Colorado State University-Pueblo Nursing School Review

Colorado State University, Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) was established in 1933 as a junior college, and became a four year university in 1965. The university enrolls 5000 students each semester and offers 26 bachelor degrees and six master degree programs.

Nursing Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Basic BSN)

The Basic BSNThe university enrolls 5000 students each semester and offers 26 bachelor degrees and six master degree programs. program was designed for the student who wishes to enter a nursing career and currently has no nursing license or prior degree. Students will complete a total of 120 credits, including 74 credits of nursing classes, to earn their BSN.

Students will study their first year at CSU-Pueblo as pre-nursing, then apply to the nursing program during their second year. To apply they must have a minimum 3.25 GPA for all courses, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better.

Graduates will be qualified to take the National Certification and/or Licensing Exam (NCLEX) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Licensed Practical Nurses BSN Option (LPN-BSN)

The LPN to BSN option is for LPNs or others who have completed an accredited nursing program to earn their BSN degree. Per CSU-Pueblo’s articulation agreement, students may transfer 7 nursing credits to count toward their degree.

To apply to the program, students must supply a copy of their current nursing license, in addition to meeting the requirements listed for the Basic BSN program.

Registered Nurse to BSN Option (RN-BSN)

The RN to BSN option is for students who are working RNs and already hold an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing. They must also have a current license in nursing from the state of Colorado.

To develop their course of study, students will meet with an RN-BSN advisor. The program will be designed with the student in mind, and can be accelerated, full time, or part time. Course options will be standard, online, or a mixture of both.

Students admitted to this program will receive 33 transfer credits, and will take 43 credits of general education and 33 credits of nursing courses. Students enter the RN-BSN program as juniors.

Degree Plus to BSN Nursing Accelerated Option

The Degree Plus to BSN option allows students who have a non-nursing bachelors degree and no nursing license to pursue their BSN degree. This is a challenging, fast-paced program that allows students to complete their BSN and be eligible to take the RN licensing exam in just 14 months.

Students must meet with a pre-nursing advisor to develop their program. They will be expected to take a minimum of 30 hours of coursework at CSU-Pueblo.

Paramedic to BSN Accelerated Option

Paramedics who graduated from an accredited program may earn their BSN with the Paramedic to BSN accelerated option. This program focuses on applying theories and experience to increasingly complex situations.

Students must meet with a pre-nursing advisor to develop their program. They will need to take a minimum of 30 hours of classes at CSU-Pueblo.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science (MS) – Nurse Educator

The MS – Nurse Educator program will prepare students to be college level faculty, teach in hospital based technical or nursing schools and be staff educators in health care facilities. Students must complete at least 360 contact hours of teaching, and complete the coursework over five to six semesters, if full-time. Students will then take two more semesters to work on either a thesis or research project. Graduates will have met the National League for Nursing Certification education requirements.

Post Master’s Nurse Practitioner to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program readies students to be experts in their advanced nursing area of expertise. This program has over 1100 hours of clinical immersion. Nurses in this program will be prepared for clinical practice at the highest level available in nursing. The DNP program has three emphasis programs available, listed below.

Adult/Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)

The ACNP is a fast-paced program designed to prepare students to provide acute care for adult patients. It is expected that students will complete the coursework and a minimum of 570 clinical practice hours in five semesters while attending school full time. Graduates will be eligible to take the exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification.

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Emphasis (ACNP-FNP)

The ACNP-FNP trains students to provide advanced care to all patients. It is a full-time, six semester program with over 1050 hours of clinical practice required. Graduates can take both the exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification and the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis (PMHNP)

The PMHNP program is to train nurses in advanced psychiatric and mental health care. This program is five to six semesters long when taken full time, and students are required to complete a minimum of 570 clinical practice hours.

Contact:
Colorado State University – Pueblo,
2200 Bonforte Blvd.,
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901

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