Nursing (BS)

Nursing (BS)
2026-2027 Academic Catalog
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Nursing (BS)
Contact Info
Office location:     Education II North, Room 3255
Mailing address:  13120 East 19th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone number:    303-724-1812
Web Page:
Email:
nursing.admissions@cuanschutz.edu
Overview: Multiple Pathways to Your Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the CU Nursing Traditional, Accelerated, or INP pathway pathway from one of the top nursing programs in the country. The University of Colorado College of Nursing has been ranked among the best nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 and 2025.
The BSN program is led by world-renowned faculty who understand the challenges of earning a degree. That's why our programs and classes are offered in multiple pathways. From a Traditional pathway with the majority of classes in the traditional classroom setting to an accelerated pathway for those with bachelor's degrees in a non nursing field — we have something for everyone. Each pathway offers online courses taught by the same top-notch teachers, researchers and writers as our in-person courses. We know one of our pathways will work for you.
All of our BSN courses prepare the learner to practice as a generalist nurse at the baccalaureate level. Students will learn to manage patient care with compassion through the advocacy of evidence-based, relationship-centered, care. The student will learn the importance of safe, quality, efficient and effective interdisciplinary care to enhance and sustain health and healing. Students work together with other disciplines across the campus including pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and public health.
The University of Colorado College of Nursing offers five Bachelor of Science Pathways:
The Traditional Pathway
: This is a full-time, 24-month option, designed for students who may or may not have earned a degree in the past. The Traditional Pathway follows a required class schedule that includes classroom, clinical simulation, and direct patient care clinical experiences. Students complete their pre-requisite courses at the community college or university setting, and subsequently apply through NursingCAS to the Traditional Nursing Pathway. Once accepted, students begin the Traditional 2-year program the following summer semester.
The Integrated Nursing Pathway (INP)
:  The CU Nursing program partners with local community colleges (Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College) to offer simultaneous application and admission to the local community college and CU Nursing Traditional BSN Program. This program is intended for Colorado residents who complete a majority of their prerequisite courses in the Colorado Community College system, and do not have a previous degree.
The University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing Pathway (UCAN)
: Designed for those who have earned a Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, students will complete a rigorous nursing program in 12 months. The UCAN student will complete the same number of program credits and clinical hours as the Traditional Pathway student.
The CU Nursing/Fort Lewis College Collaborative
: The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing) at CU Anschutz and Fort Lewis College (FLC) have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to create a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing, bringing the state’s flagship medical institute of higher education to the rural and Indigenous-serving campus of Southwest Colorado.
CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Nursing Bachelor's Program
: The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing at the CU Anschutz campus) has a partnership program with the University of Colorado Denver for students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway was created to promote the diversity of healthcare professionals and to better serve the healthcare needs of the State of Colorado. Students take prerequisite courses at CU Denver and then transition to CU Nursing to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the College of Nursing bachelor of science program is highly competitive. In order to keep the selection process fair, admissions requirements are definitive and applied to each application in the same manner. Please keep in mind that applications are not reviewed until they are Verified by NursingCAS. Your application to the College of Nursing must be Verified by the
application deadline
to be considered for admission.
Applications are submitted through Nursing's Centralized Application Service (
NursingCAS
).
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing TRADITIONAL PROGRAM, please visit:
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing INTEGRATED NURSING PATHWAY, please visit:
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing UCAN (Accelerated) PROGRAM, please visit:
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing FORT LEWIS COLLEGE COLLABORATIVE, please visit:
For complete updated information related to applications to the College of Nursing CU DENVER/CU NURSING BRIDGE, please visit:
Baccalaureate (BS) Nursing Pathways:
Traditional Nursing Pathway
The Traditional Pathway is a full-time, 24-month Bachelor of Science option, designed for students who may or may not have earned a degree in the past. This program includes class room, clinical simulation, and clinical practice as part of the curriculum. Beginning with the summer 2019 cohort, the Traditional Pathway program will be primarily offered at the CU Anschutz campus in Aurora. However, Traditional students may be required to attend some classes or labs at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree.
Integrated Nursing Pathway
The CU Nursing program partners with local community colleges (Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College) to offer simultaneous application and admission to the local community college and CU Nursing Traditional BSN Program. This program is intended for Colorado residents who complete a majority of their prerequisite courses in the Colorado Community College system, and do not have a previous degree.
University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing is a full-time, 12-month program option, which requires students have earned a previous bachelor’s degree by the semester or quarter prior to beginning the nursing program. The degree can be in a health-related or non-health related field of study. Beginning with the spring 2020 cohort, the UCAN program will be primarily offered at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, CO. However, UCAN students may be required to attend some classes or labs CU Anschutz in Aurora.
CU Nursing / Fort Lewis College Collaborative Pathway
The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing) at CU Anschutz and Fort Lewis College (FLC) have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to create a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing, bringing the state’s flagship medical institute of higher education to the rural and Indigenous-serving campus of Southwest Colorado.
Close-knit, personalized education opportunities
High-touch and high-tech simulation
CU’s nationally ranked nursing education and research expertise combined with FLC’s liberal arts core
Community immersion/service learning locally
Hands-on, culturally sensitive, patient-centered healthcare
FLC’s Indigenous perspective and sense of place
Students will complete their four-year degree on the Fort Lewis College campus, but students will receive their final degree from CU
CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Nursing Bachelor’s Pathway
The University of Colorado College of Nursing (CU Nursing at CU Anschutz) has a partnership program with the University of Colorado Denver for students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway was created to promote the diversity of healthcare professionals and to better serve the healthcare needs of the State of Colorado. Students take prerequisite courses at CU Denver and then transition to CU Nursing to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Traditional Nursing Pathway
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 126 total credits hours.
Students must complete 60 credits of prerequisite coursework for admission into the program.
Students must complete 66 credits of NURS credit.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all courses, with an overall GPA of 2.0.
If a student fails a course, they must successfully complete
NURS 3727
Clinical Progression
prior to retaking any failed course and proceeding with their plan of study.
Honors courses (
NURS 3216
NURS Honors Seminar I
NURS 3226
NURS Honors Seminar II
NURS 4236
NURS Honors Seminar III
, and
NURS 4246
NURS Honors Seminar IV
) are not required for graduation and are in addition to the required credit hours.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Prerequisite Work
60
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
1,2
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
1,2
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
1,2
6.8
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 4064
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
1,2
6.7
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
1,2
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
1,2
NURS 4074
Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity
NURS 3880
Nursing Role and Practice
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
1,2
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
1,2
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
1,2
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
1,2
8.4
Total Hours
126
Didactic course. Classroom teaching.
Clinical Credit. 1 clinical credit= 30 face to face hours.
Integrated Nursing Pathway
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 126 total credits hours.
Students must complete 60 credits of prerequisite coursework for admission into the program.
Students must complete 66 credits of NURS credit.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all courses, with an overall GPA of 2.0.
If a student fails a course, they must successfully complete
NURS 3727
Clinical Progression
prior to retaking any failed course and proceeding with their plan of study.
Honors courses (
NURS 3216
NURS Honors Seminar I
NURS 3226
NURS Honors Seminar II
NURS 4236
NURS Honors Seminar III
, and
NURS 4246
NURS Honors Seminar IV
) are not required for graduation and are in addition to the required credit hours.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Prerequisite Work
60
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
1,2
2.5
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
1,2
3.6
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
1,2
6.8
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
1,2
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
1,2
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
1,2
NURS 3880
Nursing Role and Practice
NURS 4064
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
NURS 4074
Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
1,2
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
1,2
6.7
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
1,2
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
1,2
8.4
Total Hours
126
Didactic course. Classroom teaching.
Clinical Credit. 1 clinical credit= 30 face to face hours.
University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 126 total credits hours.
Students must complete 60 credits of prerequisite coursework for admission into the program.
Students must complete 66 credits of NURS credit.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all courses, with an overall GPA of 2.0.
If a student fails a course, they must successfully complete
NURS 3727
Clinical Progression
prior to retaking any failed course and proceeding with their plan of study.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Prerequisite Work
60
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
1,2
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
1,2
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
1,2
6.8
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
1,2
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
1,2
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
1,2
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
1,2
6.7
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
1,2
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 4080
Professional Nursing: Transition into the Role
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
1,2
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
1,2
8.4
Total Hours
126
Didactic course. Classroom teaching.
Clinical Credit. 1 clinical credit= 30 face to face hours.
Fort Lewis College/CU Anschutz Nursing Pathway
Program Requirements
Students must complete 127 total credits hours.
Students must complete 60 credits of pre-requisite coursework for admission into the program.
Students must complete 67 credits of NURS credits.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all courses, with an overall GPA of 2.0.
If a student fails a course, they must successfully complete
NURS 3727
Clinical Progression
prior to retaking any failed course and proceeding with their plan of study.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Fort Lewis College Prerequisite Work
60
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
1,2
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
1,2
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3004
Rural and Indigenous Health Perspectives
1,2
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
1,2
6.8
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
1,2
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
1,2
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
1,2
6.7
NURS 4080
Professional Nursing: Transition into the Role
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
1,2
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
1,2
NURS 3880
Nursing Role and Practice
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
1,2
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
1,2
8.4
Total Hours
126
Didactic course. Classroom teaching.
Clinical Credit. 1 clinical credit= 30 face to face hours.
CU Denver/CU Anschutz Nursing Bridge Pathway
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 126 total credits hours.
Students must complete 60 credits of prerequisite coursework for admission into the program.
Students must complete 66 credits of NURS credit.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in all courses, with an overall GPA of 2.0.
If a student fails a course, they must successfully complete
NURS 3727
Clinical Progression
prior to retaking any failed course and proceeding with their plan of study.
Honors courses (
NURS 3216
NURS Honors Seminar I
NURS 3226
NURS Honors Seminar II
NURS 4236
NURS Honors Seminar III
, and
NURS 4246
NURS Honors Seminar IV
) are not required for graduation and are in addition to the required credit hours.
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
CU Denver Prerequisite Work
60
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
1,2
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
1,2
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
1,2
6.8
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 4064
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
1,2
6.7
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
1,2
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
1,2
NURS 4074
Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity
NURS 3880
Nursing Role and Practice
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
1,2
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
1,2
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
1,2
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
1,2
8.4
Total Hours
126
Didactic course. Classroom teaching.
Clinical Credit. 1 clinical credit= 30 face to face hours.
Plans of Study
Traditional Nursing Pathway
Sample program plan, individual program plans will have a different sequence of all the same courses.
Summer
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Summer
Hours
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
Hours
9.1
Total Hours
9.1
Fall
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall
Hours
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
6.8
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Hours
12.8
Total Hours
12.8
Spring (Individual program plans may be sequenced differently based on student grouping)
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring
Hours
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
NURS 4064
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
6.7
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
Hours
14.7
Total Hours
14.7
Year 1 total credit hours:
Didactic Hours:     24.9
Clinical Hours:      12.1
Total Hours:         37
Summer
Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Summer
Hours
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
Hours
Total Hours
Fall (Individual program plans may be sequenced differently based on student grouping)
Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Fall
Hours
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
NURS 4074
Inter-professional Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
NURS 3880
Nursing Role and Practice
Hours
13
Total Hours
13
Spring
Plan of Study Grid
Year 2
Spring
Hours
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
8.4
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
Hours
14.4
Total Hours
14.4
YEAR 2 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS:
Didactic Hours:     15.75
Clinical Hours:      13.25
Total Hours:         29
Program Total Credit hours:
Didactic Hours:     40.65
Clinical Hours:      25.35
Total Hours:         66
University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing (UCAN) Pathway
Program Plan for Spring start. Students starting in the Fall will follow a similar sequence of all the same courses.
Spring
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring
Hours
NURS 3023
Patient-Centered Health Assessment
2.5
NURS 3034
Foundations of Nursing Practice
3.6
NURS 3140
Pathophysiology for Nurses
NURS 3150
Pharmacology for Nurses
NURS 3267
Health Promotion
NURS 3617
Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice I
6.8
NURS 3667
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
Hours
22.9
Total Hours
22.9
SUMMER
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Summer
Hours
NURS 3337
Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
NURS 3447
Nursing Care of Children and Families
NURS 3567
Mental Health Nursing Practice across the Lifespan
NURS 3080
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Hours
18
Total Hours
18
FALL
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall
Hours
NURS 4080
Professional Nursing: Transition into the Role
NURS 4617
Nursing Care of the Adult Patient with Complex Care Needs
6.7
NURS 4917
Immersion in Clinical Nursing
8.4
NURS 4877
Population-Based Nursing - RN
Hours
25.1
Total Hours
25.1
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS:
Didactic Hours:     40.65
Clinical Hours:      25.35
Total Hours:         66
BS Program Outcomes
Integrate, translate, and apply evolving knowledge from nursing and other healthcare disciplines across a range of settings.
Provide collaborative person-centered care that is empowering, inclusive, holistic, respectful, compassionate, just, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate across the care continuum.
Collaborate with diverse populations and communities in traditional and nontraditional partnerships, including public health, global health, environmental justice, academia, health care, and local government entities, for the prevention of disease and the improvement of equitable population health outcomes.
Integrate evidence-based practice through the application and dissemination of nursing knowledge and to improve patient outcomes and transform health care.
Incorporate established and emerging principles of quality and safety as core values to enhance quality of care and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance.
Demonstrates effective use of communication and collaboration when partnering with intra- and interprofessional teams, patients, families, and communities to optimize care and enhance the healthcare outcomes.
Apply systems-based thinking to respond to complex healthcare environments, ethically, effectively and proactively, coordinating resources to provide safe, quality and equitable care to diverse populations including those impacted by social determinants of health.
Uses informatics processes and healthcare technologies to gather data, inform decision-making, provide high-quality, efficient and safe care, and support professionals as they expand knowledge and wisdom for practice in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards.
Cultivate a professional identity that aligns with sustainable, collaborative, and accountable professional behaviors, reflecting the core values of nursing.
Participate in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, well-being, lifelong learning, and acquisition of nursing expertise and leadership development.
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