Nursing, RN to BSN

Program Details

At CU Nursing, innovation defines education. Our skilled online educators and practicing nurses keep pace with the latest in research and technology, prepping our students for future success. Throughout the online RN to BSN program, you’ll be taught by nurse educators who understand the unique challenges of working full-time as a nursing professional while also taking courses. Our classes are offered entirely online and in a schedule that may be compatible with tuition reimbursement plans from your employer.

Upon successful completion of the online RN to BSN program and the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX), baccalaureate-prepared nurses are able to choose from a wide variety of practice settings. Additionally, nurses who earn a bachelor’s degree are able to pursue advanced degrees in nursing, including programs that prepare them for careers as adult or pediatric nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives or certified nurse anesthetists. Doctorate-level education is also possible for those with a BS in Nursing who wish to pursue a PhD or DNP.

Examples of potential practice areas for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate include:

• Providing patient care in the hospital settings (the most popular choice of nursing graduates).
• Caring for patients in community-based settings.
• Providing nursing leadership through nursing management positions.
• Providing nursing care to individuals, families, and communities internationally.
• Working in clinical research by coordinating human subject studies.
• Helping shape future nursing clinicians through teaching opportunities.

RN to BSN Tuition Scholarship

When an RN-BSN student enters their final semester according to their original approved plan of study,* they will receive a scholarship that will bring down the total cost of the program to $12,000 (please note, other bursar charges, such as books and health insurance, are the student’s responsibility). The student will pay full tuition and fees for their program up until their final semester. If the student drops the program after the scholarship is disbursed during their last semester, they will be required to reimburse the College of Nursing for the full amount of the scholarship.

*Exceptions will be made for approved medical leave on a case by case basis.

Note: The RN-BSN program is 30 credits total. The last semester for the traditional program is the 4th semester.

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a dual enrollment student, or an international student.

Although we do have high standards for applicants, we are able to accept most students who meet the qualifications and have completed the prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution. The University of Colorado College of Nursing’s Office of Admissions and Student Affairs can help you determine which credits transfer into our program and which you may still need to take. You are welcome to apply to the program while still completing some of the prerequisites.

Applications are submitted through Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).

Career Outlook

Nurses are the backbone of health care. Competent, educated nurses are needed across the continuum of medical care settings, including private and public hospitals, primary care offices, specialists, correctional facilities, schools and universities, and home health care environments.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects much faster than average growth for Registered Nurses over the next ten years, and a bachelor’s degree holder can open more doors and be met with higher salaries than associate’s degree holders.

Here are some of the career opportunities that you could expect after graduation:

• Registered Nurse
• Medical and Health Services Manager
• Emergency Room Registered Nurse
• Registered Nurse Supervisor

Curriculum

The online RN to BS in Nursing program consists of 30 credits. It is designed to be efficiently completed in four semesters, or 16 months.

Please contact an Enrollment Navigator for additional information and an example program plan. 

Courses

Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester. For the RN to BS in Nursing program, most courses last 8 weeks. You will also be required to complete a 30-hour clinical component in Population Health, arranged in your location.