Colorado RN to BSN Programs

Colorado registered nurses (RNs) who want to become leaders in the nursing profession are increasingly pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Fortunately, the state offers many RN to BSN programs, both online and in-person, to help RNs reach the next level of their careers. If you have completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing and want to earn more money, the RN to BSN program was made for you.

Admissions Requirements for Colorado RN to BSN Programs

Meeting the entrance requirements is crucial for entering a good RN to BSN program; exceeding the requirements is even better. Many programs are competitive and this will give you the best chance of gaining admission to your top choice. Below is an example of the types of requirements you might come across when researching Colorado programs:

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Graduate of a school that is regionally accredited (by, for example, NWCCU or SACS)
• Successful completion of an ADN program accredited by ACEN or CCNE
• Have an active, unrestricted RN license from the United States

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

RN to BSN programs consist of a mix of general education, core nursing courses, and electives. At Colorado Technical University, the following core nursing courses are offered as part of their RN to BSN program:

• Challenges and Trends in Contemporary Nursing
• Population-Based Nursing
• Safety and Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice
• Innovation in Nursing

Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

Many schools are offering RN to BSN programs online to accommodate busy working RNs. These programs are just as academically rigorous as their in-person counterparts, but offer more flexibility in coursework completion and start dates.

Featured Online School

Colorado Mesa University offers a completely online RN to BSN program that's approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and accredited through CCNE. This affordable program integrates nursing theory, practice and science to prepare nursing professionals for employment in a variety of healthcare settings. With 5 start times each year, RNs in Colorado can begin the process of growing their careers just about any time.

Admissions and Program Length

The length of RN to BSN programs can fluctuate based on how many general education courses are needed. Many RNs are able to transfer some credits over from their ADN education. In any event, the program will typically need you to complete certain prerequisite general courses before you can take your core nursing courses. Most students can complete the coursework in about 18 months, with programs starting as frequently as 5 times a year.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Going back to school via an RN to BSN program is more attainable than you might think. While tuition and fees will differ between schools, the cost for the RN to BSN program through Metropolitan State University of Denver is estimated at $10,201 ($284 per credit hour) for part-time students, and $9,630 ($267 per credit hour) for full-time students.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Registered nurses who hold a BSN have many more nursing options than those with lower degrees, and these options tend to be of a higher caliber. Emergency room nurses, pediatrics nurses, surgery nurses, and other specialty nursing jobs are within reach of an RN who holds an advanced degree. These prestigious jobs also come with a higher paycheck, much to the delight of most working nurses.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Colorado

Registered nursing salaries upon completion of an RN to BSN program can fluctuate based on many things, like whether or not you live in a big city or a smaller outskirt, and how much experience you have in general. Payscale reports that nurses in Denver, CO, make between $49,161 and $79,694 annually. RNs wanting to earn at the higher end of the range will want to be sure they have at least a BSN degree.

RN to BSN Programs

Shortages in nursing care is what the state of Colorado faces in the future, so to circumvent the impact this will have on their patients, Colorado is supporting actively practicing nurses, as well as up-and-coming nurses to further their education by earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses with qualifications as a BSN degree have been known to earn higher salaries, and obtain more possibilities to advance their careers. Colorado BSN nurses can potentially earn more than $5,000 more per year than an ADN, and are more likely to be hired for specific opportunities, which makes the money spent on your education worth more than think.