Open Admission
Summer or Fall 2026
Admission to the nursing program is different than admission to the University of Northern Colorado; there are two separate applications required.
- Apply to the University Here. Use the code ‘UNCnursing’ to waive the application fee.
- Apply to the Nursing Program Here.
It is strongly recommended that all applicants to the UNC BSN programs meet with a pre-nursing advisor to go over the application checklist. To meet with an advisor, you must be first admitted to UNC and have a bear number. You may still apply without completing this step, but please note that if you are missing any items your application will be rejected.
The completed application to the Nursing program is due, through NursingCAS, by Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 5pm (MT).
Selection Process
We look at many things when deciding who gets into our program. Your GPA and HESI test scores indicate your academic performance. The Casper test and recommendation surveys tell us about your professional skills. These include how well you work with others, how you solve problems, and how you communicate. All of this comes together to make your “admission score.”:
Admission GPA will be calculated using the most recent 45 credit hours of coursework and GPA from all completed nursing prerequisite courses.
The HESI score is generated by averaging the scores from the 4 test categories (required subcategories):
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge
- Basic Math Skills
- Anatomy and Physiology
There is no total or subcategory minimum score.
You may only submit one HESI score/transcript each calendar year. You may submit HESI scores that are more than a year old.
You may only take the exam once within the window of November 1, 2025 and January 16, 2026 by 5pm (MT).
| Casper is a test that looks at soft skills. It measures 10 traits, including teamwork, communication, empathy, fairness, and problem-solving.
Casper uses a special format with video and written answers. This lets you give more honest, real-time responses. You can explain your thinking, share your values, and talk about your own experience Each test is rated by multiple independent raters, with a different rater for each scenario. The final score is an average of all raters’ unique impressions, reflecting diverse perspectives on the applicant’s performance. This reduces bias. CASPER test dates:
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You’ll need to list two references—one academic and one supervisory. Each will receive a short survey that asks about your strengths in areas like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, rated on a scale from 1 to 5. To get started, just enter their names and email addresses in NursingCAS.
The number of credits completed at UNC are assigned points and used in the overall admission score as outlined below.
- 0-2 earned credits at UNC = 0 points
- 3-5 earned credits at UNC = 1 point
- 6-8 earned credits at UNC = 2 points
- 9-11 earned credits at UNC = 3 points
- 12-14 earned credits at UNC = 4 points
- 15-17 earned credits at UNC = 5 points
- 18-20 earned credits at UNC = 6 points
- 21-23 earned credits at UNC = 7 points
- 24-26 earned credits at UNC = 8 points
- 27-29 earned credits at UNC = 9 points
- 30 or more earned credits at UNC = 10 points
Important Documents:
Summer or Fall 2026: BSN Program Application Details
Summer or Fall 2026: Calendar – Important Dates to Know
Summer or Fall 2026: Open Admission Selection Process & Criteria
Summer or Fall 2026: Open Admissions Student Checklist
HESI Assessment Instructions:
HESI Instructions – testing at Aims Community College
HESI Instructions – distance testing (Prometric)
Casper Assessment Instructions:
- All applicants applying to the BSN program at UNC must complete Acuity Insights Assessments’ Casper exam for the 2025/2026 admissions cycle. This is a 90 -110 minute online, open-response situational judgment test. The cost of the examination is $50.
- More detailed instructions are in the Summer or Fall 2026: BSN Program Application Details document.
Tutorial
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Nursing
At UNC, nursing is about more than skills — it’s about making a difference.
Learn from expert faculty and gain hands-on clinical experience that prepares you to care for patients as whole individuals.
Grounded in a holistic view of patient care, we offer programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level that are approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (link) Our programs equip you to excel in diverse healthcare settings and have a real impact in your community.
- nursing@unco.edu
- 970-351-2293
- Gunter Hall 3080