BSN Programs in Colorado

By EveryNurse Staff on June 15, 2021

BSN Programs in Colorado
In the United States, the nursing industry is one of the fastest growing career fields to consider. A shortage of nurses across the nation, as well as an aging Baby Boomer population is contributing to a higher demand for registered nurses with at least a BSN degree. Fortunately, there are a handful of schools in Colorado that provide accredited undergraduate programs for nurses who wish to qualify for greater employment opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices and long-term care facilities.

Schools With BSN Programs in Colorado

  • The Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs not only offers a traditional four-year BSN program, but also has accelerated degree options. For example, the RN-to-BSN (or DUAL enrollment) program offers online instruction for registered nurses or students currently enrolled in an ADN program in nursing at a community college in Colorado. An accelerated 16-month program option is also available for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, but who are now interested in becoming a registered nurse.
  • The BSN program at the University of Northern Colorado is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and provides three options of study: a traditional four-year program; a second-degree option for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree; and an online option for registered nurses seeking an undergraduate degree in nursing.
  • Classes for the BSN program at Regis University are taken through the Loretto Heights School of Nursing and reflect the Jesuit Catholic tradition of learning. The four-year BSN program at the University is designed to train high school graduates and transfer students as the next generation of nurses. An accelerated BSN program at the school provides undergraduate study for students that hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. For working nurses that need to create an accommodating balance between their job and school, the University’s CHOICE BSN program offers classes in the evenings and on weekends. Offering both classroom and online instruction, there is also an RN-to-BSN program that provides an accelerated curriculum for registered nurses.
  • The BSN program at Adams State College is designed to accommodate registered nurses looking to earn an undergraduate degree in nursing. Class instruction blends clinical skill enhancement with studies that boost critical thinking and the efficient application of evidence-based assessments of patients.
  • The Department of Health Sciences at Colorado Mesa University equips students with the skills and experience needed to meet state licensure requirements. The school offers a BSN program that combines nursing theory, practice and science with a broad liberal arts curriculum. Designed to accommodate high school graduates, RNs with an associate degree or diploma, and LPNs, the BSN program at the University is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • With a strong focus on preparing students for the State Board Exam, the BSN program at Colorado State University-Pueblo utilizes a team-centered approach to learning, high-tech simulation laboratories, and strong ties with local healthcare agencies and hospitals. The school offers a range of BSN curricula to consider that are designed to accommodate the following applicants: traditional four-year learners, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). The University also provides accelerated options that cater specifically to paramedics and students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
  • Students attending the BSN program at University of Colorado-Denver will take classes through the College of Nursing – held at the Anschutz Medical Campus. This new facility comes equipped with the latest advancements in technology and offers three different ways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing: the traditional four-year route, accelerated options (such as an online program for registered nurses), and the Integrated Nursing Pathway Program offered through the Community College of Aurora.
  • The Community College of Aurora (CCA) and the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing (CON) have collaborated to create an integrated approach to obtaining a BSN. The Integrated Nursing Pathway (INP) program is geared towards increasing the access that a student in community college has to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students in the program receive nursing instruction at the new, state-of-the-art University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where certain prerequisites must be met, such as General Biology, English Composition, College Algebra, Intro to Sociology, Intro to Chemistry with lab, General Psychology, and Intro to Statistics.

Degree Guides

Colorado BSN Checklist

  • Apply to a college or university that offers an accredited BSN program, and complete all prerequisites and core nursing courses to graduate.
  • Upon graduation, pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam in Colorado.
  • Gain licensure as a registered nurse in Colorado by submitting an application to the Colorado Board of Nursing, fulfilling all requirements, and paying the ~$88 application fee.
  • When applicable, renew RN license every two years, and pay the ~$113 fee. There are no state-requirements for continuing education in Colorado.

Colorado Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

Possessing an undergraduate degree unlocks a wealth of job opportunities that generally become available when a healthcare professional receives concentrated training and clinical skills. These kinds of jobs not only come with a higher level of responsibility, but also tend to pay more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses with a BSN may earn a median salary of $67,920 while employed in Colorado.

When making the decision to obtain a BSN in Colorado through classroom instruction or by taking online courses, registered nurses choose the best course of action according to their current circumstances.

BSN Salary in Colorado

AreaOccupationHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
ColoradoRegistered Nurses$37.43$77,860
ColoradoNurse Anesthetists$84.5$175,760
ColoradoNurse Midwives$51.1$106,280
ColoradoNurse Practitioners$52.77$109,760
ColoradoLicensed Practical and
Licensed Vocational Nurses
$26.11$54,310
ColoradoNursing Assistants$16.57$34,470

Additional Colorado Program Rankings

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