7 Best BSN Programs in Colorado in 2024

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Colorado involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.

Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Colorado, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.

Best BSN Programs in Colorado

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Metropolitan State University of Denver

At Metropolitan State University of Denver, a transformative BSN program awaits with an estimated annual tuition of $13,806. With ACEN accreditation and an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 95%, students can receive a quality nursing education without breaking the bank.

2. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley offers a comprehensive BSN program at an estimated annual tuition of $16,075. Accredited by ACEN and maintaining a commendable NCLEX pass rate of 92%, this program equips students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career.

3. Colorado State University – Pueblo

For aspiring nurses, Colorado State University's Pueblo campus provides a robust BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $13,999. With an NCLEX pass rate of 89% and ACEN accreditation, this program ensures that students receive a valuable nursing education at an affordable cost.

4. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

The BSN program at the University of Colorado, located on its Colorado Springs campus, offers an estimated annual tuition of $14,633. With ACEN accreditation and an NCLEX pass rate of 88%, this program provides students with a solid foundation to excel in nursing.

5. Colorado Mesa University 

Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction presents a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $15,898. The program is ACEN accredited and features an NCLEX pass rate of 84%, providing an affordable pathway for students to build a good foundation for their nursing careers.

_{*Costs as reported by the Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.}

What Is a BSN?

A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:

• Administration
• Research
• Teaching
• Consulting

Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.

BSN Coursework

Typical BSN coursework includes:

• Biology, including a lab and lecture course
• Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
• Nutrition
• Pathophysiology
• Sociology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Assessment
• Nursing Pharmacology
• Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
• General Psychology

Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patient care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.

If you're an ADN RN aiming to advance to a BSN, consider enrolling in a fully online BSN program without clinical requirements. With your existing skills in providing bedside care as a registered nurse, this program offers a convenient pathway to further your education.

Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Home Care Agencies
• Physician Office
• Educational Services
• Government Agencies
• Schools
• Community Centers
• Hospices
• Dialysis Centers
• Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings

BSN Prerequisites and Requirements

BSN programs generally require:

• Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
• Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
• Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
• CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
• Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.

BSN Salary Expectations in Colorado

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Colorado in 2022 earned:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $41.63
• Annual Mean Wage: $80,630 - $86,590

Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.

RN salary in Colorado is 3% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
• Annual Mean Wage: $89,010

With the highest-paying states being:

1. California: $133,340
2. Hawaii: $113,220
3. Oregon: $106,610
4. Massachusetts: $104,150
5. Alaska: $103,310

The BLS collected the Colorado RN wage data from over 52,390 nurses.

How to Choose a Nursing School

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

1. Cost
2. High NCLEX Pass Rate
3. Location
4. Academic Reputation
5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
7. Flexibility of Schedule
8. Curriculum
9. Campus and Surroundings
10. Nursing Clinicals Location
11. Availability of Online Courses

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.

BSN Accreditation

Selecting an accredited BSN RN program is pivotal for future nurses, and here's why:

• Educational Excellence Assurance: Accredited programs meet high educational standards through regular evaluations, ensuring a robust curriculum, qualified faculty, appropriate resources, and comprehensive clinical training.
• Licensing Prerequisite: Many states require a diploma from an accredited nursing program to sit for the RN licensure exam, which is necessary to practice nursing.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: Graduating from an accredited program can lead to better job opportunities since employers often seek candidates with education that meets national standards.
• Smooth Credit Transfer: Credits from an accredited program are more likely to be accepted by other institutions, aiding students in transferring or advancing their education.
• Professional Credibility Boost: An accredited program signals that a nurse's education aligns with rigorous national standards, enhancing their professional standing.
• Access to Financial Aid: Federal financial aid often requires that the nursing program be accredited, which is essential for students needing monetary support for their education.

Students should aim for programs accredited by esteemed organizations, like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), to ensure quality and recognition in their nursing education and career.

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Colorado?

Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.

Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Colorado?

Many schools in Colorado offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.

Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?

While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.

Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.