs at DCN.

DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.