Bachelor of Science
Integrated Nursing Path (INP)
This pathway prepares you to become a nurse by gradually introducing you to healthcare. First, you’ll take prerequisite classes at one of three Denver-area community colleges that partner with us. Then, you’ll start nursing courses on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. You'll gain the knowledge and skills you need to be a great nurse through classroom, clinical, and simulation experiences.
Take the leap from community college to a nursing degree with this pathway.
Ideal if you...
Are, or plan to become, a student at Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, or Red Rocks Community College Arvada
Want to work while in school
(doable early on, tough during clinicals)
Prefer a steady learning pace
Overview
Format
In person
First and second year prerequisite classes are completed through one of our partner community colleges. During the third and fourth year of the program, most classes are held at the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
4 years
8 semesters
2 years of prerequisites at one of our partner community colleges, then 2 years of classes at CU Nursing.
Exam prep
NCLEX
When you finish the program, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
State-of-the-art simulation lab
You’ll try out your nursing skills in our high-tech simulation lab. You'll practice real-life scenarios in a safe and inclusive environment under the guidance of experienced faculty.
93.98%
Nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) pass rate*
#1
Nursing bachelor’s program in Colorado*
Career
When you finish the BS Integrated Nursing Pathway and pass the licensing exam, you'll be ready to care for patients in a variety of settings. You can also return to school and earn an advanced degree in nursing, like a master's or doctoral degree.
What you can do
- Treat patients
- Administer medications
- Perform assessments (taking vital signs, patient evaluation)
- Document patient information
Who you can care for
Becoming a nurse opens many career doors and allows you to treat a wide range of patients. You can also focus on one area of nursing (ER, labor and delivery, oncology), depending on where you want to work.
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Schools
- Public health agencies
- Outpatient clinics
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | January 1, 2025 | April 15, 2025 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Two years of community college classes
In this pathway, you’ll take two semesters of prerequisites at our partner community colleges — Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, or Red Rocks Community College Arvada. You'll take science courses including anatomy, physiology, and human growth and development.
Two years of nursing training
When you start classes at CU Nursing, you'll switch your attention to more in-depth healthcare and nursing topics. You'll learn about pathophysiology, nursing research, and nursing care for children and families, and more.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
Important note: Please refer to our partner community colleges' tuition and fees — Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, and Red Rocks Community College Arvada — to calculate costs for the first two years of your education. The following tuition and fees are only applicable for the last two years of this pathway when you complete CU Nursing coursework.
| Residency status | Estimated CU Nursing tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $39, 402 |
| Colorado residents + College Opportunity Fund Stipend | $31,746 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $59,136 |
| Nonresidents | $68,575 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
Despite being a person of color who has had my fair share of experiences with discrimination and racism, my understanding of various cultural backgrounds remains limited... CU Nursing has been instrumental in broadening my perspective on different cultures and religions. Our faculty members offer valuable insights into these topics, and they regularly host guest speakers on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lena Truong
CU Nursing Alum
BS Integrated Nursing Path
Become the nurse looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.
Disclosures
* NCLEX pass rate according to 2023 data. Ranking according to 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
**
Estimated total tuition based on 2024-2025 costs. Tuition estimates do
not include fees and other education-related costs. 150% of the in-state tuition
rate is available to residents of eligible western states that
participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
- Accreditation information.
- Certification and licensure for online students residing outside of Colorado: Please see the Nursing Certification Disclaimer and review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements information.
- Gainful employment and program statistics: For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.