A Bridge to Higher Income, Education

Open to students who are enrolled in nursing associate’s degree (ADN) programs at our partner colleges, this unique program provides an accelerated path to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). You’ll start taking UNC nursing courses right away, while you’re still working on your ADN, and complete the bachelor’s degree online after you’ve entered the work force as a registered nurse.

The dual enrollment model enables you to earn an RN’s license and a nursing job in less than two years, while building a solid foundation for long-term career growth. You’ll get immediate access to all the benefits of UNC’s outstanding School of Nursing, including personalized academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and other services. In addition, you’ll develop supportive relationships with a tight-knit cohort of classmates who advance through the program with you. The BSN program concludes with a rigorous practicum experience in an area of nursing that fits your career objectives.

Degree Option

B.S. in Nursing (RN-BSN), Dual Enrollment

You’ll be concurrently enrolled at UNC while you’re earning your associate’s degree, taking one online bachelor’s course per semester. After completing the ADN, you’ll take your remaining BSN courses online, graduating in as few as three additional semesters. The RN to BSN Dual Enrollment program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Your Future in Nursing

Although the nation’s aging population has led to a spike in demand for nurses, the job market for nurses is rapidly evolving. A rising percentage of employers prefer (or require) nurses who hold a BSN. The dual enrollment model enables you to get into the work force quickly, while preserving a secure path for you to complete a BSN degree and remain competitive in the job market. A BSN provides you with a broad range of career opportunities, including promotion to supervisory or managerial jobs, specialized nursing roles (such as operating room nurse or psychiatric nurse), and further graduate study at the master’s or doctoral level.

Consider UNC's RN-BSN dual enrollment program if you:

Are currently enrolled in an ADN program
Seek to enter job market quickly
Want to complete BSN for long-range career growth
Are interested in supervisory jobs and/or specialized nursing roles that offer greater responsibility

You’ll learn:

Excellent study habits and work routines
Research-based and evidence-based practice
Leadership and communication
Advanced methods and practices in nursing
Long-range career planning

Sample courses:

Professional Nursing Concepts
Patient-centered Care Concepts Across the Lifespan
Current issue in Health Care RN/BSN
Professionalism in Practice: Leadership and Management

Beyond the Classroom

The dual enrollment RN-BSN program includes an exceptional practicum experience during your senior year. You’ll get hands-on experience in an advanced nursing specialty, along with personalized guidance and mentoring from an experienced professional. UNC stands out for its superior practicum offerings, which include more than 100 hours of supervised experience.