Best 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.

2022 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

Colorado RNs looking to earn greater salaries and enter into higher level leadership roles are turning to RN to BSN bridge programs to achieve their goals. Those who hope to stay employed while earning their BSN degree can enroll in one of the state's excellent online RN to BSN program options. To make choosing the right program easier, we have ranked Colorado's top online RN to BSN programs below. Take your nursing education to the next level with one of these convenient online options!

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Regis University

Denver, CO

One of the Rocky Mountain state's top nursing colleges, Regis University offers an online RN to BSN for nurses who are working. Community Health Nursing, Health Promotion, and Illness and Disease Management are just a few of the courses students will complete.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• A Catholic, Jesuit college
• The potential to graduate in 10 months
• A generous transfer-credit policy

^#2

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, CO

The online RN to BSN degree at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, enables RNs to make the most of their prior classroom and work experiences. The recognized program focuses on the future of the nursing profession as well as providing ethical and inclusive care to all populations.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Engaging, web-based courses
• Practicum experiences are required
• A long, established history in healthcare

^#3

Denver College of Nursing

Denver, CO

As the name implies, nursing is all they do at the Denver College of Nursing. As such, the respected online RN to BSN degree program enables students to gain the competencies they need to quickly advance their careers. By transferring in maximum credits, students can receive their bachelor's degree in less time.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Coursework is intensely nursing-focused
• Real-world, experiential learning activities
• Meets Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies

^#4

Aspen University

Denver, CO

Liberal arts studies combine with nursing intensives in Aspen University's online RN to BSN degree completion program. The nursing curriculum incorporates cultural, economic, and social trends so students gain a broad knowledge of issues that impact healthcare delivery.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Fast-paced program with quality instructors
• Coursework designed around students' schedules
• Granted Essential Employability Qualities Certification

^#5

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

Denver, CO

The top-rated American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University offers an online RN to BSN that caters to the busy working RN. The curriculum brings together nursing, healthcare delivery, leadership and community health expertise. It can be finished in 10 months.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Two RN to BSN paths for maximum student flexibility
• Learn and save time with immersive virtual simulations
• Social justice and equity advocates

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.

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 $4,082 per semester.

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 $53,000 and $84,000 annually. RNs wanting to earn at the higher end of the range will want to be sure they have at least a BSN degree.

2022 List of RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Denver RN to BSN Programs
• Colorado Springs RN to BSN Programs

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