MSU Denver
Our on-campus Accelerated Nursing Option (ANO) is a very competitive Bachelor of Science program for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. Students must complete nursing prerequisite courses and meet other application requirements to apply. It is highly recommended to obtain experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to determine if nursing is a good fit.
MSU Denver students and prospective students who are interested in the ANO program are encouraged to:
For a virtual tour, click below on “Explore Our Campus Now.” To navigate between areas, move your curser to the left on a computer, or click at the bottom on a mobile device.
Prospective students first apply to MSU Denver as a student and declare their major as UNN, Undeclared Nursing Interest.
Students will transfer previous college coursework including prior learning credits, such as AP scores, to MSU Denver. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the equivalence of any transfer course brought into the University. Please contact [email protected] for assistance.
Transfer or complete nursing prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Prerequisite courses should be completed within 5-7 years of applying. Final courses may be completed during the semester in which applications are accepted.
Prerequisite Coursework
Take the HESI A2 exam and score at least 80% combined on three required sections, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Anatomy & Physiology. This assessment may be taken up to two times per application period and scores remain valid for 24 months. You will be permitted to upload two HESI score sheets for consideration on your application, and we will use your best score per section to calculate your overall score.
HESI Testing
Submit an ANO application during the open application period, July 1 - September 1 at 5:00 pm MT for spring semester start. Late applications are not accepted. (Application link will be available here when application is open.)
There is no charge for the MSU Nursing Program application.
The admission process does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, creed, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The average GPA and HESI scores per year for ANO applicants offered admission are:
2020: GPA – 3.78, HESI – 93.0
2021: GPA – 3.76, HESI – 94.1
2022: GPA – 3.49, HESI – 92.1
Applicants may take any remaining nursing prerequisite courses during the application semester. This is the fall semester for spring start and the spring semester for fall start.
Students who take courses during the application semester must submit mid-term grade(s) to be used in application score calculation. Students offered admission based on these grades must retain or improve grade(s) to retain admittance position.
When a student repeats a prerequisite course and both attempts are within the last 9 semesters from the application cycle, then grades from both attempts will be averaged together to determine the course grade for application scoring.
No materials may be added to an application after the application deadline. Official transcripts for any courses taken outside MSU Denver may be evaluated after the deadline but should be submitted to MSU Denver by the deadline.
No, interviews are not currently part of the admission process.
We do not consider work experience or licenses as part of the admissions process.
Provisional acceptance offers generally go out early November. Those accepted will receive information on next steps in preparation to start the program.
There is not a waitlist. However, a ranked alternate list will be followed for those not initially offered admissions. In the event that a student declines acceptance, the next student on the alternate list will be offered admission.
You will find other MSU Denver healthcare related majors on the Health Institute webpage.
The Parallel Planning presentation can also help you find your path.
All offers of admission are provisional and contingent on successful completion of program onboarding, which includes providing immunization records and a CPR certification.
If offered admission into the program, applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to admission. The drug screen will test for controlled substances, including marijuana and marijuana derivatives. Re-testing is not allowed.
If a student fails the drug test or background check, their acceptance is negated.
Admitted students must attend a required orientation with the Department of Nursing before beginning nursing courses.
Admitted students must provide immunization records and a CPR certification.
No. If you decline your offer of admission, you will need to re-apply to the program.
Students accepted into the ANO program will take only nursing courses for 17 months, or rather four consecutive semesters including summer semester.
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. (NCLEX-RN).
The estimated cost is approximately $40,000 which includes tuition, MSU Denver student fees, and uniforms. Additional costs for supplies, health insurance and other items will also be required. Please note that all costs are subject to change. The program receives no state funding so the cost is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
Working full-time is not recommended. The nursing program is very time intensive and requires students to make nursing school their main priority. Students will be involved in classes, skills labs, and clinical placements, and need to be available throughout the week and perhaps some weekends.
Students who do need to work should have a flexible part-time job.
Candidates must be able to meet the rigorous physical, mental, emotional, and academic standards required to become a professional nurse.
Candidates will need a computer that meets the Nursing Department’s minimum requirements.
There are 765 clinical hours throughout the nursing curriculum.
Clinical experiences are offered mainly throughout the Denver metro area. However, occasionally students may be as far north as Greeley or south to Colorado Springs. Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites. It is important to have personal, reliable transportation while in the program. Students will attend clinicals in a variety of settings which may include hospitals, long-term care, out-patient facilities, schools, etc.
Clinical schedules will vary throughout the program. Typically, students are assigned two twelve-hour shifts per week. The majority of clinical shifts are 7am-7pm; however, clinical times may vary and can include weekend and night shifts. Students will also be attending class and required labs during the week.
MSU Denver requires that students have earned at least 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree.
A previously earned bachelor’s degree meets MSU Denver’s General Studies requirements; the Multicultural requirement must be met by a previous course or taken at MSU Denver.
The Nursing Program does not require a minor.
The MSU Denver Nursing Program consistently has a higher pass rate on the national licensure examination than both the national and state averages. Program Outcomes can be found on our main nursing webpage. Pass rates for all Colorado nursing programs can be found on the State Board of Nursing website.
See the State Board of Nursing website for further information about retesting.
Yes, but each state has their own licensure rules. Please visit our Professional Licensure Disclosures page to learn about requirements in other states.
Mailing Address:
Department of Nursing
Campus Box 72
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
