Traditional Nursing Option

Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA in the 8 nursing prerequisite courses to qualify to apply to our nursing program.

Applicants are allowed to have up to two remaining general studies courses, provided that they are not Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.

Applicants are scored based on their GPA in the eight nursing prerequisite courses, their Casper Assessment score, and number of credits taken at MSU Denver. The maximum application points per category:

• GPA in 8 nursing prereqs – 4 points
• Casper Assessment – 4 points
• MSU Denver credits – 2 points

The average GPA per year for TNO applicants offered admission is:

Jan 2022: 3.49
Jan 2023: 3.62
Aug 2023: 3.61
Jan 2024: 3.53
Aug 2024: 3.69

Students who have completed courses at MSU Denver have an advantage through application scoring:

12 – 23 credits taken at MSU Denver = 1 point

24 + credits taken at MSU Denver = 2 points

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 nursing prerequisite courses during the fall application semester must submit mid-term grade(s) to be used in application score calculation. Instructions will be emailed to students during the fall semester.  Students offered admission based on these grades must retain or improve grade(s) to retain admittance position.

Students who take nursing prerequisite courses during the application semester will indicate these courses are in progress and must submit official transcripts ASAP for courses taken outside of MSU Denver.

A student may have up to two university general studies requirements remaining when starting the nursing program as long as neither requirement is written communication, oral communication, or math.

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.

Interviews are not part of the admission process. However, starting July 1, 2024, an admissions assessment which is similar to an online interview will be added.

We do not consider work experience or licenses, such as a CNA license, as part of the admissions process.

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.

We expect to admit 22 students to start each August and 44 student to start each January in our TNO program.

Students who have graduated from an institution outside of the U.S. may apply for our nursing program. Please reference the MSU Denver guidelines for admission of International Students and/or the transfer of foreign credentials.

We offer early admissions to a limited number of international students each year. Please visit the Nursing Early Admissions for International Students webpage to find out more.

Provisional acceptance offers generally go out early November for January start, and early June for August start. Those accepted will receive information on next steps in preparation to start the program.

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.

Here are some resources to evaluation your options and you will want to connect with a pre-nursing advisor for guidance as to how you should proceed.

All offers of admission are conditional and contingent on successful completion of program onboarding.

No. If you decline your offer of admission, you will need to re-apply to the program.

The offer of admission is rescinded if a student fails the drug test or background check.

Please refer to the next question for information about the drug test or background check.

If offered admission into the program, applicants must successfully pass a drug screen and a criminal background check.

The drug screen will test for controlled substances, including marijuana and marijuana derivatives. Re-testing is not allowed.

Here is more information about the criminal background check.

If the investigation reveals information that could be relevant to the application, the designated individual responsible for background checks may request additional information from the applicant. The offense shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students who have successfully completed the terms of a deferred adjudication agreement will not be disqualified.

If any applicant feels the criminal background check is inaccurate, they may appeal the decision and request a review. It is the applicant’s burden to produce substantial evidence that proves the crimes charged are incorrect.

Admitted students must attend and complete required orientations with the Department of Nursing before beginning nursing courses. Required orientations include an in-person session and online modules.

Some items that admitted students must complete/provide are:

• Immunization records
• CPR certification from American Heart Association
• Health statement from a healthcare provider
• Regulatory training

Required immunizations included:

• TDAP
• MMR
• Hep B
• Negative PPD (TB)
• Varicella
• Flu vaccine
• COVID vaccine

Additional immunizations may be added as required by our clinical partners.

Students may be denied clinical placement or progression in the program if items are not kept current at all times.

Each student must secure Professional Nurses Malpractice/Liability Insurance before starting their first semester in the nursing program. The policy must say “student nurse” and the policy must have $1,000,000/$6,000,000 limits of liability.

Should you need to purchase a new policy, use a start date of the first day of the semester in which you will be starting your nursing courses. Prices may vary depending on the type of health care licenses a student holds. Please make sure when purchasing insurance to disclose all licenses held.

The estimated cost is approximately $40,000 which includes tuition and MSU Denver student fees. Additional costs for supplies, health insurance and other items will also be required. Please note that all costs are subject to change. This estimate is for the nursing program only and does not include prerequisite or general studies courses.

The program receives no state funding so the cost is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Nursing program tuition does not qualify for Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).

Please know that any student who already holds a bachelor’s degree does not qualify for the Federal Pell Grant but may qualify for federal education loans and work-study. For more information, please visit MSU Denver’s Financial Aid website.

Please visit MSU Denver’s Financial Aid webpage for information and instructions regarding financial aid. Also watch the Nursing Resources webpage for scholarship opportunities specific to nursing students.

Candidates must be able to meet the rigorous physical, mental, emotional, and academic standards required to become a professional nurse.

Students accepted into the TNO program will take only nursing courses for four consecutive semesters excluding summers. General studies courses may be completed during a summer term.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. (NCLEX-RN).

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 sometimes on nights and weekends.

Students will need a computer while in the nursing program. Any new Windows or Mac computer purchased within the last 3-4 years will work.

You will complete at least 750 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 be awarded a bachelor’s degree. More information can be found in our course catalog.

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 through the Colorado State Board of Nursing website.

See the Colorado 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.