Bachelor of Science
Accelerated Path (UCAN)
In this pathway, you’ll gain classroom, clinical, and simulation experience, at a much faster pace. This program gives you a foundation in nursing practice so you can provide quality and safe care to patients once you graduate. Courses are held at our Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, with some classes at the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora.
This one-year, condensed program is designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Ideal if you...
Have a non-nursing bachelor's degree
Won't work while in school
(full-time work isn't recommended)
Prefer an accelerated pace
Have healthcare experience
Overview
Format
In person
Most classes are held at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, CO. Some classes might be at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Avg. time to complete
1 year
3 semesters
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.
95.79%
Nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) pass rate*
#1
Nursing bachelor’s program in Colorado*
Career
You'll be confident providing great care to patients in many different healthcare settings after you finish the BS Accelerated Pathway (UCAN) and pass the nursing licensing exam. And if you choose, you can return to school for more advanced training in a graduate-level program.
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 | September 1, 2024 | January 15, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | March 1, 2025 | June 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
One year of nursing training
To join this pathway, you need to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Depending on what your degree is in, you might have to take some prerequisite classes before you start. Then, you’ll spend one year at our Legacy Campus where you’ll gain essential patient care skills. You'll take classes ranging from pathophysiology to nursing research to nursing care for children and families.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Unique opportunity
Global experience
As a student in this pathway, you have the opportunity to get clinical experience abroad. You can apply to travel to places like Guatemala where you'll reach medically underserved communities with the care they need.
Costs
| 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 $182, Spring $162, Summer $137 |
| 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 |
When I heard the staff was really friendly and supportive and encouraging, I think that’s what really sold me [on] CU because I knew if I was learning in short amount of time I’d need a lot of support to get through the program.
Lenae Aragon
CU Nursing Alum
BS Accelerated 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.