Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

Discover the cheapest and fastest way to get your BSN in Colorado.

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.

2024 - 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.

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

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

2.

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO

RNs can further enhance their clinical competencies when they pursue an online RN to BSN at Colorado Mesa University. The quality nursing program is designed around a holistic perspective that covers ethics, informatics, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and more for its learning outcomes.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• The accelerated bridge program is 31 credit hours in length.
• Courses are completed in 8-week sessions.
• Students can start multiple times a year.

3.

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

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

4.

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

Working nurses can get ahead when they complete the online RN to BSN at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Students develop their skills in research and evidence-based practice as well as leadership and communication.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• The five-semester program can be completed in 20 months
• Makes use of a cohort learning model
• Practicums are completed in students’ local communities

5.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO

Metropolitan State University of Denver, a public institution in Colorado, embraces accessibility in nursing education. Its online RN-to-BSN program reflects the university's commitment to flexible learning, allowing working nurses to advance their careers. With a focus on academic excellence, MSU Denver prepares nurses for leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare landscape.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• Designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles
• Public institution
• Comprehensive learning experience

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Two of the most common considerations made by nursing students in their research of RN to BSN programs are their affordability and timeliness. RN to BSN programs are some of the most affordable and quick types of nursing programs in the state, supplying students with many options that fit both their budget and lifestyle.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

While entry-level students looking to get their BSN will need to resort to traditional 4-year bachelor degree programs, nurses who already have experience in the field will be able to get their BSNs in as little as two years — or even less. Here are a few of the quickest options for RN to BSN programs in the state.

Learn more about the Shortest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Colorado, these programs (though rare) exist nationwide. If you’re looking in other states (in addition to Colorado) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Another important consideration with any potential nursing program is how much it’s going to cost. A traditional BSN program which requires twice the amount of credits is coming to cost you much more than an RN to BSN program. If you’re eligible to enroll in an RN to BSN program, this puts you at a considerable advantage if your goal is to save as much money as possible. Below are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs available in Colorado, but as you complete your research, make sure that you consider the other costs involved with education such as textbooks, technology fees, and the cost of living in the area where your potential program is based.

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited 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 accredited 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

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

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

2024 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

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.