Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado: Find Top Schools for 2024
Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Going from RN to BSN online in Colorado could be the perfect move for you.
Earning your ADN is a great way to launch your nursing career, but when you’re ready for more opportunities, a higher income, and greater job satisfaction, an online RN to BSN program in Colorado offers everything you need. These programs offer working RNs like you a flexible, affordable, and convenient way to earn their bachelor’s degree.
You’re already aware that it’s possible to work as an RN in Colorado without a BSN (as long as you’ve earned your ADN and passed the NCLEX), but you also know that to take on more responsibility, work in top healthcare facilities, or pursue a career in public health, you’ll need to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Plus, with 65% of Colorado RNs in possession of a BSN, you need a four-year degree to stay competitive in the job market.
Online RN to BSN programs in Colorado are built specifically for working RNs who want to take the next steps in their education and careers. Their flexibility and accessibility mean you can graduate with your BSN in as little as one year. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best RN to BSN online programs in Colorado. Keep reading for all the details you need to make an excellent choice for your future.
A Close Look at RN to BSN Online Programs in Colorado
When choosing between online RN to BSN programs in Colorado, comparing your options is essential. While many are similar, no two are exactly alike. Below, we’ve highlighted three outstanding online RN to BSN programs in Colorado that can give you a flexible and affordable path to your next degree.
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University’s fully online RN to BSN program is the epitome of affordability and flexibility and is tailor-made for nurses who want to hone their skills and abilities to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. Courses are offered at an accelerated pace, taking place over eight-week sessions. Students can take classes each session they’re offered or work at a pace that suits their needs.
Tuition is set at $444 per credit, but students employed by affiliated partner facilities receive a generous $1,000 tuition discount. Students who opt for a full-time course load can expect to graduate in just 18 months. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are poised to take on advanced nursing roles as managers and supervisors, or to venture into higher education. This program makes an outstanding choice for students looking for a convenient, budget-friendly RN to BSN online in Colorado.
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
The RN to BSN program at CU Anschutz Medical Campus is an excellent example of a program built with working nurses in mind. The fully online curriculum is structured to accommodate the demands of attending school while working a full-time job. The program’s web-based content delivery format gives students the space and flexibility they need to balance work and education with ease. The program also provides three distinct learning pathways to provide for the best learning pace for every student. The first is a rapid, one-year track best for full-time students. Traditional students can opt for the 16-month study route, and those who need or prefer a slower, part-time pace can choose an extended, three-year path to graduation.
CU Anschutz’s online RN to BSN program is competitively priced among Colorado programs at just $12,000 total.
University of Northern Colorado
Students who want to elevate their nursing careers at a leading regional school should consider the Nursing RN to BSN program at the University of Northern Colorado. Over just 20 months, this 100% online program equips students with the necessary skills to take on nursing leadership roles, further their professional qualifications and status, and unlock increased income potential.
This program uses a cohort model, meaning students progress through the program and learn at the same pace as a fixed group of peers. Online class formats make it possible for students to make it to class without having to travel to campus or ever set foot in a physical classroom. Instead, students log on to classes remotely during set meeting times so they can interact with classmates and faculty in real time. This RN to BSN online in Colorado is ideal for students who want to learn in a semi-traditional setting without the commute. UNCO’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and costs $467 per credit.
FAQs About RN to BSN Online Programs in Colorado
Enrolling in an RN to BSN online in Colorado is a big personal and financial commitment. Before taking the leap, it’s important to consider your options, identify your priorities, and gather as much information as possible. That’s why we’ve answered some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about online RN to BSN programs in Colorado below.
How will an RN-to-BSN program in Colorado prepare me for more opportunities?
BSN programs like that offered at Pike’s Peak State College dive deeper into theoretical and practical nursing concepts with courses on advanced nursing practice and leadership. These courses develop your managerial, communication, and critical thinking skills, preparing you to take on more complex patient care or leadership roles in the field. As Colorado Christian University points out, many public health organizations and the military require RNs to hold a BSN for employment and/or advancement into supervisory positions. A BSN also prepares you to continue your education by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
How long is an RN to BSN program in Colorado?
The time it takes to complete your RN to BSN online in Colorado will depend entirely upon your pace of study and the program you choose. For example, courses at The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs are offered in accelerated, eight-week sessions. Most students complete a typical 30-credit program, like the one offered at The University of Colorado-Anschutz, within one year. If you need to earn more than 30 credits to go from RN to BSN online in Colorado, expect to spend more time completing your degree.
How much do RN to BSN programs in Colorado cost?
The total price of online RN to BSN programs in Colorado depends on your chosen school and how many credits you need to earn your degree. Colorado Mountain College has one of the lowest per-credit tuition rates at just $135 per credit. On average, students pay $300-400 per credit hour. Many programs are 30 credit hours long, but a full bachelor’s degree requires at least 120 credits, so estimate costs accordingly. Check out Colorado State University’s complete degree requirements for a sample of prerequisites. Transferring credits from your AND program can help offset costs further, so it will benefit you to look for additional information on this subject when doing your research.
Is there financial aid available to Colorado RN to BSN students?
Absolutely. In addition to federal financial aid programs, many individual schools and private organizations offer scholarships and grants. The Metropolitan State University of Denver offers online students a $ 1,000 scholarship, while Colorado Mesa University offers a $ 1,000 discount to students who are employed at a partnering healthcare facility. The Colorado Nursing Foundation provides scholarships to nursing students who plan to practice in the state while nurses who commit to working in a high-needs area following graduation can apply for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program.
What requirements do I need to meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Colorado?
Many online RN to BSN programs in Colorado are post-licensure degrees, meaning that you need to have graduated from an accredited AAS or ADN program with a GPA of 2.5 to apply. However, at some schools, like the University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz, students may dual enroll in an RN to BSN and ADN program. All applicants must also have a current and unrestricted RN license in the state of Colorado; an American Heart Association CPR Certification; and immunization records. Specific requirements like prerequisite courses can vary from program to program.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Colorado?
First and foremost, confirm that any RN to BSN online in Colorado you’re considering is accredited by a recognized programmatic accrediting body, like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Then, choose a program that fits your unique goals. For example, if you’re currently in an ADN program and like the idea of dual enrollment to earn your BSN more quickly, consider a program like the one offered at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Our online RN to BSN guide provides even more details of what to look for in a quality program.
From RN to BSN: Benefits for Colorado Nurses
Getting your RN to BSN online in Colorado can improve your career prospects, ensure better outcomes for the patients in your care, and provide you with significant personal development opportunities. Let’s explore the many upsides of earning your BSN in Colorado.
Better Patient Outcomes
With a growing nursing shortage in the state, it’s more important now than ever that Colorado’s nurses are prepared to provide patients with quality care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (ACEN) recently released a position statement indicating that a bachelor’s degree in nursing should be the minimum requirement for providing care. In fact, having more BSN-level nurses on a unit is linked to lower patient mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
Career Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in nursing are growing faster than average, but more and more, employers are showing a preference for hiring nurses who hold bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, 21,000 of the state’s 61,000 nurses in Colorado are over age 55, meaning experienced nurses with BSNs will be in higher demand to step into the management and leadership roles that will be coming vacant as older nurses begin to retire.
Enhanced Clinical Skills
Online RN to BSN programs in Colorado build on the clinical skills you learned in your ADN program and in the field. In your bachelor’s-level courses, you’ll also find a greater emphasis on nursing theory, community health, population-focused care, research, and evidence-based practices. Sample BSN courses at Colorado Mountain College include advanced gerontology and advanced health assessment.
Expanded Knowledge Base
A BSN requires students to complete more credit hours than an AND program because it provides a more comprehensive nursing and education that goes beyond the fundamentals of nursing practice. BSN programs like the one at Colorado Mesa University include courses in topics like pharmacology and nursing theory. With this training, you’ll be ready for a broader range of nursing responsibilities.
Higher Earning Potential
Going from RN to BSN online in Colorado can also boost your salary prospects. Just by earning bachelor’s-level education and experience, you’ll place yourself at the higher end of the earnings range for RNs in the state. ADN nurses make $65,484 annually, while BSN nurses earn an annual wage of $77,562.
Personal Growth and Satisfaction
Even if you find working as an RN personally fulfilling, you may be ready to move on from rounding on patients or your current employers. Earning a bachelor’s degree qualifies you to work at Magnet-designated hospitals, which are considered the gold standard of nursing practice. The Nursing Times reports that nurses in these facilities have higher rates of job satisfaction and lower rates of burnout. The respect and recognition you’ll receive as a BSN-prepared nurse (at Magnet hospitals and beyond) can also contribute to an increased sense of personal satisfaction.
Advantages of Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado
Going from RN to BSN online in Colorado is a budget-friendly and convenient way to take your education to the next level and advance your career. Let’s explore the advantages of choosing an online BSN program over an on-campus option, from affordability to access and so much more.
Affordability
According to the Education Data Initiative, students who earn their bachelor’s degree online spend $31,165 less than they would attending a public, four-year college. As an online student, you’ll get to skip the expenses associated with on-campus life—including transportation costs and meal plans—and pay equivalent or lower tuition rates for the same education.
Flexibility and Convenience
By completing your RN to BSN 100% online in Colorado, you’ll have the flexibility to balance your studies against your personal life and career. Some schools, like Colorado State University-Pueblo, offer convenient accelerated course formats and multiple start dates each year so you can begin school and graduate as quickly as possible.
Self-Paced and Asynchronous Learning
As a working RN, we don’t have to tell you what a game changer it is to be able to learn during non-traditional hours, particularly when your work schedule is so unpredictable. Asynchronous courses, like those offered by the Denver College of Nursing, allow you to watch course lectures at your own pace and complete coursework whenever convenient.
Access to a Wide Range of Programs
If you have a particular area of practice in mind, then earning your RN to BSN online in Colorado gives you a chance to choose a school whose specialization options allow you to train in it. At Colorado Mountain College, students can select different electives and fieldwork assignments to gain experience in their preferred area of practice.
