When and how do I apply to the program?
Please see the Application Procedures and Deadlines page.
Entrance Exams
Some applicants to the Denver School of Nursing, in addition to the admission requirements outlined in the College Catalog, must meet the following admission entrance test requirements for their program of choice. Test dates are set up after students are screened through the admissions process and have met with an admissions representative.
Successful completion of the EVOLVE REACH Admissions Assessment Examination with the minimum scores indicated below are required for acceptance into either of the Associate Degree in Nursing programs and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing Completion Option. The test categories are Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary.
Applicants must obtain a minimum of 75% on the English Composite Subscale (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar) and on the Math Subscale; and take the exam components utilized in the advising program.
Associate Degree in Nursing programs and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing Completion Option
EVOLVE REACH Admissions Assessment Examination
EVOLVE REACH (HESI A2) is a four-part, computer based, multiple choice test covering math, reading, English, and vocabulary. Each section is timed in accordance with recommendations from the test developers. No calculators are allowed, as one is built in the test. Scratch paper is provided. Scores are available immediately upon completion of the examination. No counseling or tutoring is available from DSN regarding interpretation of scores, however, prospective students receive a print out showing where there may be weaknesses and study guides are available for any student needing to retest. Students have two opportunities to receive a score at or above the minimum required for admission. Exam content includes the following:
Out of state applicants are encouraged to obtain and review the study guide, EVOLVE REACH Testing and Remediation Admission Assessment Exam Review, before taking the examination. In state applicants will be loaned a review book during the admissions interview process.
Test Fee Information
A fee of $40.00 is required to pay for the EVOLVE REACH exam. Test dates are set up after students are screened through the admissions process and have met with an admissions representative.
Exam Re-takes
Applicants who do not successfully complete the EVOLVE REACH entrance examination on the first attempt may elect to take a second version of the exam for an additional $40.00 test fee. Applicants may retake once in six months. The maximum number of times a student may take the EVOLVE REACH exam to be considered for entrance into the program is two.
Preparation for the Exam
Out of state applicants are encouraged to obtain and review the study guide, EVOLVE REACH Testing and Remediation Admission Assessment Exam Review, before taking the examination. In state applicants will be loaned a review book at the admissions interview. The following link and phone number may be used to order the Admissions Assessment Exam Review, 2nd Edition to prepare for the exam: http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/product.jsp?isbn=9781416056355
(800-401-9962). Copies of the Exam Review are also available from DSN.
Time Commitment for the Exam
There is a four hour time limit for the test. This time limit begins when instructions are being read. The average time to complete the exam is 3 hours. Applicants must bring a photo ID and pen or pencil. No personal calculators are allowed, as one is built into the test for the test taker's use. Scratch paper will be provided. Scores are available immediately upon completion of the examination. No counseling or tutoring is available from DSN regarding interpretation of scores.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree Program
(Students without prior college credits)
Beginning pre nursing (quarters 1-6) applicants to the program must:
Obtain a minimum of 871 on the English component and a minimum of 855 on the math component of the General Assessment of Instructional Needs (GAIN) entrance exam. Students continuing into the nursing component (after Quarter 6) must meet or exceed the following progression entrance exam requirement:
Achieve a minimum of 75% on the HESI ™ A2 English Composite Subscale (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar) and on the Math Subscale; and take the HESI™ A2 components utilized in the advising program.
Exam Re-takes
Applicants who do not successfully complete the Wonderlic GAIN entrance examination on the first attempt may elect to take a second version of the exam. Applicants may retake once in six months, and results are good for one year. The maximum number of times a student may take the Wonderlic GAIN exam to be considered for entrance into the program is two.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Option
No entrance testing is required for this program.
