Inside Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

How Colorado Programs Work

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 a bachelor’s degree. Plus, 65% of Colorado RNs have a BSN, so you need a four-year degree to stay competitive in the job market.

To help you find the right online RN to BSN programs in Colorado, we spotlighted three schools that stand out in terms of flexibility, accessibility, and a quick graduation timeline. Most are more affordable than others and fully online, though some programs may have hybrid components.

FAQs from Colorado RN to BSN Online Students

Enrolling in an RN to BSN online in Colorado is a big personal and financial commitment. Before taking the leap, consider your options, identify your priorities, and gather as much information as possible. To help, we’ve answered some of the 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?

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. BSN programs like the one offered at Pikes Peak State College dive deeper into theoretical and practical nursing concepts with courses on advanced nursing practice and leadership.

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 fast can you go from RN to BSN in Colorado?

It can take from 1-3 years to complete an RN to BSN program. The time it takes to complete your RN to BSN online in Colorado will depend entirely upon your study pace 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 Medical Campus, 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?

On average, students pay $300-400 per credit hour. 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.

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 ADN program can help offset costs further, so it will benefit you to look for additional information on this subject when researching.

Is there financial aid available to Colorado RN to BSN students?

Yes, many RN to BSN programs offer generous financial aid packages. 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 at least 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.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

Getting your RN to BSN online in Colorado can improve your career prospects and provide you with significant personal development opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in nursing are growing faster than average, but increasingly, employers are showing a preference for hiring nurses who hold bachelor’s degrees.

Not only is that prevalent in hiring rates and job descriptions, but also in pay. 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 $66,418 annually, while BSN nurses earn an annual wage of $107,532.

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.

Another career benefit is that earning a bachelor’s degree qualifies you to work at Magnet-designated hospitals, which are considered the gold standard of nursing practice. 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.

Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Colorado