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.
   

Admission Requirements

All required nursing courses are delivered in 16-week increments.  The student can choose how many classes to take every 16-weeks. Some of the elective courses are not in the 16-week format.

Registered Nurse Admission Requirements:

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)

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.

General Education Requirements

The courses below must be completed before you graduate from UCCS and can be transferred in from your current college. They are not required before admission. If you have questions about your general education credits, please email dschult3@uccs.edu.

• Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 cr.)
• Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 cr.)
• Microbiology with lab (4 cr.)
• English Composition I (3 cr.)
• English Composition II (3 cr.)
• General Psychology (3 cr.)
• Development Psychology (3 cr.)
• Statistics (3 cr.)
• Nutrition (1 cr.)
• Humanities Electives (6 cr.)
• Global Social Electives (6 cr.)
• General Education Electives (15 cr.)

For program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Due to individual state regulations, we are accepting students from the states below. These states apply ONLY to the RN-MSN programs:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wyoming

Students are admitted to our program based on their residency/physical location in an approved state in which they reside at the time of application. If a student plans to relocate, the student must verify that the state is on our approved list and notify the program administrator. Some states may require additional paperwork so give lead time for this process. All students must live in an approved state while enrolled in the RN to MSN program.

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.