Denver School of Nursing

The programs offered by the Denver School of Nursing have been approved by The Colorado State Board of Nursing. Alumni will therefore be able to gain the statutory qualifications needed to pursue their careers.

Located at 1401 19th Street, the Denver School of Nursing is in the "Lodo" area in downtown Denver, Colorado. This modern 25,000 square foot facility houses classrooms, a media center, a lab, and offices.

Associate Degree in Nursing Program

This program targets individuals seeking to take the NCLEX-RN examination in order to qualify for entry-level jobs in registered nursing. Registered nurses perform a variety of functions, including promoting a healthy lifestyle, prevention of illness and assisting patients in coping with ill health. They give direct patient care, assess, observe, and record reactions and symptoms, and monitor patient progress. In addition, an RN may assist physicians in the operating room or in treating patients. The Colorado State Board of Nursing establishes specific rules that define the "Scope of Practice" for RNs. Employment opportunities for RNs range from home care, nursing care facilities, surgery centers and clinics to physician's offices, including part-time positions.

The two-year Associate Degree in nursing program requires 82 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in six 11-week long academic quarters. In addition, the program offers a licensed practical nurse option, which can be exercised by exiting at the end of the third quarter.

With duration of four eleven-week academic quarters, the Practical Nurse program offers 53-quarter credit hours. Individuals wanting to start this program can cancel out of the regular Associate Degree in Nursing program at the finish of the 3rd quarter (at the completion of NRS 136) to start an alternate 4th quarter of classes in preparation for the NCLEX-PN examination.

(+1) Year Two Associate Degree Program

Students with LPN certification who are aiming to meet the requirements needed to take the NCLEX-RN examination in preparation for entry-level registered nursing positions may elect this option. Following the Colorado Nursing Articulation model, all credits for LPN coursework completed within three years before enrollment in the program will be honored.

Thirty-nine quarter credit hours are required to complete the (+1) Year Two Associate Degree Program, an educational program offered over the course of four academic quarters, each consisting of eleven weeks. In accordance with the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model, undergraduates receive transfer credit for previous LPN studies. Students will be given one credit of transfer credit for clinical courses from prior LPN education, in addition to credit awarded for other prior nursing courses. The NCLEX-RN examination can be taken by graduates of this program.

Upper Division Baccalaureate Program

This is the ideal program for those students who have previously completed a minimum 60 credit hours of post-secondary courses. Our courses offer a way to speed-up your entry into the nursing profession as a registered nurse (RN). RNs are instrumental to the success of programs in health promotion and disease prevention, providing essential support for patients in need of health care. They observe and assess patients, recording their symptoms, reactions and clinical progress. Physicians rely on RNs for assistance during surgical and non-surgical treatment of patients. The State Boards of Nursing are responsible for establishing specific rules regarding the "scope of practice" for RNs. RNs may work part time or full time in a variety of settings, such as clinics, community health, physicians offices, surgery centers, or in hospitals, nursing care facilities, or in patient's homes. Additionally, career opportunities are available to nurses who are interested in working in schools, community clinics, or at public or private industrial sites.

The Upper Division Baccalaureate program, a 101 quarter credit program of study, is offered over seven eleven-week academic quarters. After graduation, students will be eligible for the NCLEX-RN Exam.