Rise to new heights in your career.
Fast track your nursing education by skipping your BSN. The online RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) program from UCCS prepares nurses who hold their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to advance to the level of nurse practitioner (NP) with just one program. You’ll learn to create positive change as an NP in clinical settings, improve patient outcomes and public health, and offer holistic care. You’ll play a critical role in reaching underserved populations and meeting primary care and behavioral health needs left by physician shortages.
- Flexible Program — Choose full-time or part-time learning to find a workload that fits your life.
- Online Learning — Study fully online with no requirements to visit campus. Clinical hours in your community are required.
- Multiple Tracks — Choose from Adult-Gerontology, Primary Care, or Psychiatric Mental Health.
- Save on Tuition with WRGP — With the Western Regional Graduate Program, students from select states are eligible for reduced tuition rates.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online with Clinical Component
Delivery Method
$837*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$939*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
53-54
Credit Hours
24-36 Months
Average Completion Time
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, the post-graduate APRN certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Colorado Commission of Higher Education (CCHE)
1600 Broadway
Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202
303-862-3001
Colorado State Board of Nursing
Department of Regulatory Agencies
1560 Broadway, Suite 110
Denver, CO 80202
303-894-7855
Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook
The median annual wage for nurse practitioners in the United States in 2024 was $132,050 or $63.48 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The outlook for this grouping of occupations—specifically advanced practice registered nurses like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives—is good, projecting much faster than average growth from 2023 to 2033 at 40%.
I was fortunate that I interviewed and was offered a family nurse practitioner position during my clinical experience at UCCS. Since graduating in December 2021, I was able to complete my board certification and start employment as a primary care and urgent care nurse practitioner in rural Colorado.
– Devon G. '21, Alum, Master of Science in Nursing
RN to MSN Program Admission Requirements
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from ALL colleges and universities attended.
- A copy of your current, unrestricted RN license from an approved state (as listed on our website).
- 5,000 hours of professional Registered Nurse practice documented in a letter provided by your employer(s) and submitted with application.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Complete the Graduate Application.
- Pay applicable application fee.
- Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges you have attended to:
Office of Admissions & Records
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 - All English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. This requirement can be met by one of the English Proficiency Requirements.
- Completion of the 6-credit-hour UCCS RN (ADN) to MSN Bridge course (NURS 4460 – RN (ADN) to MSN Pathway Course: Precursor Concepts for MSN Program) with a minimum grade of 84% (B).
Application Deadlines and Start Dates
Due to individual state regulations, UCCS is only accepting students from the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process; however, we advise prospective students to submit their applications by the preferred deadline(s).
- Fall Semester: August 5
- Spring Semester: January 5
- Summer Semester: May 5
- Fall 2025 – August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026 – January 20, 2026
- Summer 2026 – June 15, 2026
- Fall 2026 – August 24, 2026
- Spring 2027 – January 19, 2027
Apply Now
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page. Our team will answer your questions about the program and help you prepare to complete the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply to the RN to MSN program, you must have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and have at least 5,000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse (RN), documented in a letter from your employer.
During fall and spring terms, courses are typically 16 weeks long. During the summer term, classes range from 8-11 weeks long. A required 16-week, 6-credit-hour bridge course will be offered in the fall semester.
Successful completion of the bridge course with a grade of 84% (B) or higher is required for entry into the MSN program, along with meeting standard admission requirements.
No, our RN to MSN, MSN, and Post-Master’s programs are focused on primary care nurse practitioner roles. They are not intended to prepare you for emergency room or urgent care settings, so you will need to seek an acute care nurse practitioner program for those career goals.
The RN to MSN program is offered fully online, plus 630 required clinical hours over the program. UCCS provides placement oversight and guidance; however, you will be responsible for identifying preceptors in your area.
The RN to MSN program can be taken either full-time or part-time, so you can find a rhythm and workload that aligns with your personal and professional needs; however, the required 6-credit-hour bridge course is only offered full-time. This program is usually completed in 36 months, depending on the course load you choose.
You will follow the application process, which is the same as if you were applying to graduate nursing. You will only have to complete one application that will be reviewed by the graduate program director and program coordinators. If you successfully complete the 6-credit-hour bridge course with an 84% or higher, you will automatically be able to transition to the graduate track you have chosen.
Students who do not move forward into the MSN may continue in the RN to BSN program and earn their BSN upon completion. You can apply the six (6) credits from the bridge course to your elective requirements.