The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Colorado Christian University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
BSN in Nursing
Start your nursing career with a degree that aligns with your values.
Adult Undergraduate Student Pathway
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a nationally accredited program designed for nursing students who have not previously held a Registered Nurse license (RN license). Offered through the School of Nursing and Health Professions, the 120-credit-hour BSN curriculum and coursework provide an intensive, state-of-the-art educational experience that combines theory, laboratory (skills and simulation), and hands-on clinical practice and learning.
The Adult Undergraduate Student Pathway to a bachelor's degree in nursing is designed for students who previously obtained a high school diploma or GED before beginning their CCU program. This pathway requires students to be admitted to the College of Adult and Graduate Studies as Pre-Nursing students in order to complete BSN prerequisites.
Adult Pre-Nursing students may complete BSN prerequisites online. Toward the end of your sophomore year, you must apply for admission to the BSN program which involves an in-seat learning environment. Note: Admission to the College of Adult and Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission to the BSN nursing major.
Nursing is a ministry — an opportunity to serve others.
At CCU, nursing is not simply a profession, it is a scientific discipline and sacred calling. Grounded in the liberal arts and sciences — and biblical truth — the nursing curriculum prepares you to be a highly competent and moral nurse leader, using clinical judgment and compassion to provide top patient care in a variety of healthcare settings to ensure each patient's well-being. Through all of our nursing degree programs, you will participate in a Christ-centered community of learners that challenges you to impact both your nursing profession and the world.
- BSN Degree: 120 credit hours (60 in nursing major core)
- Nursing major courses are completed in two years (six semesters).
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree completion (Note: Core/major nursing classes cannot be transferred into CCU.)
- Download the BSN Student Handbook to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Program Brochure
Class Format:
- Full-time students take two classes at a time.
- Nursing courses are eight weeks to sixteen weeks in length and are delivered in a predominantly in-seat learning environment that also includes online learning components.
- Students are typically involved in in-seat learning 2-3 days/week.
- Classroom and lab experiences are offered on various days of the week.
- Clinical days/times will vary throughout the program and could include day, evening, or night shifts. Work/life schedules will need to be flexible, as all laboratory and clinical experiences are mandatory.
Location for Classes and Clinicals:
- BSN classes for the College of Adult and Graduate Studies are held at CCU's main campus in Lakewood, Colorado. Labs and simulations are also held in Lakewood.
- Students typically complete clinical hours within a home-based hospital or hospital system. CCU attempts to place students near their place of residence; however, this is not a guarantee and travel may be required.
BSN Requirements & Prerequisites: Adult Undergraduate Student Pathway
Step 1: Apply for admission to the College of Adult and Graduate Studies to complete your BSN prerequisites.
Prior to admission to the BSN program, students must complete BSN program prerequisites as Pre-Nursing students either by transfer credit or online in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS).
Note: Admission to CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission to the BSN program through the adult undergraduate pathway.
Step 2: Apply for admission to the BSN program.
During the fall semester prior to entering their junior year, Pre-Nursing students may apply for admission to the BSN program.
CAGS students have the opportunity to enter the BSN program twice a year in August and January. All applications and required admissions documents must be submitted by the following deadlines:
- August 2025 Start: May 1, 2025
- January 2026 Start: October 1, 2025
At the time of application, students must have completed all 21 biological science prerequisite credit hours and have no more than 6 general education (non-science) prerequisite credit hours remaining.
Students must also meet the following admission requirements for the CAGS BSN program:
- Have a cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Have a cumulative GPA in science prerequisite courses of 3.0.
- Receive a minimum grade of "C" in all courses.
- Retakes of CCU science courses are limited to one per course.
- All science prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 5 years.
- Are not on probation and have no disqualifying offenses
- Successfully pass the ATI TEAS exam with the following proficiency levels: English – 66.7%, math – 71.9, reading – 74.5%, science – 57.4%, and an overall TEAS score of 68%. These are established national benchmarks. The TEAS exam may be retaken multiple times at student's expense.
- Successfully complete an interview in the spring of their sophomore year with the Nursing Admission Progression and Retention Committee.
- Pass an interview in the spring of their sophomore year with BSN staff/faculty.
- Pass a background check following completion of all prerequisite coursework. Be sure to review the list of disqualifying offenses.
- Pass a drug screen.
- Complete the Student Physical Exam Form (PDF).
Note: Admission to the BSN Nursing program does not guarantee licensure at the completion of the program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all licensure requirements.
Licensure
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing does not provide licensure. Upon completion of the BSN program students will be eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam.
Questions About CCU's Pre-Licensure BSN Degree
Are you interested in earning your pre-licensure bachelor's degree in Nursing? Find frequently asked questions about this nursing program below. For additional questions, please contact an enrollment counselor!
What is the pre-licensure BSN program?
The pre-licensure BSN program at Colorado Christian University is a bachelor's degree program preparing first-time nursing students to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation. In this program, students join together in a cohort and take the nursing major courses together. Thirteen nursing major courses are delivered over a two-year timeframe. All courses are hybrid, including both face-to-face and online learning, and are offered in an eight-week format. Students are typically involved in face-to-face learning 2-3 days a week.
How does the BSN degree differ from an associate degree in nursing (ASN)?
The BSN degree is a bachelor's degree in nursing and is usually granted from a four-year college or university. The ASN is an associate degree in nursing and is usually granted from a community college after two or three years of study. You can take the State Board of Nursing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN) with either degree. Once you pass NCLEX, you are an RN and can practice within the scope and standards of professional practice. To advance in your nursing career, most hospitals required at least a BSN.
What are the advantages of completing the BSN degree?
The BSN is the preferred degree in many institutions, especially those who have or are seeking "Magnet Status." Many healthcare organizations have a BSN-preferred or BSN-required policy for advancement into supervisory and non-clinical positions. There is a BSN preference or requirement for most research positions, and virtually all public health positions in the U.S. require a BSN. The active duty military requires a BSN for all officers. The BSN degree provides the nursing theory, sciences, humanities, and behavioral science preparation necessary for the full scope of professional nursing responsibilities and the knowledge required for advanced education in specialized clinical practice, research, or primary health care.
How long will it take to complete the BSN program?
Once admitted to the program, the BSN program involves 60 credit hours of upper-division nursing coursework that are delivered in sequence over two years. Students in the College of Undergraduate Studies take the coursework in four semesters. Students in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies take the coursework in six semesters.
Is the BSN program accredited?
Colorado Christian University has national nursing program accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to improving the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses.
How many credits are required to obtain the BSN degree?
Colorado Christian University requires 120 credits to receive the BSN degree. The student must have earned 60 credits in prerequisite courses before being admitted to the BSN program as a junior-level student. Once admitted into the BSN major, the student will complete 60 credit hours of nursing coursework from CCU.
How many credits can be transferred from another college or university?
In the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, most prerequisite credits can be transferred to CCU from another college or university. In the College of Undergraduate Studies, most prerequisite courses are taken on CCU's campus as freshmen and sophomores. The 60-credit nursing major must be completed at CCU to receive a CCU degree.
Can I complete prerequisite coursework by earning non-traditional credit?
CCU will grant credit to students in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies who score at or above established levels on many College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST examinations for general education courses. The credit received will be treated as transfer credit and will count towards graduation.
How much does the BSN program cost?
Nursing and Healthcare Related Programs
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.
