ADN Programs Denver, CO

Nurses make up the largest group of healthcare practitioners in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the country will need an additional 438,000 nurses by 2026. Even with the demand for nurses and the influx of enrollment in Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, there is still a massive shortage of qualified professionals to fill positions in hospitals and long-term care facilities. In the health care sector, there are four nurses to every one physician, so it’s easy to understand why nurses have such a vital role in patient satisfaction and recovery.

Registered nurses have a multifaceted role. The content of the ADN program prepares students to fill their responsibilities at the entry-level, but graduates must continue their education to the BSN and beyond to have a more specialized role in care. ADN graduates will have the technical skills to work in pediatrics, surgery, geriatrics, obstetrics, and rehabilitation. They will know how to promote health, prevent disease, and education individuals, families, and communities. They will assess patients, interpret vitals, record symptoms, develop and implement plans of care, monitor progress, and assist physicians with treatments. Nurses will also administer medications, coordinate the health care team, supervise unlicensed workers, and advocate for patients when necessary.

After completing the ADN program, graduates must apply for and pass the NCLEX to obtain a Registered Nursing license. Registered nurses practicing at the associate degree level are strongly encouraged to take the BSN degree to meet employer requirements and competently manage the complexities in today’s health care environment.

Denver College of Nursing

Consideration for entry to the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Denver College of Nursing is only available for those who complete the prerequisites. The training consists of 6 quarters of didactic and clinical instruction in core nursing and general education courses. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. They should be able to use clinical competence to care for patients, communicate and collaborate with patients, families, and members of the health care team, use decision making capability to coordinate nursing care ensuring patient comfort and safety, take accountability in practice including the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities, and care for diverse and vulnerable patient populations.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 110

Duration: 18 months

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology with labs, Intro to Algebra, English Composition, Human Growth and Development

Core courses – Pathophysiology, Basic Nutrition, Basic Health Assessment (with Lab), Differentiated Practice, Foundations of Nursing Arts and Skills (with Lab and Clinical), Basic Pharmacology Concepts & Calculations (with Lab), Concepts of Gerontological Nursing, Basic Medical Surgical Concepts (with Clinical), Basic IV Therapy (with Lab), Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts (with Lab and Clinical), Nursing Concepts for the Multigenerational Childbearing Family, Childbearing Family and Children Clinical, Nursing Concepts of Children, Nursing Concepts in Mental Health (with Clinical), RN Leadership and Capstone Clinical

Admission criteria:

  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on the prerequisite courses. Must obtain a grade C or better
  • Complete the prerequisite courses before the program start date
  • Submit a typewritten personal statement (one page) addressing professional goals, healthcare experience, and volunteer experience
  • Pass a drug screen and criminal background check – must be completed 5 weeks before the program start date
  • Complete the immunization requirements and the Fit for Practice form
  • Attend an admissions interview
  • Must have CPR certification
  • Take and pass the entrance exam – Obtain 75% HESI A2 English Composite Subscale and Math Subscale

Program Cost

The total cost of completing the program is $44,649. The cost includes tuition ($37,754), fees, books, scrubs, and fees.

Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College prepares adults for employment as registered nurses. The ADN curriculum seeks to develop entry-level skills through classroom lectures, lab experiences, and clinical rotations in various health care agencies. Courses include general education and core nursing courses to give students a foundation they can build on in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout the training, they will develop key skills to communicate effectively with patients and team members, collaborate with the wider health care team, use clinical judgment and decision making, assume accountability in practice, and coordinate nursing care. Graduates of the ACEN accredited program will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure in the state.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71.5

Duration: 18 months

Course titles:

General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Microbiology, General College Microbiology, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, Human Pathophysiology, Dietary Nutrition, Human Nutrition, Math for Clinical Calculations

Core courses – Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts, Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pharmacology, Maternal Child Nursing, Advanced Concepts of M-S Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology II, Advanced Concepts of M-S Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Secure admission to Arapahoe Community College
  • Provide documentation of completing high school or GED equivalent
  • Submit a completed Nursing Program Application – separate from the main application
  • Complete the prerequisites with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 – ENG 121, PSY 235, BIO 201, HPR 108
  • Attend an information session
  • Have a valid CNA certificate in the State of Colorado
  • Meet the minimum requirements on the HESI Nursing Entrance Exam – must score at least 70 on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and general knowledge
  • Submit documentation of immunization records
  • Complete background check and drug screen

Program Cost

The cost of tuition and fees is $2,406.85 per semester for resident students. Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, admission exam, CPR certification, insurance, and supplies.

Front Range Community College

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing at Front Range Community College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse in just 5 semesters. Through classroom theory and numerous practical opportunities in the school’s lab and health care facilities, students will learn how to manage and provide care, communicate effectively, work collaboratively with health care professionals, use clinical judgment and decision-making to improve patient outcome, and ensure patients’ comfort and safety. They will be prepared to meet the specific duties of a nurse in an acute facility, long-term care, home health care, clinics, and other health care settings. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements will receive an AAS degree and will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The program has full accreditation status from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc. (ACEN).

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71.5 to 73.5

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

General education courses – ENG 121 or ENG 122, Human Growth and Development, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, HPR 108 or HWE 100, Microbiology with Lab,

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pharmacology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Math for Clinical Calculations, Medical Surgical Nursing, Human Pathophysiology, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, AT-AH or GT-SS

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application by the specified time period – incomplete applications will not be accepted
  • Apply for admission to FRCC
  • Complete the Student Placement Form to determine the need for placement testing
  • Test into MAT 103 by scoring 61 or better on the Elementary Algebra Accuplacer Test, or an ACT math score of 19 or higher, or SAT math score of 500 or higher, or successful completion of a higher math course
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher – ENG 121, Human Growth and Development, Dietary Nutrition, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology
  • Applicants must have a minimum GPA or 3.0 on the prerequisite courses
  • Complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation Form and have credits transferred before submitting an application to the nursing program – if courses were completed outside FRCC
  • Take the HESI A-2 Entrance Exam and obtain a minimum cumulative score of 80%. The subject areas are Reading Comprehension, Math, Biology, and Chemistry.

Program Cost

The rate of tuition is $224 per credit for resident nursing students. Additional costs include fees, textbooks, uniforms, admission exam, CPR certification, insurance, and supplies.

Aims Community College

Aims Community College prepares students for a career in nursing through theory and practical learning experiences. Students will develop the skills to pass and take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and practice in various health care settings. They will learn to care for patients of various ages and cultural backgrounds. Other areas of development include professionalism, attributes of critical thinking, and other technical skills. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a major in Nursing.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67.5

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, English Composition I, Dietary Nutrition, Intro to Statistics

Core courses – Microbiology with Lab, Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pharmacology, Human Growth and Development, Medical Surgical Nursing Concepts, Maternal Child Nursing, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology II, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Humanities or Social Science Course

Admission criteria:

  • Download and read the Written Orientation or attend a scheduled on-campus orientation
  • Complete the HESI requirement – Reading Comprehension (75%), Vocabulary and General Knowledge (75%), Math (75%)
  • Complete and sign the Aims Nursing Program Application for Admission Consideration
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from all college/universities, including courses completed at Aims. Transcripts must demonstrate completion of BIO 201, BIO 202, ENG 121, MAT 134 and HPR 108 with a grade C or better
  • Submit documentation of current, non-restricted CNA licensure within the state
  • Obtain a clear Background Check and negative drug screen
  • Submit immunization documents
  • Have a current CPR card
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Student Orientation

Program Cost

The approximate cost of attendance is $11,757 for resident nursing students. It includes tuition, fees, ATI/Lab fees, books, special equipment, uniform, and additional expenses.

Pikes Peak Community College

Pikes Peak Community College prepares nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to begin a rewarding career in nursing. PPCC graduates have a reputation for their skill and efficiency as practitioners and have a competitive advantage in the job market. The curriculum includes general education and nursing theory reinforced by hands-on experiences in the school’s state-of-the-art interdisciplinary simulation center. Students will have access to the simulated nursing wards, private skills check-off areas, and hi-fidelity private patient rooms. Instruction is based upon seven key concepts – professionalism, communication, health illness continuum, nursing process, holistic care, teaching/learning, caring intervention, and leadership. The curriculum is guided by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CSBON) and The National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Competencies of the Associate Degree Nurse. Graduates will be prepared for success on the licensure exam. They should also know how to provide evidence-based patient-centered care, demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis of patient data, teach diverse patient populations across the lifespan, function as a competent nurse, collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team, use various information technology and communication skills to communicate and manage knowledge, and provide leadership in various healthcare settings. Application for the Fall semester open on the fourth Monday in April and close of the fourth Friday in May. Application for the Spring semester begins in the fourth Monday in August and close on the fourth Friday in September. Licensed Practical Nurses can submit an application for advanced placement.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70.5

Duration: 4 semesters

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology with Lab

Core courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Math for Clinical Calculations, Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pharmacology, Human Pathophysiology, Medical and Surgical Nursing Concepts, Maternal Child Nursing, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing I, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology II, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Arts and Humanities or Social and Behavioral Science Pathways elective

Admission criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of the application
  • Complete the Pikes Peak Community College Admission Form
  • Request copies of the official transcript to be sent to PPCC Records Office – from colleges attended other than PPCC
  • Prerequisite courses for the Nursing Program must be transferred to PPCC
  • Attend a Nursing Information Session and sign the Verification Form as proof of attendance.
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and a minimum combined GPA of 2.5. Prerequisite courses must be completed before applying to the program – English Composition, Human Growth and Development, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Complete the Nursing Assistant coursework with CCCS or hold active an active Colorado CNA certificate
  • Take and pass the TEAS (version 6) at the PPCC Testing Center
  • Complete the application ADN application form and return to the nursing office before the specified deadline
  • Complete a background investigation

Program Cost

The total cost of attendance for a resident with COF is $15,117.95 with COF. The cost includes tuition for two years, uniforms, lab coats, shoes, supplies, criminal background check, ATI testing, immunization costs, and CPR.

Morgan Community College

Morgan Community College helps nursing students develop the technical skills and know-how to work in hospitals, clinics, patient homes, and other health care settings. The program will include both classroom lectures and demonstrations and supervised rotations in approved nursing facilities. Instructors will emphasize disease prevention and health promotion. Morgan employs a competitive admission process where points are awarded based on the prerequisite course grades, Kaplan test scores, nurse aide work experience, residency in the school’s service area, and qualification of the applicant. Applications are accepted from mid-January to the last day in February each year. Students have the option to take the pathway for PN Exit to take the NLCEX for Practical Nurses. Advanced placement is available for a licensed practical nurse (who holds a valid Colorado LPN license) to enter the second year of the program after completing a 3-credit transition course. Program graduates will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing and will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 67.5

Duration: 5 semesters

Course titles:

General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, English Composition I, Dietary Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Dietary Nutrition

Core courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Math for Clinical Calculations, Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Concepts, Maternal Child Nursing, Pathophysiology, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing I, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology II, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Arts and Humanities/Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a Nursing Information Session
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher and a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Submit a completed application to the Nursing Program
  • Have a score of 265 on Arithmetic (AR) Next Gen ACCUPLACER – taken within the last 5 years
  • Pass a criminal background check – must be completed within 90 days of the program start date
  • Pass a 10-panel drug screen
  • Take and pass the Kaplan Nursing Admission test
  • Provide proof of current immunization and influenza vaccination
  • Have a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card
  • Have student liability insurance – available at the College Store

Program Cost

Tuition costs $224 per credit for resident students. Additional cost for fees, textbooks, insurance, admission tests, immunizations, uniforms, nursing supplies, CPR certification, and NCLEX will apply.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

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