Nursing RN to BSN

The RN to BSN Completion track option at Colorado Christian University is an online degree completion track for the Registered Nurse seeking a bachelor's degree. Courses are taken one at a time in sequence in five-week blocks in an online format. The program is specifically designed for adult learners who want to combine academic study and career advancement while working full time. Small class sizes, professional clinical application, and collegial relationships encourage individualized learning and networking. Students have direct access to nationally recognized faculty experts and leaders in healthcare.

Although this program is offered online, it does require two clinical courses (NUR474A and NUR485A). Each course requires 45 clinical hours, usually in different locations. Students will need to secure placement, but CCU provides assistance through a database of all previously approved sites in their area. Students will need to find a preceptor with a BSN or higher. Students may complete their clinicals at their place of employment, but the hours cannot be completed while they are working. Clinical hours must be kept separate from paid work.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a bachelor's degree in nursing and is usually granted from a four-year college or university. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is an associate degree in nursing and is usually granted from a community college after two years of study. You can take the State Board of Nursing exam (NCLEX) 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 require at least a BSN degree.

The BSN is the preferred degree in many institutions, especially those who have or are seeking "Magnet Designation". Many health care organizations have a BSN-preferred or BSN-required policy for advancement into supervisory, management, 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 of all officers. The BSN degree provides the nursing theory, evidence based practice, population health and impact leadership sciences, humanities, and behavioral preparation necessary for the full scope of professional nursing responsibilities, as well as the knowledge necessary for continuing to advanced education in specialized clinical practice, research, or primary health care.

Once admitted to the program, the RN completes six credits of CAGS core and 24 credits of upper-division nursing coursework in approximately 13 months. Courses are taken sequentially, one course at a time, in five and ten week sessions in an online format.

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 the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses.

Colorado Christian University requires 120 credits to receive the BSN degree. RNs that have graduated from an accredited institution, completed an ADN program and have a current license are eligible to transfer up to 90 earned semester hours. Students are required to successfully complete MAT250A Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics (or its equivalent through transfer credit) and the CAGS core (6 credits). Once admitted into the RN-BSN Completion track, the RN will complete 24 credit hours of nursing coursework from CCU.

In the 120-credit RN to BSN track, the 24-credit RN to BSN major must be completed at Colorado Christian University in order to receive a CCU degree. In addition the student must take a 3-credit course — PHL 205A — from CCU, and 3 credits of Biblical Study courses. The Biblical Studies class may be transferred in from an institution that is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. RNs that have graduated from an accredited institution, completed an ADN program and have a current license are eligible to transfer up to 90 earned semester hours including statistics. Core courses not included in the block transfer policy include the CAGS core (6 credits).

Colorado Christian University will grant credit to students who score at or above established levels on many College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST examinations. Credit received will be treated as transfer credit and will count towards graduation.

View current tuition and fees for the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Track.

The CCU RN to BSN to MSN option allows students to accelerate their education and earn both the BSN and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Students in the RN to BSN degree may apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program. Upon acceptance, up to three graduate level courses (9 credit hours) can be applied to the MSN degree, providing the student a head start in the MSN program. MSN degree classes are offered in the same five-week format as the BSN coursework.

The RN to BSN coursework can be completed in 14 months (slightly over three semesters). The MSN coursework can be completed in 21 months (five semesters). The RN to MSN can potentially be completed in just over two years (seven semesters) depending upon course scheduling and student progression.

Yes. CCU provides RNs with the opportunity to substitute three graduate courses (nine credits) while completing the BSN degree, giving you a head start on the MSN degree. Students must apply to the graduate program and meet admission requirements to continue on for the MSN degree. You do not need to stop out after the BSN degree to gain work experience before going on for the MSN. Your CCU Student Service Advisor (SSA) can assist you with the admission process.