Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
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Denver College of Nursing's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides a fast track into nursing, blending coursework and clinical experience for completion in 18 months. With strong graduation and NCLEX-RN pass rates, DCN graduates are well-prepared to succeed in healthcare across Colorado.
About the Program
Denver College of Nursing’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program offers aspiring nurses a path of entry into the field in as little as 18 months. The comprehensive curriculum blends didactic and clinical components to help cultivate confident, competent, and compassionate nurses who are ready to make an impact. Students can benefit from DCN’s strong reputation as one of the largest providers of nursing graduates in Colorado, while still enjoying individualized academic support, career placement services, and attentive faculty who truly care about student success. This familial atmosphere leads to high graduation and NCLEX-RN pass rates, generating capable graduates who go to work for employers across the state.
Career Overview
Graduates of the ADN program enjoy high employability, frequently receiving multiple job offers due to strong demand for registered nurses, and are highly praised by employers for their readiness and professionalism. This career path not only offers financial stability but also provides the rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in healthcare.
Program Highlights
Accelerate your nursing career with flexible work/study options and a seamless path to advance with an RN to BSN.
Accelerated Pathway
You can complete your degree in as little as 18 months (pending prerequisites*), providing a faster route to entry and impact in the field of nursing
Work/Study Program
Students can participate in a work/study program with competitive hourly wages, helping them offset their educational expenses while gaining valuable experience.
Strong Foundation
After entering the workforce, DCN offers a seamless transition for students to pursue an RN to BSN — often with employer financial support — enhancing their career prospects and earning potential.
NCLEX-Preparedness
Our ADN graduates are prepared to take and pass theNCLEX — over 85% passed the test in 2022.
Apply OnlineProcess
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Apply to speak to an admissing advisorcontact us
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Enrollenroll online today
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As little as 18 months of classroom instruction and hands-on skill development
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Prepare for and pass NCLEX exam
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Start your career as ADN
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Continue career in nursing with BSN and/or MSN with partner school DCN
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must transfer in or successfully complete 24 quarter credits of postsecondary coursework, with a GPA of 2.0 or better and with grades of C or above (C- or below are not acceptable) for the courses noted below:
| Course | Semester Hours | Quarter Hours |
Anatomy & Physiology I with lab | 4 | 6 |
Anatomy & Physiology II with lab | 4 | 6 |
Human Growth & Development | 3 | 4 |
Introduction to Algebra | 3 | 4 |
| English Composition | 3 | 4 |
| 17 | 24 |
Courses List
A minimum of 75% of the DCN program courses must be earned at Denver College of Nursing.
| Term | Course # | Course | Quarter Credits |
| Quarter 1 | BIO209 | Pathophysiology | 5 |
| NUR210 | Health Assessment | 5 | |
| BIO115 | Basic Nutrition | 3 | |
| NUR201 | Intro to Nursing for the ADN Nurse | 4 | |
| Quarter Totals | 17 | ||
| Quarter 2 | NUR220 | Foundations of Nursing Arts & Skills Lab with Clinical | 10 |
| NUR215 | Basic Pharmacology and Dosage Calculations | 3 | |
| Quarter Totals | 13 | ||
| Quarter 3 | NUR230 | Basic Medical Surgical Nursing with Skills Lab & Clinical | 13 |
| NUR218 | Applied Pharmacology | 3 | |
| Quarter Totals | 16 | ||
| Quarter 4 | NUR245 | Nursing Concepts in Mental Health with Clinicals | 6 |
| NUR240 | Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing with Clinicals | 9 | |
| Quarter Totals | 15 | ||
| Quarter 5 | NUR255 | Nursing Concepts of Children with Clinicals | 6 |
| NUR250 | Nursing Concepts Childbearing Family with Clinical | 6 | |
| NUR260 | Role Transition | 3 | |
| Quarter Totals | 15 | ||
| Quarter 6 | NUR285 | RN Leadership and Capstone | 10 |
| Quarter Totals | 10 | ||
| 86 | |||
| Total Quarter Credits | 86 | ||
| Nursing Credits | 78 | ||
| Gen-Ed Credits | 8 | ||
| Transfer General Education Credits | 24 | ||
| Total Credits Earned for Degree | 110 |