Colorado Springs hugs the eastern slope of Pikes Peak, and its skyline is dotted with healthcare landmarks, such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose–St. Francis Health Services, and Evans Army Community Hospital. That blend of natural beauty and clinical opportunity draws scores of career changers each year. Suppose you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become a registered nurse quickly. In that case, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can move you from lecture hall to bedside in as little as 12 months. Lower living costs than Denver, widespread employer tuition support, and a competitive RN wage market make the city an especially budget–friendly launch pad for nursing careers.
Beyond affordability, Colorado Springs offers one of the most supportive learning environments in the Mountain West. Hospitals partner with local universities for clinical placements, mentorships, and even tuition reimbursement. Outdoor recreation, just minutes from campus, helps students maintain balance while navigating an intense academic pace. Below you will find rankings, admission tips, salary outlook, and more, so you can decide whether an accelerated BSN in Colorado's Olympic City is right for you.
2027 Affordable Accelerated BSN Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - uccs.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN - Accelerated Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Accelerated BSN at University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a 16-month, full-time campus program designed for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree or at least 57 college credits and a 3.0 GPA. Admission does not require SAT or ACT scores; instead, applicants must take the TEAS exam and pass a background check. Prerequisites must be completed within 10 years. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills, patient safety, and evidence-based practice, leading to RN licensure eligibility. The program starts in the summer, with applications accepted from July 1 to November 15. With in-state tuition around $35,716, this public university offers a more affordable pathway compared to out-of-state costs of nearly $71,854.
- 16-month program length
- On-campus delivery
- 68 total credits
- Summer start only
- Prior bachelor's required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- TEAS exam required
- Background check required
- In-state $35,716 tuition
- Out-of-state $71,854 tuition
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (Accelerated Pathway)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Accelerated BSN is a campus-based second-degree program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. Since it requires a prior degree, the ACT or SAT is not part of the admissions criteria. Students attend class Monday and Wednesday, with clinical experiences on the remaining weekdays at partner facilities, supplemented by simulation labs. The focused cohort of about 40 students per year fosters individualized support, and rolling start dates offer flexibility. Applications are due October 1. As a public institution, CSU Pueblo offers comparatively affordable tuition, and the accelerated timeline means students can pass the NCLEX and begin earning sooner, maximizing return on investment.
- Starts rolling
- 40 students accepted per year
- Rolling start date available
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Classes Mondays and Wednesdays
- Application deadline October 1
Why an ABSN Makes Sense for Career Changers
Accelerated BSN tracks compress a traditional four–year degree into three or four intense semesters. Students keep the general–education credits earned during their first bachelor's program and dive straight into nursing science, simulation labs, and supervised clinical rotations. The payoff is significant:
- Fast entry to practice: Some Colorado Springs programs finish in 12 to 24 months, letting you earn an RN license two years sooner than returning for a standard BSN.
- Lower overall cost: Fewer semesters mean reduced tuition and housing expenses, and students can re-enter the workforce quickly.
- Strong peer cohort: You study alongside classmates who already hold a degree, creating a supportive network focused on adult learners.
- Employer demand: Facilities like Penrose–St. Francis and UCHealth Memorial actively recruit BSN-prepared nurses and often assist with student loan repayment.
If you are exploring other fast-track options, our guide to Nursing Bridge Programs outlines pathways such as Paramedic to RN and LPN to BSN.
Inside the Colorado Springs ABSN Curriculum
Although each college designs its sequence, most accelerated BSN plans include roughly 60 nursing credits and 600 to 750 clinical hours spread across primary specialties.
| Curriculum Component | Typical Courses and Experiences |
| Foundational Sciences | Pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment |
| Medical–Surgical Nursing | Adult acute-care rotations at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central |
| Maternal and Child Nursing | Obstetrics and pediatrics at Children's Hospital Colorado Springs |
| Mental Health Nursing | Psychiatric rotations in inpatient or community settings |
| Leadership and Community Health | Population-based projects and leadership seminars |
| Capstone or Senior Practicum | One-on-one preceptorship in a specialty unit of choice |
Prerequisites usually include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and statistics. Applicants with healthcare experience as an LPN or CNA can review our LPN to RN and CNA to RN pages to see how prior coursework can shorten that list.
Learn more about other nursing programs in Colorado Springs, CO.
Admission Requirements and Application Tips
Most Colorado Springs ABSN programs share these entry standards:
- Bachelor's degree: Regionally accredited institution in any major.
- GPA benchmark: 3.0 cumulative or higher in prerequisite sciences.
- Prerequisites: Anatomy I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition.
- Entrance exam: TEAS or HESI scores from the past two years. Our TEAS study guide can help you prepare.
- Essay or interview: Demonstrates communication skills, resilience, and commitment to patient safety.
- Compliance: Background check, drug screen, immunizations, and CPR certification.
Submit applications to at least two schools, then compare scholarship offers and tuition discounts linked to local hospital service agreements.
Career Paths and Specializations After Graduation
A BSN from Colorado Springs unlocks varied roles:
- Medical–Surgical Nurse at UCHealth Memorial or Penrose Hospital
- Public Health Nurse with El Paso County Public Health
- Emergency Department Nurse in high-acuity trauma centers
- Perioperative Nurse assisting in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries
- Nurse Educator mentoring future nurses
- Travel Nurse with assignments across the state – see our Travel Nurse guide for licensing tips.
Many ABSN graduates progress into MSN or DNP pathways; if advanced practice interests you, the Nurse Practitioner overview outlines some of the advantages of high-level nursing practice.
Salary Outlook for BSN-Prepared RNs in Colorado Springs
Colorado consistently ranks among the top fifteen highest-paying states for registered nurses. Colorado Springs salaries trail those of Denver only slightly, yet exceed those of many comparable metro areas in the Mountain West.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Wage* |
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $60,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–5 years) | $78,000 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $95,000 |
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
For detailed wage comparisons by specialty and setting, visit our RN Salary guide.
Funding Your Accelerated BSN
Accelerated tracks compress tuition into fewer semesters, yet the per-credit cost can feel high. Consider these strategies:
- Federal Aid – file the FAFSA for grants and loans.
- Institutional Scholarships – many Colorado colleges offer merit awards for career changers and veterans.
- Hospital Sponsorships – Penrose–St. Francis and UCHealth offer tuition-payback contracts in exchange for post-graduation employment.
- Military Benefits – active-duty members and dependents can tap into GI Bill funding.
- Employer Discounts – Some local companies partner with universities to offer reduced tuition.
Balancing Intensive Study With Colorado Springs Living
An accelerated program is demanding, but balance is possible:
- Plan weekly calendars around labs and clinical shifts.
- Use academic support such as tutoring and writing centers early.
- Build peer study pods to quiz each other on pharmacology or practice assessments.
- Schedule outdoor breaks – a quick hike in the Garden of the Gods resets your focus.
- Prioritize sleep to protect patient safety and your mental health.
Accreditation Matters
Choose only programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures:
- Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN
- Access to federal financial aid
- Acceptance of credits in future graduate programs
Verify status on the accreditor websites or the U.S. Department of Education database. For test prep resources, see our NCLEX hub.
Networking While You Study
Colorado Springs offers plenty of ways to connect:
- Colorado Nurses Association District 3 meetings and policy workshops
- Student Nurse Association events like résumé clinics and blood-pressure screenings
- Hospital mentorships that pair students with seasoned RNs
- Volunteer health fairs hosted by El Paso County
- Online groups on LinkedIn for Colorado Springs nurses
Local Employers Ready to Hire
Healthcare is one of the largest sectors in El Paso County. Key employers include:
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central – Level I Trauma Center
- Penrose Hospital – Magnet-designated acute-care facility
- Children's Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs – pediatric specialties
- Centura St. Francis Hospital – expanding oncology and surgical services
- Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinics – serving a large military population
For more info on jobs, visit our RN Jobs: Everything You Need to Know page.
Quick Program Comparison Checklist
Keep this list handy when evaluating schools:
- Program length in months
- Total tuition and mandatory fees
- CCNE or ACEN accreditation
- NCLEX first-time pass rate
- Clinical rotation partners
- Scholarship or tuition-repayment options
- On-campus versus hybrid delivery
- Student support services
Ready to Launch Your Nursing Career?
Explore detailed Accelerated BSN programs and statewide Nursing Programs in Colorado. Map your prerequisites, gather transcripts, and mark application deadlines today. Colorado Springs hospitals are eager for practice-ready nurses who bring fresh perspectives and a passion for patient care. Start your accelerated journey now and turn those Rocky Mountain views into the backdrop of a fulfilling nursing career.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Registered Nurses," May 2024
- Colorado Board of Nursing, "2024 NCLEX Pass Rates"
- UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, "Clinical Education Partnerships," 2025
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