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@ucdenver.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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), check out our RN to BSN Pathway.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Looking to go the traditional route to earn a BSN? Check out our traditional BSN 24-month program and our Integrated Nursing Pathway.

Baccalaureate (BS) Nursing Programs:

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 CU South Denver location 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 CU South Denver location in Lone Tree, CO. However, UCAN students may be required to attend some classes or labs on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

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.

Traditional Nursing Pathway

Sample program plan, individual program plans will have a different sequence of all the same courses.

Summer

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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) 

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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) 

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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

Plan of Study Grid

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

Course List

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

Course List

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

• Display novice/professional nursing leadership qualities to promote quality and safe care.
• Engage in effective communication and collaboration in intra-and inter-disciplinary teams across a variety of contexts.
• Provide socially just, ethical, and inclusive care to diverse populations across the continuum of care.
• Apply principles of health care informatics as a meaningful user of health information systems and technology.
• Reference relevant theoretical frameworks to improve patient and population health outcomes across a range of settings.
• Integrate evidence-based practice into patient-centered care using the nursing process across a range of settings.
• Articulate how policy, advocacy, finance, and regulatory environments influence health care delivery.