DSN FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of school is the Denver School of Nursing?

Denver School of Nursing (DSN) is a private, institution of higher education owned by Professional Education Corporation (PEC). The shareholders, Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and Administration of PEC and DSN have decades of experience in private education and take great care, concern, and pride in providing excellence in education.

What is a typical schedule like?

Each eleven week quarter the class schedule changes. Program class hours can be anytime Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Students must be available for clinical hours anytime 24/7. Between every eleven week quarter there is a two week break. Program start dates are throughout the year.

How many students are in a class?

At Denver School of Nursing, all programs include traditional didactic classes in the classroom, classes in the learning skills lab, and clinical classes at appropriate health care facilities. At DSN you'll find that our class sizes are smaller than most universities. Classes are scheduled per starting cohort of students and students track through the program together in all didactic, lab and clinical classes for the length of their program. This allows students to form friendships, study groups, and groups that may carpool together. Our clinical classes are offered to smaller groups of students and groups may vary from 3-6 in size.

Are the Denver School of Nursing Programs approved?

Yes, all DSN nursing programs are approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
The Denver School of Nursing, and its programs, are also approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board. These approvals mean that our graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam.

What does it mean that the school is not nationally accredited?

Nursing programs do not have to be nationally accredited, but they have to be approved by their state board of nursing. DSN is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. What state board approval means is that our graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to secure their RN license.

Not being nationally accredited does not restrict DSN graduates from being able to get their license and practice as an RN. Many schools throughout the US and in Colorado (Arapahoe, Aims, Pikes Peak and Front Range Community Colleges to name a few) do not have accreditation for their nursing programs.
More About Accreditation

How can I get a job if the programs are not accredited?

Many nursing programs in the area do not have accreditation. We have graduates from our BSN and ADN programs working at most major health care facilities in the area. See sample list.

Will I graduate with a degree from DSN?

Absolutely, all DSN programs are approved and regulated by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and we are authorized to grant both Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor Degree in Nursing by this body. Click here to see graduation pictures.

Can I advance my degree after graduating from DSN?

Yes. DSN has an articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix that allows transfer of DSN credits toward the ADN to BSN program. http://www.phoenix.edu/info/dsn/

Can a DSN graduate with a Colorado license work in another state?

Yes, each state has different requirements for the transferring or endorsement of licenses so you should contact the state’s Board of Nursing in the state you’re interested in to find out the specifics on the process in that state. We have graduates that are currently employed as Nurses in California, Texas, South Carolina, and New Mexico to name a few. There is also a new Nurse Compact that takes effect in July 2007 that allows licensed Nurses from one Compact state to work in any of the other listed states. Please see the Nurse Compact list for specific states.

What are the pre-requisite requirements for DSN programs?

All pre-requisite requirements are listed per program under our Programs page.

Do the pre-requisite classes need to be complete before I turn in an application?

If students are in their final semester of classes and will have their pre-requisites completed by the time they start the program, then they are able to turn in an application for the next available cohort. Acceptance to the program would be pending proof of all pre-requisites completed with a “C” or better via official transcripts sent to DSN from the school where they were completed.

Is there a wait list for classes at DSN?

We do all of our admissions on a first come first serve basis. You can typically start within three to six months of your application as DSN provides many start dates throughout the year; however cohorts do fill up and sometimes have a wait list. Contact the Admissions Department to find out the status of the start date you’re interested in.

Can I work while in school?

We don’t recommend it as all of our nursing programs are considered full time day programs and students have found it’s not possible to work full time while going to school. If students do work, it’s usually in a healthcare setting on a part-time basis. Students would need a very flexible employer because class and clinical schedules change each quarter (every 11 weeks).

Where do students go for their clinical?

DSN works with clinical sponsors all over the Denver area. Click to see a sample list of where some of our students have enjoyed their clinical. Students are assigned to their clinical site by DSN.

Does Denver School of Nursing have Federal Financial Aid?

Because we are still in the accreditation process we do not participate in any Federal Financial Aid (Federal Student Loans). Our students can make interest free monthly payments directly to the school or apply for a private, credit based loan with Sallie Mae Financial. We are currently not eligible for GI Bill or Veterans funding.

Where is DSN located?

The campus of Denver School of Nursing is conveniently located on the corner of Market and Nineteenth Streets in the exciting “Lodo” area of downtown Denver, Colorado. Students have access to dining and shopping during lunch hour at Denver’s 16th Street Mall just 3 blocks away. Parking is available on the street and in surrounding lots. Click here for directions and a map to our free visitors parking area.

When and how do I apply to the program?

Applications can be made for the next available program once you’re within one semester of having all of your pre-requisites completed and can show that you’re enrolled in the final pre-requisites. Call the Admissions office at 303-292-0015 to set up your enrollment interview. You’ll need to bring a completely filled out application, printed from the website, a copy of your unofficial transcripts (official transcripts sent from your college to DSN are required before you can start your program) and a $50 registration fee.

I’m a DSN graduate, how do I order my DSN transcript?

All students can request their Official Transcripts by downloading and submitting the Transcript Request Form.

Please mail the request to:

Denver School of Nursing
Registrar’s Office
1401 19th St.
Denver, CO 80202

All transcript requests will be processed within three to five business days of receipt of the request. Please note the associated fees with transcript orders.