Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Students
Step into a calling that blends science, skill, and compassion. At Colorado Christian University, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is state-approved and nationally accredited, preparing you to pursue your Registered Nurse (RN) license with confidence.
From day one, you’ll engage in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that brings together classroom knowledge, advanced simulation labs, and real-world clinical practice. Grounded in both the sciences and biblical truth, your education will challenge you to think critically, care deeply, and lead with integrity.
As a freshman, you can take advantage of a direct admit pathway that allows you to secure your place in the nursing major for your junior year, once progression requirements are met. Nursing cohorts begin each August and January, giving you a clear and focused path forward.
Here, nursing is more than a career. It’s a calling to serve. You’ll be equipped to deliver exceptional patient care with both clinical excellence and Christ-centered compassion, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in hospitals, clinics, and communities around the world.
All of the CCU nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring your degree meets the highest standards in nursing education.
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.
The Fall 2027 Priority Deadline for the Nursing Program is February 1, 2027.
However, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the enrollment capacity is reached. It is best to apply early to be considered for a direct admit seat in the CCU nursing program.
Program FAQs
What is the nursing major at CCU?
The nursing major at Colorado Christian University leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that prepares you to become a registered nurse. This 120-credit hour program from the School of Nursing and Health Professions combines 60 credits of prerequisite courses in general education and biological sciences with 60 credits of nursing major coursework. The BSN program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and integrates biblical truth with rigorous nursing education.
You will complete nursing courses that blend theory, laboratory skills, simulation training, and hands-on clinical practice in healthcare settings throughout the Denver metro area. The nursing program prepares you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and equips you to provide compassionate nursing care grounded in faith. Through this Christ-centered education, you will develop clinical judgment, critical thinking, and the professional character needed to practice nursing as ministry.
What are the typical steps for becoming a bachelor-prepared licensed registered nurse (BSN) in the U.S.?
| Step | Requirement | Details | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Licensure Eligibility Verification | Student verifies degree meets state requirements | Confirm the degree and preparation program meet licensure requirements in the state where they plan to practice* | Before enrolling in degree program |
| 2. Select and Apply to an Accredited Program | Choose a BSN program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE to ensure eligibility for licensing exams | CCU’s BSN Program is accredited by CCNE. | |
| 3. Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing | Complete an accredited nursing program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years |
| 4. Clinical Training | Supervised clinical experience | Hands-on patient care hours in hospitals, clinics, simulation labs, or community health settings as part of the nursing program | During program |
| 5. Examination | NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam) | Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to demonstrate competency for entry-level nursing practice | After graduation |
| 6. Licensure Application | Apply through the state board of nursing | Pass a criminal background check/fingerprinting and apply for licensure through the state’s Board of Nursing. Requirements are state-specific and often require renewal every two years. | A few months |
| 7. License Maintenance | Continuing Education (CE) | Complete ongoing CE credits and renew license periodically per state requirements | Ongoing |
*CCU provides professional licensure disclosures to help students understand state-specific requirements for licensure. However, CCU does not guarantee that completion of its programs will result in licensure or certification in any state, territory, or district.
What can you do with a nursing degree from CCU?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CCU prepares you for a rewarding nursing career as a registered nurse in diverse clinical settings. You can work in hospitals providing acute care, nursing homes offering chronic care, community health centers focusing on population health, mental health nursing facilities, or clinics delivering direct patient care. Registered nurses also find opportunities in school health, home healthcare, and specialized areas like pediatrics, oncology, or emergency nursing practice.
Your BSN degree provides a strong foundation for career advancement and further nursing education. Many nursing students pursue graduate studies to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nursing educators. The nursing profession offers excellent job security and competitive salaries, with registered nurses consistently ranked among the most trusted health professionals. Your nursing career will allow you to serve patients and families while integrating your faith into your daily clinical nursing practice.
What courses will you take in the nursing program?
Your nursing education begins with prerequisite courses including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other science courses that provide essential knowledge about the human body and health care delivery. You will complete behavioral science courses in psychology and additional general education requirements that develop critical thinking and communication skills. These prerequisite courses must be completed before you enter the upper-division nursing major as a junior-level student.
Once admitted into the BSN program, you will take nursing courses covering topics such as fundamentals of nursing practice, health assessment, pharmacology and administering medications, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health nursing, community-based settings practice, and professional nursing leadership. Each clinical nursing course includes theory content, simulation experiences to develop technical skills and critical thinking, and patient-facing clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. The clinical component allows you to apply nursing science concepts while providing nursing care to patients under faculty supervision.
Why should you study nursing at CCU?
CCU offers a nationally accredited nursing program that integrates faith with nursing education through a Christian worldview. The School of Nursing and Health Professions emphasizes nursing as ministry, preparing nursing students to become competent, compassionate nurse leaders who provide Christ-centered care. You will benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty who are active health professionals, and state-of-the-art simulation labs that prepare you for real clinical practice before entering healthcare settings.
The BSN program at CCU focuses on developing clinical judgment, safety and quality improvement practices, and evidence-based nursing practice. You will learn patient care technologies and interprofessional communication skills essential for modern health care delivery. CCU nursing students receive personalized support throughout their nursing journey, from admission consideration through graduation. The nursing office staff and faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed academically and spiritually while preparing you to function effectively as a registered nurse who impacts healthcare with grace and truth.
What are the admission requirements for the nursing major?
To be offered admission to the BSN program, you must complete all prerequisite courses with specific academic standards. The minimum admission requirements include a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all college coursework and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in your science prerequisite courses. You must receive a minimum grade of C in all courses, and all science courses must have been completed within the last five years before entering the nursing major.
Beyond academic requirements, accepted students must also pass a criminal background check and drug screen, and submit documentation including a completed physical exam form. For traditional students entering CCU as freshmen, direct admission to the nursing program is available if you qualify at the Dean Scholarship level or above. Incoming students should apply early as the nursing program has limited enrollment capacity. Transfer credit for prerequisite courses is accepted from accredited institutions, though all 60 credits of nursing major coursework must be completed at CCU to receive your nursing degree.
Which is better, RN or BSN?
Both RN and BSN refer to registered nurses, but BSN indicates you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while RN can refer to nurses with either an associate degree or baccalaureate degree program. Nurses with a BSN have completed more comprehensive nursing education including advanced coursework in population health, nursing research process, quality improvement, leadership, and community nursing practice. The BSN program provides deeper preparation in nursing science and professional nursing skills needed for complex clinical judgment in diverse clinical settings.
Many healthcare employers now prefer or require a BSN for nursing positions, particularly in hospitals and specialized acute care settings. Registered nurses with a bachelor degree typically have greater career advancement opportunities, higher earning potential, and eligibility for graduate programs like a master degree program or doctoral degree in nursing. If you already hold an associate degree in nursing and an active RN license, CCU offers an RN to BSN completion track where you can transfer up to 90 credits and complete your Bachelor of Science degree online while continuing to work.
Is a nursing major worth it?
A nursing major is an excellent investment in your future, offering strong career stability and meaningful work serving others. The nursing profession consistently ranks among the most in-demand careers with excellent job prospects for nursing students after graduation. Registered nurses enjoy competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and opportunities to work in various healthcare settings from hospital systems to community based settings. Your nursing education will provide the skills needed to make a genuine difference in patients lives through compassionate nursing care.
At CCU, your nursing career preparation extends beyond technical skills to include spiritual formation and character development. The BSN program prepares students to provide holistic nursing care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You will gain interpersonal skills, learn evidence-based nursing practice, and develop as a moral leader in healthcare. The combination of CCNE-accredited nursing education, Christ-centered community, personalized faculty mentorship, and clinical practice experiences make the nursing major at CCU a valuable pathway to a fulfilling nursing career where you can practice nursing as ministry.
View the course catalog.
View professional license requirements/disclosures for students seeking licensure.
