Between retirements, turnover, and the growing healthcare demands of an aging population, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that nursing employment will grow faster than the average occupation over the next decade.  

While there is always a need for registered nurses with associate degrees, more hospitals — especially large academic medical centers — are seeking nurses with a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). In fact, institutions like the National Academy of Medicine have long maintained that 80% of the nursing workforce should hold a BSN.  

There’s good reason for that too, as nurses with BSN’s have been linked to better patient outcomes. In that same vein, BSNs are beneficial to nurses themselves, as they can help nurses distinguish themselves in the job market and enable them to pursue opportunities in leadership, management, education, research, and advanced-practice pathways.  

With that, the Community College of Denver (CCD) has recognized the urgent need not just for nurses, but for nurses with BSN’s. That is why CCD is proud to announce the launch of the new AS-BSN CCD Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Collaborative Program.  
 

How CCD’s AS-BSN Collaborative Program Works: 

The AS-BSN Collaborative Program is a transfer partnership between the Community College of Denver and MSU Denver that prepares students for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students who complete the Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing (AS-BSN) at CCD are guaranteed junior standing at MSU Denver with no more than 69 remaining credits toward a BSN from MSU Denver.  

The AS-BSN Collaborative Program follows a structured, cohort-based model. Students complete the last three semesters of the AS-BSN program at CCD as a cohort of 10 students. 

In order to apply to the program, students must complete, or be in the process of completing, the 16 credit hours of prerequisite coursework outlined in Semester 1 of the academic plan. Students admitted under this agreement are not required to reapply to MSU Denver for entry into the nursing program. 

Students will not be required to repeat previously completed general education coursework, provided such courses fall within the established transfer time limits. All prior coursework will be evaluated and accepted in accordance with CCD’s transfer credit policies. 

“Community College of Denver is proud to partner with Metropolitan State University of Denver to offer the AS-BSN Collaborative Program, creating a seamless pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This innovative program removes barriers, simplifies the transfer process, and helps students stay focused on achieving their goals. By combining the affordability and personalized support of CCD with a clear route to a BSN, we are expanding opportunities for future nurses while helping meet Colorado’s growing healthcare workforce needs.”  

— Fida Obeidi, Dean of Instruction, Health Sciences and STEM Pathway  

“At MSU Denver, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality, workforce-focused education that meets the needs of both students and our communities. Through our partnership with Community College of Denver, the AS-BSN Collaborative Program creates a clear and affordable pathway for aspiring nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree. We are proud to work alongside CCD to help students advance their careers, achieve their educational goals, and strengthen Colorado’s healthcare workforce.” 

— Jenny Alert, Chair and Professor of Nursing at Metropolitan State University of Denver. 
 

Why Students Should Choose the AS-BSN Collaborative Program 

More people are choosing community college than ever. By allowing students to begin their nursing education at CCD before seamlessly transferring to MSU Denver, the AS-BSN Collaborative Program creates a direct, affordable pathway to a bachelor's degree while helping students stay on track to enter the nursing workforce. 

With the AS-BSN Collaborative Program, CCD and MSU Denver have mapped the coursework so students know which classes count toward the bachelor's degree before they enroll. As such, students can take advantage of CCD tuition rates for the first half of their education, and won’t have to worry about transferring to MSU Denver when the time comes.  

In choosing to pursue the AS-BSN Collaborative Program, students are setting themselves up for success. Being situated here in downtown Denver, students will be connected to Denver-area healthcare systems, faculty, clinical placements, and employer networks throughout their education. Between an industry-informed curriculum, the affordability of a CCD education, and a transfer pathway catered to student mobility, nursing students will be able to attain the BSN they need to set themselves up for success. 

To Learn More About AS-BSN Collaborative Program, click here