DENVER, August 20, 2026 — Community College of Denver (CCD) and Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) have launched a collaborative nursing pathway that provides students with a guaranteed transfer from an Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing at CCD to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MSU Denver.
Through the AS-BSN Collaborative Program, students complete a 60-credit Associate of Science degree at CCD before continuing into the nursing program at MSU Denver with guaranteed junior standing. Eligible students will have no more than 69 credits remaining to complete the BSN.
The application cycle for the program’s first cohort will be open from September 1 through November 15, 2026.
“This collaborative program creates a clear and intentional pathway for students who want to become registered nurses and earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Landon K. Pirius, interim president of Community College of Denver. “Students can begin their education in CCD’s supportive and affordable environment while knowing exactly how their coursework will move them toward completing a BSN at MSU Denver.”
The AS-BSN Collaborative Program was developed to reduce uncertainty and unnecessary barriers for students as they move between institutions. Students admitted through the collaborative agreement will not be required to reapply to MSU Denver for admission to its nursing program, provided they successfully complete the required courses and maintain the program’s academic standards.
Students will also not be required to repeat previously completed general education coursework when those courses meet the established transfer requirements and time limits.
“This program gives students a defined academic plan from the beginning of their nursing education,” said Sarah Luense, director of nursing education programs at Community College of Denver. “They will understand the courses they need, the standards they must meet, and how their work at CCD connects directly to the next phase of their nursing education. That clarity allows students to focus their energy on learning and preparing to care for patients.”
The program follows a structured, cohort-based model. Students complete the final three semesters of the associate degree together at CCD, creating opportunities for peer support, faculty engagement, and a shared sense of purpose. The approved cohort size is 10 students.
“Colorado’s growing demand for nurses requires strong educational partnerships. Through our collaboration with Community College of Denver, we are creating a seamless and accessible pathway to a BSN that helps students advance their careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce our communities depend on,” said Jenny Allert, chair and professor of Nursing at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
To apply, students must complete—or be in the process of completing—the required prerequisite coursework identified in the AS-BSN academic plan.
Applicants are evaluated using a 10-point admissions system that considers:
- Cumulative grade-point average for the first 16 credits of the program plan
- Results from the Casper situational judgment assessment
- Earned experience relevant to the healthcare profession during the preceding 12 months
Admission into the collaborative program guarantees acceptance into MSU Denver’s BSN program when students successfully complete the eight specified courses with a minimum grade of C and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Required courses include chemistry, statistics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, human growth and development, pathophysiology, and human nutrition.
The collaborative pathway expands the options available to students preparing to enter nursing while supporting Colorado’s continuing need for well-educated healthcare professionals.
By coordinating requirements between CCD and MSU Denver, the institutions are creating a more predictable pathway that can help students move efficiently from foundational science and pre-nursing education into upper-division nursing coursework.
“Colorado needs nurses who are prepared to care for patients from many different backgrounds and experiences,” Pirius said. “Community colleges play an essential role in developing that workforce by making high-quality education more accessible and creating pathways that allow students to continue advancing.”
The program is eligible for federal financial aid. CCD also has scholarship opportunities available to help eligible students manage the cost of their education.
Application and Information Sessions
Program: AS-BSN Collaborative Program
CCD credential: Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing
CCD credits: 60
Cohort size: 10 students
Transfer institution: Metropolitan State University of Denver
Application period: September 1 through November 15, 2026
CCD location: Lowry Campus, 1070 Alton Way, Denver, Colorado 80230
Virtual information sessions are scheduled for:
- August 31 at 11 a.m.
- September 14 at 11 a.m.
- September 28 at 11 a.m.
Prospective students can review the curriculum, admission requirements, and application process at CCD.edu/program/bsn-collaborative-program.
For assistance, contact CCD’s Health Sciences team at HealthSciences@ccd.edu or 303.365.8300.
Click here to apply: https://www.ccd.edu/admissions-recruitment-outreach
About Community College of Denver
Community College of Denver (CCD) is a fully accredited leading Colorado community college. CCD was voted Colorado’s Best Community College in the Denver Metro area by The Colorado Sun readers. CCD is recognized for graduating students with less debt and for its guaranteed transfer agreements with all Colorado state colleges and universities. The college also leads with innovative on-campus and online certificate and degree programs. CCD offers a no-tuition high school diploma program to help students start on the path of their choice. To learn more about CCD and its programs, resources, industry partnerships, and foundation giving, visit ccd.edu.
About the Reisher Scholars Program at The Denver Foundation
MSU Denver is Colorado’s student-centered public university, where excellence, affordability, and opportunity meet. With 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates, and credentials, Roadrunners learn from expert faculty in small classes, gain hands-on experience with Colorado’s top employers, and graduate ready to launch meaningful careers and strengthen their communities. For information on MSU Denver’s nursing programs, visit msudenver.edu/nursing/
###
