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RN to BSN Admissions Criteria

RN to BSN Admissions Criteria

  • Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered state license as a registered nurse.
  • Official transcript indicating graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program or RN Diploma program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be required.
  • Eligibility for the RN to BSN program option is pending the successful completion of a criminal background check due before the start of the program. These are not required with the initial application.
  • Applicant must reside in a state for which DCN has authorization to offer distance education programs. [DCN is authorized to enroll students from the specific states listed in the admissions application for distance education programs.  If an applicant’s state is not listed in the DCN admissions application, the college is not yet authorized to enroll students residing in that state.  DCN has been awarded National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) approval. SARA approval grants the college the ability to offer distance education programs and courses in SARA member states (for more information, please see http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions). As appropriate for its student population, DCN also seeks authorization in individual states that are not yet members of SARA.]
  • DCN is not eligible to accept international students at this time.

Important notes: 

  1. This program has an admissions process where students are selected based on a number of factors including personal statement and ability to work independently in an online program.
  2. Applicants who graduated from an RN diploma program have additional requirements. These applicants should contact an Online Admissions Advisor for more information.

Admissions Procedure

All required application materials must be completed/saved/uploaded as appropriate to the electronic DCN application in order for the college to consider the application for admission to the RN to BSN program option. Applications must be submitted by the appropriate deadline as indicated below. The application deadlines for the RN to BSN program option are:

  • October 1 for the October start
  • January 1  for the January start
  • April 1  for the April start
  • July 1 for the July start

These four items must be completed for submission of the application:

  • A completed application.
  • Unofficial transcripts of all courses taken to date, including transcripts confirming graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program or RN diploma program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (official transcripts will be required before program start date) uploaded to the application.
  • Upload a one-page, typewritten personal statement (double-spaced, 12 point font) that addresses the following questions: What is the role of the baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse in healthcare? To what extent does this role differ from the role of the associate degree prepared registered nurse?  How will you exemplify your new role upon completion of the RN to BSN program at Denver College of Nursing?
  • The content is the most important part of the statement; however it will be reviewed for writing style, syntax, and grammar.
  • Payment for the $100.00 non-refundable application fee

Notification Process

All applicants will be notified of the college’s decision regarding acceptance for admission via USPS, email, or phone prior to the start of the term for which the applicant has applied. Applicants must meet all application requirements before being accepted.

Once an applicant has been accepted to the program, s/he can expect to receive further information regarding:

  • Options for including a computer with his/her tuition
  • How to apply for financial aid or other financial assistance
  • Textbooks for courses (e-books or hard copy), and how these will be accessed/received
  • Contacts for financial aid, student services, academic advising, technical support, etc.
  • New student orientation information and schedule – this will guide each student through the online campus experience and help students feel ready to start their program!

Note: If chosen for admission, potential students must request official transcripts to be mailed directly to Denver College of Nursing from all post-secondary educational institutions attended. Transcripts must be official. Please make sure all transcripts make reference to current and maiden name.Submit application materials via USPS to:

Denver College of Nursing 
Attn: RN to BSN Transcript 
1401 19th Street 
Denver, CO 80202