Why Choose Our Nursing Program in Colorado?
Our Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) nursing campus in Aurora, Colorado offers more than just a degree in nursing — it’s a vibrant and uplifting community dedicated to preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.
With quality education at the forefront, every resource at our Aurora campus is designed to foster the growth of aspiring nurses into compassionate caregivers and leaders in the nursing field.
Join a Growing Community of Nursing Students in Colorado
Learn and grow with a passionate community of current and aspiring future nurses. During your nursing education experience, you’ll have a chance to make new friends and potential future colleagues, all preparing to become registered nurses.
Our core nursing faculty are registered nurses themselves. They understand what it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and start a career in the nursing practice. They’re healthcare professionals here to provide individualized support, share their career experience, give you practical guidance, and connect you with helpful resources like study groups and peer mentoring.
100% Focused on Nursing Education
Our nursing program offers a single degree program — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It means every member of our faculty and staff understands your goal of becoming a registered nurse and can offer practical guidance to our nursing students every step of the way.
Our entire focus is building the most effective BSN program we can and helping prepare students for a fulfilling career in the nursing profession. Our BSN curriculum was designed by experienced nurses and healthcare professionals committed to preparing the next generation of nursing leaders – could you be one of them?
Personalized Attention in the Classroom
Our Aurora nursing school intentionally limits class sizes to ensure you receive a more personalized nursing education and feedback from our dedicated faculty. You deserve the time and attention needed to learn concepts from nursing and health sciences, practice nursing skills, and set yourself up for a thriving nursing career.
Class Sessions Begin 6 Times Per Year
In our accredited BSN program, new general education sessions begin about every eight weeks, and new nursing major cohorts start three times per year. With multiple session starts throughout the year, you’re not restricted to starting school in just Fall or Spring. You have the chance to start the BSN program when the timing is right for you.
To learn more about Arizona College of Nursing in Aurora or schedule a campus tour, click below.
Contact Us
Learn from knowledgeable leaders at our nursing college campus in Aurora who have years of experience putting their skills to use in the medical field.
Elden Monday
Senior Campus President
Elden Monday
Senior Campus President
MBA, Business Administration, University of Phoenix
BA Business, Marketing, National University
In October 2023 Elden Monday joined AZ College Of Nursing-Ontario and Aurora. With over three decades of experience in higher education, Elden has overseen teams and campuses across the nation. Â His paramount objective remains consistent: to discover methods for enhancing the proficiency of every staff member, thereby enabling them to better serve students.
Shawntel Toliver
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Shawntel Toliver
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Shawntel Toliver joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2023 bringing more than Thirteen years of experience in Higher Education to the team. Shawntel previously served in a role Assistant Director of Admissions where her focus was on delivering exceptional student service and positive educational outcomes.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is passionate about student success, organizational culture and providing mentorship to her on-campus team. Shawntel serves as Executive Director of Enrollment Services for the Aurora campus.
Kathryn Palermo
Dean of Nursing
Kathryn Palermo, DNP, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Dean of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
MSN Leadership and Management, Western Governors University
BSN, University of Colorado
Dr. Kathryn Palermo is an accomplished nursing educator, researcher, and leader. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and nursing education, she is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, clinical competency, and student success.
Prior to this role, she served as the BSN Program Director at Colorado Christian University, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing student outcomes, including a 15% increase in NCLEX pass rate. Her expertise spans medical-surgical, orthopedic, neurological, and geriatric nursing.
Dr. Palermo has contributed to nursing scholarship, publishing in respected nursing journals on topics including new graduate nurse turnover and strategies to improve retention and transition to practice, reflection in nursing practice, Highly Reliable Organizations (HROs), and virtual reality in nursing simulation.
She has presented at national and regional conferences on innovative nursing education strategies and serves on multiple professional boards, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and the Colorado Early Colleges Healthcare Pathways Advisory Board.
As the Dean of Nursing she will provide strategic leadership, support faculty development, and promote research and partnerships within the Front Range community.
Katie Wilkinson
Dean of General Education
Katie Wilkinson, M.Ed., M.B.A
Dean of General Education
M.Ed. in Education Management, University of South Africa
M.B.A., Independence University
Katie was born in South Africa and pursued her studies in Education Management at the North-West University and the University of South Africa. She also holds an MBA from Independence University in Salt Lake City, UT. Over her 28-year career in education management, Katie has worked across various educational levels, from elementary to high school, including remedial English education. She has also held positions such as Dean of Education at CollegeAmerica, Director of Education at IBMC College in Fort Collins, and Campus President for IBMC College in Greeley, CO.
Katie is known for her leadership style that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. She encourages staff and faculty to work together to align with our institution’s mission and vision. Her approachability, professionalism, and fairness have been key to fostering better working relationships, enhancing student satisfaction, and improving academic outcomes. Katie is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background.
As the Dean of General Education, Katie oversees faculty and students in the general education courses of our BSN program.
Kimberly Jensen
Assistant Campus President
Kimberly Jensen
Assistant Campus President
Master of Science, Management & Leadership, Western Governors University
B.B.A., Business Administration and Management, American InterContinental University
Kim Jensen joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2022, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. In her current role as Assistant Campus President, she leads academics, facilities, and student success, ensuring a student-centered and excellence-focused academic environment.
Kim holds a Master of Science in Management & Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from American InterContinental University. She is passionate about student success, organizational culture, and leadership development, striving to create an empowering and innovative campus experience.
Convenient Location in Aurora
For those searching for a nursing program near me, our Colorado campus ensures that students can pursue their nursing education without the need to relocate. Conveniently situated off HWY 225 near Aurora Medical Center, our nursing program in Colorado offers easy access to students in the Greater Denver Metro Area including Lakewood, Centennial, Westminster, and Arvada. Our Aurora campus provides a welcoming environment for students looking for a nursing degree in a vibrant city.
We realize that nursing students are often busy. That might mean eating a quick lunch or dinner before your next nursing school class or taking a coffee break. Luckily, you’ll find numerous dining options near the Arizona College of Nursing Aurora, Colorado location.
AZCN campuses are focused on student support and collaboration, so we have designed our spaces with you in mind. We have large student gathering areas for taking a break, eating lunch, or just grabbing a snack. Throughout the AZCN campus, you will find multiple sitting areas and private small conference rooms available for studying including a dedicated student learning center. Our window-lined classrooms also help you stay energized with plenty of natural light and views of the surrounding area.
If you are one of our students who utilize Denver public transportation, the RTD Nine Mile Station is a 15-minute walk from our campus and a 2-minute drive.
Nursing Student Involvement Opportunities
Our Social Scrubs Squad is an exciting opportunity for passionate students to contribute to the AZCN- Aurora community. The mission of this program is to gather and showcase authentic content from our students’ nursing journeys and experiences on social media platforms. We aim to empower student leaders who will share their stories with prospective students, their families, and the wider community.
Nursing Programs and Your Collegiate Education
The mission of the AZCN BSN degree program is to prepare professional nurses through a practical nursing program who are competent in delivering evidence-based patient and community-centered care as members and leaders of an interprofessional healthcare team with an emphasis on quality improvement that drives desired patient, systems, and program outcomes.
From day one, our nursing program is built to prepare you for a thriving nursing career as a registered nurse (RN). You’ll combine classroom teaching with real-world scenarios, all while developing the professionalism and soft skills demanded in the nursing practice.
Our dedicated admissions representatives are ready to answer your questions about nursing education options, admission requirements, transfer credits, and financial aid.
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Finally, A Nursing Program Near Me in Colorado!
We strive to be one of the best nursing programs in Colorado, helping students achieve their nursing career dreams. Our nursing degree program proudly serves the entire Denver metropolitan area, including Lakewood, Centennial, and Westminster. Our college campus is conveniently located about 20 minutes from downtown Denver.
Directions from Your Area
Select your area below to view step-by-step directions and a helpful map to our Aurora campus, including landmarks to guide your way. We want your path to our BSN program to be smooth—starting with the drive.
Directions From Downtown Denver, CO to Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora
The driving distance from downtown Denver to Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora is about 10 miles, which takes approximately 20 minutes via I-225 S.
- Starting from the Colorado State Capitol in downtown Denver, head east on East Colfax Avenue for about 1.5 miles, passing City Park on your left.
- Turn left onto Quebec Street and continue for about 2.5 miles until you reach the Interstate 70 entrance.
- Head east on I-70 for about 2 miles and then take Exit 282 for Interstate 225 South toward Aurora and Colorado Springs.
- Travel south on I-225 for about 4 miles, then take Exit 4 for South Parker Road.
- After merging onto South Parker Road, take a right at the first traffic light onto South Vaughn Way.
- Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora is in Suite 525 located inside the Cherry Creek Place building on your left.
A Nursing School That Understands Your Nursing Goals
At Arizona College of Nursing, we have a single focus — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It means every member of our faculty and staff understands your goal of becoming BSN-prepared nurses and every resource is designed to support students with this specific goal.
Our BSN program does not require prerequisite coursework, so whether students are just getting started on your educational journey to becoming nurses or have transfer credits, there’s a potential pathway to your goal at Arizona College of Nursing.
We understand that students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing sometimes have an associate degree from a community college or clinical experiences as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or ADN-prepared Registered Nurse (RN) from another registered nursing program. If you do have prior general educational credits, you may be able to transfer those credits. Transferring credits can get you on track to complete your program in less time and at a lower cost.
Learn More About Transfer Credits
Visit Our Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora Campus
Evaluating nursing schools with BSN programs doesn’t have to be difficult. Our dedicated admissions team can help you understand how our baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) fits into your lifestyle, education, and career goals.
Looking for more information about our nursing program in Colorado? Our website includes additional details on financial aid, campus locations, NCLEX-RN exam prep, scholarships, and transfer credit.
Contact UsAccreditations
The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). Official accreditation notification to CCNE for Aurora is submitted prior to first Semester 5 class start. All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
