Online BSN Program Overview
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, communities around the world need passionate, qualified healthcare professionals who are committed to improving healthcare for everyone. Whether you’re looking to start a new career in nursing or you’re ready to take on more responsibilities in patient care, our CCNE Accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs will give you the foundation you need to make a difference.
Our online BSN program offers two pathways to earning your degree — a dual enrollment ADN to BSN option for current ADN students looking to fast track their education, and an RN to BSN option for currently licensed RNs who want to earn their bachelor’s in nursing degree online while continuing to work as a full-time nurse. You’ll take courses that dive deeper into topics in patient care technologies, nursing management, reflective practice, healthcare policy, patient safety, and more. When you choose to continue your nursing education with our online Bachelor’s in Nursing program, you’ll graduate with the practical experience, specialized skills, and valued credentials you need to establish a successful and rewarding nursing career.
Program at a Glance
Degree Program:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Offered By:
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Tuition:
Cost Per Credit:
$367*
*Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Cost Per Credit:
$367*
*Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Priority Application Deadline:
Credit Hours:
30
Program Details
Our online BSN degree program from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is designed for working nurses and ADN students who want to qualify for more job opportunities, learn how to be a better healthcare provider, and prepare for the future of nursing. During your Bachelor’s in Nursing online degree, you’ll be taught by experienced nurse educators who understand the unique challenges facing today’s nurses. Our curriculum prepares you for the dynamic field of healthcare and nursing with essential courses in health assessment, leadership, reflective practice, patient care technologies, population health, and more.
Whether you’re an aspiring nurse or a current RN, earning your Bachelor’s in Nursing from UCCS Online can help you:
- Build the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to provide better patient care
- View your nursing practice from a global perspective
- Enjoy more autonomy in your day-to-day work as a nurse
- Gain access to salary benefits and higher earning potential
- Qualify for more career opportunities and options for advancement
- Prepare for advanced nursing degrees, including an MSN, DNP, or PhD
Our online BSN program gives you the flexibility to learn where you live, with classes that are fully online and require no relocation or on-campus components. You’ll be able to take online courses on your schedule and complete your clinical requirements at a healthcare facility in your hometown. Throughout your online nursing program, you’ll stay connected to the UCCS community through personalized support from our advisors, collaboration with other nursing students, and connection to our full-time nursing faculty.
If you’re ready to learn more about earning your BSN online from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, you can watch one of our on-demand webinars or reach out to our UCCS Online Enrollment Team for more information on how to get started.
Program Options
Our online Bachelor’s in Nursing students are able to begin the program from two starting points: as a current Associate Degree in Nursing student or as a currently licensed RN. Our BSN curriculum is the same for all students regardless of starting point, and students in both the ADN to BSN and RN to BSN options are able to take flexible courses designed to work with their busy schedules.
ADN to BSN Option
Perfect for those just getting started in their nursing education, our online Dual Enrollment ADN to BSN program option is designed for students who are currently enrolled or admitted to an Associate Degree in Nursing program at a community college. When you enroll in this program, you can fast track your nursing education by taking the courses you need to obtain your RN license at a community college while simultaneously working toward your BSN from the University of Colorado.
RN to BSN Option
Designed for actively working Registered Nurses, our online RN to BSN program option is an affordable opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full time. During the program, you’ll build on your knowledge and experience as a healthcare provider, develop skills that are immediately applicable to your nursing practice, and learn from experienced nursing faculty who understand the unique challenges of working as a nurse while taking courses.
Both the ADN to BSN and RN to BSN pathways offer:
- Fully online 8-week courses designed to help you balance work, school, family, and other commitments
- Flexible start dates every 8 weeks, so you can start your degree as soon as you’re ready
- Affordable tuition rates that are the same for in-state and qualifying out-of-state applicants
- Practical learning experiences and clinicals that can be completed in your hometown
- Personalized support to help you stay on track from enrollment through graduation
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the national accreditation agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing by requiring strict standards of excellence to receive accreditation. When you graduate with a BSN degree from UCCS, you’ll start your nursing career with confidence knowing that you received a high-quality degree from a university with a rich history of over 100 years of nursing education.
BSN Curriculum Overview
As a BSN student, you’ll take online courses that are designed to prepare you for a successful nursing career. Our BSN coursework is 100% online, though you will be required to complete in-person clinical hours at a facility in your community. These clinical hours will allow you to practice what you’re learning in the classroom, and you’ll gain valuable insight into the role of a BSN in an actual healthcare environment. Through your online nursing courses and clinical experience, you’ll develop in-demand skills and improve your understanding of what it takes to be an effective, caring, and knowledgeable healthcare provider.
During your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you will:
- Learn from experienced nursing faculty who understand the unique challenges of today’s healthcare environment
- Collaborate with other nursing students who share your passion for health science and patient care
- Build in-depth nursing knowledge with courses that cover topics in healthcare policy, leadership, clinical reasoning, research, health assessment, and more
- Discover how to use innovative patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices to improve patient outcomes
- Gain hands-on experience through clinicals and real-world projects
In order to earn your BS in Nursing, you’ll be required to complete a total of 126 credit hours. However, you only need to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at UCCS. You can transfer select nursing courses and your general education requirements from your community college, and you’ll automatically apply 38 articulation credits to your degree for obtaining your RN license.
Courses taken online through UCCS to complete BSN degree:
- Pathophysiology* (NURS 3010)
- Professional Nursing Role Development (NURS 3040)
- Introduction to Informatics (NURS 3070)
- Quality and Safety (NURS 3080)
- Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (NURS 4015)
- Nursing Leadership (NURS 4350)
- Public Health Nursing: Population Focused Care** (NURS 4450)
- Capstone Project (NURS 4480)
- Nursing Electives (consult your advisor)
*UCCS does not offer a Pathophysiology course online, but it can be taken at a community college and transferred to your BSN degree.
**Community Health contact hours are completed at a facility in your hometown. Background check and drug screening are required prior to beginning Community Health.
Registered nurses are awarded 38 articulation credits upon receipt of their RN license. These credits will be applied toward the total number of credits required for your bachelor’s degree in nursing.
In order to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you must complete general education requirements in addition to your nursing courses. The general education courses required for your bachelor’s degree can be transferred from a community college or other accredited institution.
Your advisor will help you transfer credits and determine whether you need to complete any additional courses to meet this requirement. You do not need to have completed the general education courses before applying to our BSN program, but they must be completed before graduating with your BSN.
Students must have completed a total of 55 general education credits to earn their BSN degree, including the following course topics:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 cr.)
- Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 cr.)
- Microbiology with lab (4 cr.)
- Rhetoric and Writing I (3 cr.)
- Rhetoric and Writing II (3 cr.)
- General Psychology (3 cr.)
- Development Psychology (3 cr.)
- Health Science Statistics (3 cr.)
- Nutrition for Health Professionals (1 cr.)
- Humanities Electives (6 cr.)
- Global Social Electives (6 cr.)
- General Education Electives (15 cr.)
I've been to a total of 3 universities now ... and [UCCS] by far are the most responsive and easiest to work with, and let me tell you that being pregnant and being a student, I am so appreciative of anyone who helps make the process easier! You guys are great. I appreciate your help, and I have to say, one of my favorite things about UCCS is how timely every department has been in responding to students. It's SO refreshing!
– Corrine R. | RN to BSN Online Student
BSN Careers
More than ever, healthcare practices around the world are in need of qualified and dedicated nurses, and earning your BS in Nursing gives you the credentials and the specialized skills you need to stand out as a healthcare professional. Nurses who complete our online BSN program and the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are able to pursue a variety of challenging and rewarding career paths, including patient care, public health, nursing leadership, clinical research, and more. When you graduate with your online BSN degree, you’ll open the door to a wide range of nursing careers that can help you make a meaningful impact in your community.
Nurses are in high demand across all healthcare settings, including hospitals and out-patient facilities, primary care offices, military bases, schools and universities, and home healthcare programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 12% growth for all registered nurse positions by 2028, with a projected total of more than 370,000 new RN jobs from 2018-2028.
In addition to the growing demand for RNs, an increasing number of hospitals and care facilities now expect nurses to have a BSN, as this degree correlates to lower patient mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and increased positive outcomes, according to a study by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). A BSN degree is highly valued among healthcare professionals, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing can give you more control over your career path and help you secure your future as a nurse.
A BSN degree can enhance your nursing career by:
- Qualifying you for a wider range of nursing roles in a variety of healthcare settings
- Giving you more autonomy over your daily work and schedule
- Increasing your earning potential and benefits
- Improving your ability to provide thoughtful, effective patient care
- Offering you the opportunity to move into advanced practice nursing or pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree
Tuition & Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Our Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your UCCS Online degree.
Application fee: $50
One-time matriculation fee: $125
In-state and out-of-state tuition per credit hour: $367
Total tuition for the BSN program*: $11,010
*Tuition cost based on 30 credit hours for the BSN degree. Total tuition costs are the same for the dual enrollment ADN to BSN and the RN to BSN degree options, and there are no extra course fees for BSN students. Contact the UCCS Online Enrollment Team for more details.
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a UCCS Online program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
Once you are admitted to the University of Colorado, you’ll have access to our internal scholarship portal where you can view and apply to many funding opportunities offered by the university. Scholarship opportunities typically require an application and may have specific eligibility requirements related to a student's academic merit, financial need, community service, work experience, and more. Unlike financial aid loans, scholarships are gift aid that does not have to be repaid. As a student, you will be able to apply for scholarships every semester.
Scholarships specific to the BSN program include:
- Newberry Scholarship Endowment: The Newberry Scholarship is for registered nurses who are pursuing additional education through the undergraduate or graduate nursing program and have high academic standing at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Typical awards range from $1,000 to $1,500. Students in the RN to BSN program are highly encouraged to apply.
- Kim Birmingham Kanas Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund: The Kim Birmingham Kanas Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund is awarded to nursing students enrolled in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Preference will be given to students from rural communities. The scholarship is need-based and students must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA -ASSET students only) no later than March 1. The award for this scholarship is $1,000, and students are encouraged to reapply each year.
- Johnson Beth-El DEI Scholarship: The Johnson Beth-El DEI Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students from underrepresented geographic areas (rural communities) and socioeconomic backgrounds who are historically underrepresented in the field of healthcare, and/or students who have faced unusual adversity may qualify for this scholarship. The scholarship is need-based and students must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA -ASSET students only) no later than March 1. The award for this scholarship is $1,000, and the scholarship fund encourages applications from underrepresented groups; however, the selection of the winners will be based upon the merit of submitted materials and will not take into consideration an applicant’s status in any of the protected class categories.
If you are applying as a transfer student, your coursework from other colleges and universities could count toward your University of Colorado degree requirements. Transferring credits to your UCCS Online degree program may help you save on tuition costs and complete your degree sooner. Once you are admitted to the university, a transfer credit evaluation will be performed to determine how many transfer credits are eligible to apply to your degree.
As an online BSN student, you may choose to transfer general education courses or prior BSN courses to your degree program. Your General Education courses will transfer to UCCS if taken at an accredited college or university, and course equivalencies will be evaluated by your nursing advisor as needed. Any prior Bachelor of Science in Nursing transfer courses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Regardless of transfer credits from other institutions, you must complete at least 30 credit hours through the Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UCCS to be eligible for graduation.
Many companies, including most healthcare organizations, offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Some will even incentivize earning your BSN degree. Generally, these policies lay out a set number of credit hours per year that the company will pay for on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's Human Resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
UCCS is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a UCCS Online student, you will have access to the UCCS Veteran and Military Affairs, which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success.
Our veteran and military students may use both veteran benefits and financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with UCCS Online include:
- Waived application fee
- GI Bill benefits
- Potential to be awarded credit hours for military training and experience
Connect with our Enrollment Team to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
Admissions
Our online BSN program is designed for aspiring nurses and current RNs who want to learn more about providing excellent patient care, gain more independence as a healthcare provider, and qualify for more career opportunities. The BSN program offers rolling admissions and online courses that start every 8 weeks, which means you won’t have to wait to start working toward your BSN degree.
As you take the first step toward earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, our Enrollment Team is available to guide you through the application process. We’re here to help answer your questions about admission requirements, application deadlines, start dates, financial aid, student support, university resources, and more.
ADN to BSN Prerequisites
In order to apply for the online Dual Enrollment ADN to BSN option, you will need to be currently enrolled in or admitted to an Associate Degree in Nursing program and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher from all colleges attended.
RN to BSN Prerequisites
In order to apply for the online RN to BSN option, you need to be a currently licensed RN. You are not required to complete any prerequisite courses before applying to the online RN to BSN program, though you will need to complete all general education requirements prior to graduation. Many students choose to transfer general education credits from their community college.
Applicants with an RN license may apply to the RN to BSN degree with:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all college coursework
- An active, unrestricted RN license from our list of authorized states and graduation from an accredited program
State Authorizations
Due to individual state authorizations, the UCCS BSN program currently only accepts ADN to BSN and RN to BSN applicants from the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wyoming
Students are admitted to our BSN program based on their residency at the time of application. If you plan to relocate during your degree program, you’ll need to verify that your state is on our approved list in order to ensure that you’re able to continue in our program.
Admission Requirements
Once you’re ready to apply for the BSN program, you’ll need to submit the following:
ADN to BSN:
- $50 application fee
- Undergraduate transfer application
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Proof of concurrent enrollment in an Associate Degree in Nursing program or a copy of your admission letter
- Official high school transcript
RN to BSN:
- $50 application fee
- Undergraduate transfer application
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- A copy of your current RN license
- Resume/CV
As you apply for your BSN degree, our Enrollment Team will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admissions status and enrolling in UCCS Online. Once you complete your BSN application, you can expect to receive an admission decision within approximately four weeks.
If you have additional questions about admission requirements for the BSN program or would like help starting an application, connect with the UCCS Online Enrollment Team for more details.
Completion Time
To earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours from UCCS. You’ll need to complete a total of 126 credit hours in order to graduate with your bachelor’s degree, but your general education credit hours can be taken from a local community college and transferred to your degree program.
The time it takes to complete the BSN program is flexible and depends on whether you choose to take courses full time or part time. You’ll be able to set your own pace for the program, though we recommend that dual enrolled students and working RNs take a part time course load of 6 credits per semester. There is no time limit on how long students can take to earn the BSN, though we do require students to reapply if they take more than 3 consecutive semesters off from the program.
Consider the following as you plan your BSN degree:
- Part-time students taking 6 credits per semester can graduate in 17 months
- Full-time students taking 9-12 credits per semester can graduate in 12 months
- Dual enrollment ADN to BSN students have the opportunity to graduate as soon as one semester after completing an ADN
- Many ADN students are able to take their BSN courses in the summer, when the ADN workload is lighter
- Currently working RNs are able to complete their online RN to BSN while continuing to work full time
Our online BSN program offers flexible, 8-week nursing courses that are optimized for online learning, allowing you to focus on one or two courses at a time and build on the skills you learn throughout your degree program. Our flexible start dates at the beginning of every 8-week term allow you to begin working toward your bachelor’s in nursing as soon as you’re ready.
Online Student Support
When you join UCCS Online, you’ll be connected with a Student Success Coach who will provide personalized support as you work toward your academic, professional, and personal goals. They will be by your side throughout your degree program, celebrating your successes and empowering you to overcome any obstacles.
As your advocate at CU, your Student Success Coach will:
- Help you register for online courses
- Introduce you to online learning technologies
- Act as your liaison for various university departments
- Work with you to clarify your academic and professional goals
- Address any challenges you encounter throughout your degree
- Connect you with university services and resources to help you reach your goals
From helping you stay on track with classes to connecting you with academic and career resources, we offer the support and encouragement you need to make it to graduation and enjoy your journey along the way.
Apply Now
As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible online education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why our Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.
At UCCS Online, we make it simple for you to apply and start working toward your goals as soon as you’re ready. Our online BSN program offers rolling admissions with start dates every 8 weeks, and you will receive an admission decision within approximately 4 weeks of submitting your application.
Whether you want to talk through your degree plans, learn more about the Bachelor’s in Nursing program, or start your application, our Enrollment Team will provide friendly support as you decide if UCCS Online is the right fit for your future.
BSN Program FAQ
Earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing is a big step, and it’s important to find a program that meets all of your needs. Choosing to earn your BSN from UCCS Online means that you’ll benefit from:
- Highly competitive tuition rates that are the same whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student
- Scholarships available specifically for Bachelor’s in Nursing students
- Fully online courses with no on-campus components – all courses can be done online and in your own community
- Flexible start dates every 8 weeks
- One-on-one advising that is available to all nursing students, even before you apply or enroll
- Expert, full-time nursing faculty who understand the complexities of modern healthcare
- Two convenient options for earning your bachelor’s degree — ADN to BSN and RN to BSN
- Personalized support and academic resources to help you get the most out of your degree program
No; unlike an RN license, your BSN degree is not state-specific. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a nationally recognized institution and is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, which makes your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree applicable to any higher learning institution nationwide. Scope of practice and licensure requirements vary by state. Contact your state Board of Nursing with any questions.
The BSN program from the UCCS College of Nursing is offered fully online, which means you will not be required to take courses at our Colorado Springs campus. Our fully online classes are recorded rather than live streamed, so you’ll be able to learn on your schedule. You will be required to complete clinical hours in-person, but you can choose to complete those hours at a healthcare facility in your community.
As a UCCS Online nursing student, you’ll take the same courses from our experienced nursing faculty as you would on campus, but with the flexibility you need to balance your classes with full-time work or family commitments. Our asynchronous courses and innovative online learning technologies give you access to the best education that the University of Colorado Colorado Springs has to offer at the time and place that’s right for you. You’ll be able to share ideas with your classmates, collaborate on projects, and connect directly with faculty through Canvas, our easy-to-use remote learning platform. When you graduate, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs without any indication that you’ve earned your degree online.
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide RN licensure exam that is required to practice nursing.
Dual Enrollment ADN to BSN students are required to successfully graduate from an ADN program and pass the NCLEX before taking their final BSN course, NURS 4480 Capstone.
RN to BSN students are required to submit a copy of their current RN license when applying for admission.
Official transcripts are required for admission to the UCCS Bachelor’s in Nursing program. Unofficial transcripts are no longer accepted. All applicants for the ADN to BSN or RN to BSN are responsible for requesting official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. If you need additional help, reach out to the UCCS Office of Admissions at go@uccs.edu.
As a UCCS Online student, you’ll join a diverse community of online and on-campus students, faculty, and University of Colorado alumni around the world. During your program, you’ll have access to the same organizations, social networks, and professional opportunities as you would on-campus. The University of Colorado offers many student organizations to meet all interests. Bachelor’s in Nursing students can also join the UCCS Student Nursing Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, Xi Phi Chapter – Honor Society of Nursing.