Contact Info
Office location: Education II North, Room 3255
Mailing address: 13120 East 19th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone number: 303-724-1812
Web Page: https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/
Email: nursing.admissions@cuanschutz.edu
Overview: Multiple Pathways to Your Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the CU Nursing Traditional, Accelerated, INP pathway, or RN-BSN pathway from one of the top ten nursing programs in the country. The University of Colorado College of Nursing has been ranked among the best nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2017 and 2021.
The BSN program is led by world-renowned faculty who understand the challenges of earning a degree. That's why our programs and classes are offered in multiple pathways. From a Traditional pathway with the majority of classes in the traditional classroom setting to an accelerated pathway for those with bachelor's degrees in a non nursing field, to an online format for RNs seeking a BSN — we have something for everyone. Each pathway offers online courses taught by the same top-notch teachers, researchers and writers as our in-person courses. We know one of our pathways will work for you.
Our RN-BSN Pathways are fully online, and are designed for students who are working full-time in professional nursing settings. Even if you live outside of Colorado, you can be a part of CU Nursing through the cutting-edge, high-quality RN-BSN Pathway courses.
All of our BSN courses prepare the learner to practice as a generalalist nurse at the baccalaureate level. Students will learn to manage patient care with compassion through the advocacy of evidence-based, relationship-centered, care. The student will learn the importance of safe, quality, efficient and effective interdisciplinary care to enhance and sustain health and healing. Students work together with other disciplines across the campus including pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and public health.
The University of Colorado College of Nursing offers five Bachelor of Science Pathways:
- The Traditional Pathway: This is a full-time, 24-month option, designed for students who may or may not have earned a degree in the past. The Traditional Pathway follows a required class schedule that includes classroom, clinical simulation, and direct patient care clinical experiences. Students complete their pre-requisite courses at the community college or university setting, and subsequently apply through NursingCAS to the Traditional Nursing Pathway. Once accepted, students begin the Traditional 2-year program the following summer semester.
- The Integrated Nursing Pathway (INP): The CU Nursing program partners with local community colleges (Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College) to offer simultaneous application and admission to the local community college and CU Nursing Traditional BSN Program. This program is intended for Colorado residents who complete a majority of their prerequisite courses in the Colorado Community College system, and do not have a previous degree.
- The University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing Pathway (UCAN): Designed for those who have earned a Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, students will complete a rigorous nursing program in 12 months. The UCAN student will complete the same number of program credits and clinical hours as the Traditional Pathway student.
- The RN-BSN Pathway*: This online RN to BSN pathway permits the licensed RNs to complete the BSN degree completely online. The program allows you to transfer the ADN credit so that you can complete the BSN in 16 months or less, while working full-time. Admission to this pathway takes place three times per year.
- The RN-BSN Early Decision Pathway*: The Early Decision Pathway is available for prospective students currently enrolled in an accredited Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program who have completed one semester of coursework that includes nursing courses.
Quick Guide to CU College of Nursing Bachelor's Programs
- If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), check out our RN to BSN Pathway*.
- If you are currently enrolled in an accredited Associate’s Degree of Nursing (ADN) program and are interested in advancing to the BSN after ADN completion, we have an RN-BSN early decision Pathway.*
- If you're looking for a fast way to earn your bachelor's degree, check out UCAN which allows you to complete a BSN in 12 months.
- Looking to go the traditional route to earn a BSN? Check out our traditional BSN 24-month program and our Integrated Nursing Pathway.
*Admission into the RN to BS program will be paused starting Spring 2024 with no new admissions being offered.
The last courses offered will be in Fall 2024 after which time the official pausing of the program will commence and no other courses will be offered.
Admission to the College of Nursing bachelor of science program is highly competitive. In order to keep the selection process fair, admission requirements are definitive and applied to each application in the same manner. Please keep in mind that applications are not reviewed until they are Verified by NursingCAS. Your application to the College of Nursing must be Verified by the application deadline to be considered for admission.
Applications are submitted through Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing TRADITIONAL PROGRAM, please visit: https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bachelors-program/traditional-nursing-bachelors-admissions.
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing UCAN (Accelerated) PROGRAM, please visit: https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bachelors-program/ucan-accelerated-bachelors-admissions.
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing RN-BS PROGRAM, please visit: https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bachelors-program/online-rn-to-bs-in-nursing-admissions.
Baccalaureate (BS) Nursing Pathways:
Traditional Nursing Pathway
The Traditional Pathway is a full-time, 24-month Bachelor of Science option, designed for students who may or may not have earned a degree in the past. This program includes class room, clinical simulation, and clinical practice as part of the curriculum. Beginning with the summer 2019 cohort, the Traditional Pathway program will be primarily offered at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. However, Traditional students may be required to attend some classes or labs at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree.
University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing is a full-time, 12-month program option, which requires students have earned a previous bachelor’s degree by the semester or quarter prior to beginning the nursing program. The degree can be in a health-related or non-health related field of study. Beginning with the spring 2020 cohort, the UCAN program will be primarily offered at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, CO. However, UCAN students may be required to attend some classes or labs on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
CU Nursing / Fort Lewis College Collaborative
The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing) at the Anschutz Medical Campus and Fort Lewis College (FLC) have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to create a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing, bringing the state’s flagship medical institute of higher education to the rural and Indigenous-serving campus of Southwest Colorado.
- Close-knit, personalized education opportunities
- High-touch and high-tech simulation
- CU’s nationally ranked nursing education and research expertise combined with FLC’s liberal arts core
- Community immersion/service learning locally
- Hands-on, culturally sensitive, patient-centered healthcare
- FLC’s Indigenous perspective and sense of place
- Students will complete their four-year degree on the Fort Lewis College campus, but students will receive their final degree from CU
CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Nursing Bachelor’s Program
The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus) has a partnership program with the University of Colorado Denver for students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway was created to promote the diversity of healthcare professionals and to better serve the healthcare needs of the State of Colorado. Students take prerequisite courses at CU Denver and then transition to CU Nursing to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
RN-to-BS Pathway*
Open the door to greater career options within the nursing field by completing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The University of Colorado, College of Nursing Online RN to BS in Nursing program is completely online, allowing you to seek your BS degree, balance your life, and work at the same time. The availability of online courses supports the unique need for flexibility and access to adult learners who want to complete their bachelor of science degree while working. Educational technology, such as web-based courses, help to accommodate work schedules and other life commitments for our students.
- Apply if you are a licensed RN. Applications are not limited to Colorado residents.
- Transfer most previously completed prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited institution.
- Complete the program in four semesters (balanced to work with tuition reimbursements).
- Enjoy the accessibility of online orientation and education.
- Join a cohort, beginning each fall and spring, for progression and connection within a group.
- Benefit from practicum experiences designed to meet your personal goals.
- Focus on an individual area of interest (create a project meaningful and useful to you and your organization).
- Take advantage of earning your BS in nursing from the CU College of Nursing.
*Admission into the RN to BS program will be paused starting Spring 2024 with no new admissions being offered.
The last courses offered will be in Fall 2024 after which time the official pausing of the program will commence and no other courses will be offered.
Traditional Nursing Pathway
Sample program plan, individual program plans will have a different sequence of all the same courses.
Summer
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| NURS 3023 | Patient-Centered Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3034 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NURS 3140 | Pathophysiology for Nurses | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 10 | |
Fall
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| NURS 3150 | Pharmacology for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS 3617 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I | 6 |
| NURS 3080 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Spring (Individual program plans may be sequenced differently based on student grouping)
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| NURS 3567 | Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan | 5 |
| NURS 4064 | Interprofessional Collaborative Practice | 1 |
| NURS 4617 | Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs | 7 |
| NURS 3267 | Health Promotion | 2 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Year 1 total credit hours:
Didactic Hours: 24.9
Clinical Hours: 12.1
Total Hours: 37
Summer
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| NURS 3667 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult | 2 |
| Hours | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 2 | |
Fall (Individual program plans may be sequenced differently based on student grouping)
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| NURS 3447 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 5 |
| NURS 4074 | Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity | 1 |
| NURS 3337 | Nursing Care of Childbearing Families | 5 |
| NURS 3880 | Nursing Role and Practice | 2 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 13 | |
Spring
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| NURS 4917 | Immersion in Clinical Nursing | 8 |
| NURS 4877 | Population-Based Nursing - RN | 6 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
YEAR 2 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS:
Didactic Hours: 15.75
Clinical Hours: 13.25
Total Hours: 29
Program Total Credit hours:
Didactic Hours: 40.65
Clinical Hours: 25.35
Total Hours: 66
University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
Program Plan for Spring start. Students starting in the Fall will follow a similar sequence of all the same courses.
Spring
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Hours | |
| NURS 3023 | Patient-Centered Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 3034 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NURS 3140 | Pathophysiology for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS 3150 | Pharmacology for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS 3267 | Health Promotion | 2 |
| NURS 3617 | Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I | 6 |
| NURS 3667 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult | 2 |
| Hours | 23 | |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
SUMMER
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Hours | |
| NURS 3337 | Nursing Care of Childbearing Families | 5 |
| NURS 3447 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 5 |
| NURS 3567 | Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan | 5 |
| NURS 3080 | Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
FALL
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| NURS 4080 | Professional Nursing: Transition into the Role | 4 |
| NURS 4617 | Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs | 7 |
| NURS 4917 | Immersion in Clinical Nursing | 8 |
| NURS 4877 | Population-Based Nursing - RN | 6 |
| Hours | 25 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS:
Didactic Hours: 40.65
Clinical Hours: 25.35
Total Hours: 66
RN-to-BS Pathway
Year 1
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 4824 | Professional Nursing Role Development - RN | 4 |
| NURS 4850 | Introduction to Health Care Informatics - RN | 3 |
| NURS 4800 | Evidenced-Based Nursing Practice & Research for the RN | 4 |
| NURS 4860 | Quality, Safety, & Innovative Nursing Practice-RN | 4 |
| NURS 4877 | Population-Based Nursing - RN | 6 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Year 2
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 4887 | Nursing Leadership in Complex Organizations I | 4 |
| NURS 4897 | Nursing Leadership in Complex Organizations II | 5 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS:
Didactic Hours: 29
Clinical Hours: 1
Total Hours: 30
BS Program Outcomes
- Integrate, translate, and apply evolving knowledge from nursing and other healthcare disciplines across a range of settings.
- Provide collaborative person-centered care that is empowering, inclusive, holistic, respectful, compassionate, just, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate across the care continuum.
- Collaborate with diverse populations and communities in traditional and nontraditional partnerships, including public health, global health, environmental justice, academia, health care, and local government entities, for the prevention of disease and the improvement of equitable population health outcomes.
- Integrate evidence-based practice through the application and dissemination of nursing knowledge and to improve patient outcomes and transform health care.
- Incorporate established and emerging principles of quality and safety as core values to enhance quality of care and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance.
- Demonstrates effective use of communication and collaboration when partnering with intra- and interprofessional teams, patients, families, and communities to optimize care and enhance the healthcare outcomes.
- Apply systems-based thinking to respond to complex healthcare environments, ethically, effectively and proactively, coordinating resources to provide safe, quality and equitable care to diverse populations including those impacted by social determinants of health.
- Uses informatics processes and healthcare technologies to gather data, inform decision-making, provide high-quality, efficient and safe care, and support professionals as they expand knowledge and wisdom for practice in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards.
- Cultivate a professional identity that aligns with sustainable, collaborative, and accountable professional behaviors, reflecting the core values of nursing.
- Participate in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, well-being, lifelong learning, and acquisition of nursing expertise and leadership development.