Top Colorado RN to BSN Programs
More and more, employers at hospitals and other healthcare organizations are requiring their RNs to hold BSN degrees. To keep up with the times and to stay competitive, many ADN-educated nurses are going back to school to earn their BSN degrees. Not only does acquiring a BSN degree make a nurse more competitive in the job market, but it also increases their earning potential and enhances their career prospects down the road. On average, a BSN-educated nurse makes 16 percent more than their RN colleagues who hold ADN degrees. Today, in order to meet the increasing demand for nurses with BSN degrees, tons of colleges and universities are now offering RN to BSN "bridge" programs that can be completed entirely online in just one to two years. For RNs, there's never been a quicker, more convenient way to earn a BSN. But with so many programs out there, finding the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. To make that process a bit easier for you, we've put together a list of the top online to RN to BSN programs in Colorado.
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Colorado
Picking an RN to BSN program is an important decision that should be taken seriously. Before enrolling in a Colorado bridge program, consider taking the following into account:
- Cost of Attendance
- Pass Rate
- Percentage of students who found jobs after graduating (gainful employment data)
- Student satisfaction rates
- Acceptance rate
- Class sizes
- Retention rate
- Internship opportunities, partnerships with local hospitals and medical centers
- Accreditation, accolades, and awards
- Amount of time the program has around
Testing and Certification
Since ADN students are required to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they can be licensed as a registered nurse, RN to BSN students aren't required to take the exam again after finishing their degrees.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Colorado
1. Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, Colorado that offers students a 31 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN program that's been around since 1979. Students who enroll can choose to take the program in 8-week sessions or they can go at their own pace. Full-time students can expect to complete the coursework in as little as 18 months. During the program, students will take courses like Health Information Systems, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Gerontological Nursing and Chronic Illness, and more.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Mary's Medical Center
- Community Hospital
- West Springs Hospital
Tuition:
Students who enroll in Colorado Mesa University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $10,000 in tuition plus additional fees.
2. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university located in Denver, Colorado that offers a 36 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN program. Students who enroll in MSUD's program full-time can generally finish it in three semesters whereas part-time students can complete it in five semesters. Coursework includes Leadership & Management, Community Health, Nursing Ethics, and more.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Kindred Hospital Denver
- Saint Joseph Hospital
- Denver Health
Tuition:
In-state students who enroll in Metropolitan State University of Denver's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $12,500 in tuition plus additional fees. Out-of-state students can expect to pay roughly $32,400 plus additional fees.
3. University of Northern Colorado
University of Northern Colorado is a public research university located in Greeley, Colorado that offers students a 30 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN program. Students enrolled full-time can generally complete the program in five semesters (20 months) while they continue working as an RN. In addition to the online didactic portion of the program, which includes courses like Theory and Principles of Public Health, Health Assessment and others, students will need to complete 180 practicum hours.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- North Colorado Medical Center
- UCHealth Greeley Hospital
- The Children's Health Place
Tuition:
Students who enroll in University of Northern Colorado's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $13,950 in tuition plus additional fees.
4. Denver College of Nursing
Denver College of Nursing is a private nursing college located in Denver, Colorado. DCN offers students an online RN to BSN program that's composed of 90 quarter credit hours that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program is delivered to students in an asynchronous classroom environment, meaning that there are no mandatory course times. Students have access to the online course material 24/7, so working full-time during the program shouldn't be an issue. During the program, students will encounter courses like Pathophysiology, Cultural Dimensions of Nursing, Population-based Nursing, and much more.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Porter Adventist Hospital
- University of Colorado Hospital
- Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Tuition:
The total cost to attend the RN to BSN program at Denver College of Nursing is roughly $14,955.
5. Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is an accredited two to four year higher learning institution with several campuses serving western Colorado. In 2018, CMC's 34 semester credit hour program boasted a 100 percent job placement rate. Once enrolled in the program, students will undergo coursework such as Advanced Gerontology, Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice & Transition.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center
- Community Hospital
- West Springs Hospital
Tuition:
Colorado Mountain College has some of the cheapest tuition rates in the state. In-state students can expect to pay just $7,480.
