An aging population, growing demand for medical services, and a wave of healthcare worker retirements will create hundreds of thousands of jobs for nurses in the coming years. Already the largest segment of the nation’s healthcare workforce, the supply of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by nearly 200,000 over the next decade, reaching 3.5 million by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While nursing professionals will be in demand all across the country, nurses in some regions will be even more sought-after. In Denver, Colorado, the nursing job market will be particularly strong, as the Centennial State is projected to be one of five states with the largest shortages of nursing talent by 2026, according to a recent report from consulting firm Mercer.
Those looking to begin nursing careers can take multiple paths to reach their goals, including pursuing an education in either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Enrolling in an RN program in Denver can help aspiring nurses not only develop the skills to launch their careers but also position themselves in one of the nation’s most promising healthcare labor markets.
Overview of RN Programs in Denver
The ADN and BSN programs at Denver College of Nursing provide a focused registered nursing education that balances classroom instruction with hands-on training in labs and clinicals, shaping students into well-rounded RN licensure candidates in less than two years.
Both the ADN and BSN are degree completion programs, allowing those who have previously taken a sufficient number of nonnursing college courses to complete their nursing education on an expedited timeline. Choosing the right program from an accredited institution like Denver College of Nursing depends on an individual’s goals as well as their level of education.
Associate Degree in Nursing
The ADN program at Denver College of Nursing is designed for individuals just beginning their journey into nursing. The program covers subjects like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, helping students develop the fundamental knowledge and skills they need to launch their RN careers.
In as little as 18 months, students in the ADN program can learn how to:
Effectively manage and coordinate nursing care, ensuring continuity, quality, and safety
Apply various forms of technology, including informatics, in the provision of nursing care
Communicate and collaborate with patients, families, and colleagues
Provide patient-centered care that integrates current nursing knowledge, theory, and research
The program also prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a prerequisite for aspiring RNs seeking licensure in Colorado.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The BSN program at Denver College of Nursing is also ideal for individuals who want to break into registered nursing, including professionals from other fields who already hold a degree and are looking to make a career change to nursing. The curriculum aligns closely with that of the ADN program, while covering certain topics more comprehensively as well as exploring specialty areas, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and public health.
In as little as 21 months, students in the BSN program can learn how to:
Design, manage, and coordinate nursing care, following applicable quality and safety standards
Practice holistic nursing care informed by the latest knowledge, theory, and research
Leverage patient care technologies and clinical information systems for effective decision-making
Similar to the ADN program, the BSN program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN.
Nursing Program Requirements
Both RN programs at Denver College of Nursing have the same general admissions requirements, which include the following:
Interview with an admissions advisor.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a drug screen.
Hold a basic life support certification, including CPR training.
Be immunized against certain illnesses, including hepatitis B, influenza, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).
The ADN and BSN programs also have specific educational prerequisite requirements regarding completion of postsecondary coursework. To qualify for admission to the ADN program, students need to have at least 17 semester credits (24 quarter credits) of college coursework in specific prerequisite subjects, including anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, and English composition.
Applicants to the BSN completion program without a prior bachelor’s degree need to have at least 56 semester credits (80 quarter credits) of prior coursework, including 40 semester credits (56 quarter credits) in specific prerequisite subjects, such as microbiology, statistics, and nutrition. Those with a prior bachelor’s degree need to have 21 semester credits (32 quarter credits) of prerequisite coursework in these subjects.
Why Should I Enroll in an RN Program in Denver?
Enrolling in either of the RN programs at Denver College of Nursing can have several advantages, paving the way for a long and rewarding career in a vital, growing field.
Develop the Skills for a Nursing Career
Most important, getting a nursing education enables students to hone the knowledge and practical skills they need to enter the nursing profession. The ADN and BSN programs both provide hands-on training through lab work and clinicals, in addition to classroom instruction. These experiences help aspiring RNs develop the foundational skills and expertise to not only get hired after they graduate but also excel throughout their career journey.
Launch a Nursing Career Quickly
The ADN and BSN programs are designed as completion programs, meaning that they are ideal for students who already have some college credits but have not yet earned a degree. This enables students to complete the programs on an accelerated timeline. The ADN program takes approximately 18 months on a full-time schedule, while the BSN can be completed in about 21 months, meaning that students can go from applicant to RN in less than two years.
Strong Regional Healthcare Industry
Attending nursing school in Denver can have unique benefits for those who choose to stay in the region after they graduate. The Denver area, and Colorado more broadly, boasts a thriving healthcare industry. It supports about 18% of all jobs in the state and generates approximately $148 billion of economic output each year, according to the Common Sense Institute (CSI).
The state also has a tremendous need for skilled healthcare providers. According to the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC), more than a third of the counties in the state are considered maternal care deserts, meaning that they have no obstetric care providers and no medical facilities offering obstetric care. Additionally, the Mercer report projects that by 2026, Colorado will have the fifth-highest shortage of mental healthcare workers in the country.
Job Outlook for RNs in Denver
The BLS projects employment of RNs to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, adding about 197,200 new nurses to the workforce. There will also be about 194,500 job openings for RNs each year during this period due to employment growth and nurses retiring or changing occupations.
In Colorado, demand for nurses is expected to be even more robust. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) forecasts nearly 18% employment growth for RNs in Colorado between 2022 and 2032, creating about 9,570 jobs. During this time, the state will have approximately 4,100 job openings for RNs each year.
A few different variables will drive demand for RNs in Denver and statewide. Roughly 16% of Coloradans were 65 or older in 2022, according to the Colorado State Demography Office. That figure is expected to climb to about 18.5% by 2030 and will likely continue to rise for the next couple of decades. This growth in the number of older residents, who generally experience more medical issues than young people, will strain the state’s healthcare system and create a greater need for more healthcare professionals, including nurses.
Additionally, many RNs are approaching retirement age: Nearly 25% were 60 or older in 2023, and about 15% were 65 or older, according to a report from the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence. With tens of thousands of RNs expected to retire over the next decade, there will be plenty of room for new nurses to join the field.
Begin Your Journey Into Nursing
Opportunities for nurses are expected to grow substantially over the next several years, making it an ideal time to pursue a nursing education — whether you are beginning a lifelong pursuit or are looking to make a career change after working in another field.
If you are thinking about going back to school to become a nurse, the ADN and BSN programs offered at Denver College of Nursing’s Denver campus can help you achieve your goals. By providing a focused education, Denver College of Nursing enables students to earn their degrees and launch rewarding careers in less than two years.
In addition to its programs in Denver, Denver College of Nursing offers a BSN program at its Houston campus, as well as online degree programs that are designed to help existing RNs advance their careers.
Learn more about how Denver College of Nursing can help you reach your nursing career aspirations.
Recommended Readings
Educational Requirements for a Registered Nurse
ADN vs. BSN: Comparing the Nursing Degrees
New NCLEX: Tips for Studying for the Updated Exam