Master's of Science in Nursing - RN to MSN Program

The RN to MSN Pathway at UCCS is designed for practicing registered nurses who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This pathway is ideal for nurses who demonstrate strong academic readiness and are interested in advancing directly into a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner (NP) program.

The program includes a 6-credit online bridge course offered over 16 weeks. Successful completion of this course with a grade of 84% (B) or higher is required for entry into the MSN program, along with meeting standard admission requirements. Students who do not move forward into the MSN track may continue in the RN to BSN program and earn their BSN upon completion.

6-Credit Bridge Course

The 6-credit readiness course provides essential foundations of professional nursing practice that are precursor concepts for the MSN degree program. Emphasis is placed on scholarship for evidence-based practice, communication and collaboration, and professionalism. The role of the nurse leader in applying theory to practice for quality improvement, information management, clinical prevention and population health is explored. The course discussion includes the impact of healthcare policy and finance on healthcare systems and patient outcomes.  

Course Objectives:

1. Examine professional standards and values that are foundational to professional nursing practice.
2. Differentiate theories and scholarly evidence that ground nursing practice and promote optimal patient outcomes.
3. Delineate the role of the nurse leader in quality improvement, information management, and interprofessional communication and collaboration.
4. Discuss the influence of healthcare policy, regulation, and finance on nursing practice.
5. Explain the principles of clinical prevention and population health for diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
   

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from ALL colleges attended
2. A copy of your current, unrestricted RN license from an approved state (as listed on our website).
3. 5,000 hours professional Registered Nurse practice documented in a letter provided employer (s) and submitted with application
4. Curriculum vitae or resume
5. Complete the Graduate Application
6. Pay applicable application fee.
7. Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges you have attended to the EXACT address below
8. All English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. This requirement can be met by one of the English Proficiency Requirements.
9. Completion of the UCCS RN (ADN) to MSN Bridge course [NURS4460, RN (ADN) to MSN Pathway Course: Precursor Concepts for MSN Program, 6 credits] with a minimum grade of 84% (B)

Application Process

The RN to MSN Pathway at the Graduate Nursing Department offers a rolling admission cycle for the MSN and DNP programs, giving you the flexibility to apply at any time. Our dedicated Graduate Option Coordinators review completed applications each month, ensuring a timely and efficient process.

Essay Questions

The online application will require answers to several essay questions. We strongly recommend drafting your answers to these questions before beginning the application so that you can complete it in one sitting.  

Essay Questions: the first is mandatory, then choose 3 of the remaining 6 questions to answer. Responses should be 250-300 words each.

1. What are you doing to find clinical spots? (mandatory question)
2. What professional or personal life obstacles have you had to overcome to be successful in your education or career?
3. What skills or characteristics do you possess that will make you a successful practitioner?
4. What opportunities do you see that might help improve health in your state?
5. What language or cultural expertise and experience do you have that enhances your ability to practice health care?
6. What interests do you have in historical, cultural or health related topics that have spurred your intellectual curiosity?
7. What professional life experiences do you have or community service have you done where you led efforts to overcome a problem or challenge?”

Address for Transcripts:

Office of Admissions & Records
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

All application steps must be completed, or your application will be delayed.

Primary Care Adult-Gerontology (Adult/Gero) Nurse Practitioner
The Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills to manage the unique needs of the aging population.

Students will gain competence to manage acute and chronic health conditions while promoting optimal health for the gerontology patient. The option prepares students to meet the requirements for national certification and prescriptive authority.

Primary care-based clinical hours are found by the student where they reside.

Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills across their lifespan.

Students will gain competence to manage acute and chronic health conditions while promoting optimal health for families. The option prepares students to meet the requirements for national certification and prescriptive authority.

Primary care-based clinical hours are found by the student where they reside.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills to manage clients with psychiatric disorders and substance abuse both in the primary care and acute care setting.

The option prepares students to meet the requirements for national certification and prescriptive authority.

Psychiatric mental health clinical hours are found by the student where they reside.

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Specialty Focus: Adult/Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health

Complete one of the following Nurse Practitioner Specialty Tracks listed below.
NOTE: NURS 6982 is not required of all students.  Contact your program advisor for more information.
 

Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

• NURS 6915 - Primary Care of Acute Care Conditions
• NURS 6925 - Primary Care of Chronic Care Conditions
• NURS 6950 - Primary Care of Geriatric Patients and Families
• NURS 6960 - Gender Health Primary Care
• NURS 6980 - Synthesis Practicum
• NURS 6982 - Pre-Synthesis Practicum

Family Nurse Practitioner

• NURS 6900 - Primary Care of Pediatric Patients and Families
• NURS 6915 - Primary Care of Acute Care Conditions
• NURS 6925 - Primary Care of Chronic Care Conditions
• NURS 6960 - Gender Health Primary Care
• NURS 6980 - Synthesis Practicum
• NURS 6982 - Pre-Synthesis Practicum
   

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• NURS 6800 - Mental Health Assessment and Interventions Across the Lifespan
• NURS 6801 - Adult Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management for the PMHNP
• NURS 6802 - Geriatric Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management for the PMHNP
• NURS 6803 - Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management for the PMHNP
• NURS 6985 - Psych Mental Health Synthesis Practicum

  Adult/Gero NP = 47 Total Credits (includes 630 contact hours)  
Family NP = 47 Total Credits (includes 630 contact hours)

Psychiatric NP = 48 Total Credits (includes 630 contact hours)

The graduate nursing program accepts up to 12 transfer credits of graduate work. All classes will need to have grade 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale and would have to be approved by the graduate faculty as meeting the objectives of a graduate nursing course at UCCS.

For program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Please refer to the link below for information on whether our curriculum meets the requirements for licensure in each state. 

Debbie Schultze
dschult3@uccs.edu

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, the post-graduate APRN certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.