Research College of Nursing Program Review

With roots from the German Hospital established in 1905, the Research College of Nursing (RCN) has a rich and deep history.  The College survived the eras of the world wars and formed a joint program with Rockhurst College to form what was known as Research Medical Center. The center then acquired Baptist Medical Center and joined the Health Midwest System. Later on, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) acquired the Health Midwest System and so was the Research Medical Center. While under HCA, Research College of Nursing started offering nursing degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels from 1980.

Nursing Programs at the Research College of Nursing

As an exclusive college of nursing, the college has so much to offer to qualified nursing candidates. With partnership with the Rockhurst University, the Research College of Nursing offers baccalaureate nursing programs with a number entry points and graduate nursing programs on its own. All programs at the college are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Undergraduate Nursing Degrees

Under this bracket, Research College of Nursing has two tracks leading to Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The baccalaureate program is not offered independently by the College but through a partnership with Rockhurst University.

Traditional BSN Option

Candidates interested in this program must first apply as freshmen at Rockhurst University. It is designed to be completed in four years of full time study, where students take courses from both colleges. The program not only welcomes first-time nursing students but also transfer students from other colleges and universities.  The curriculum consists of 66 science and liberal arts credits and 62 nursing major credits. Students applying to the transfer option are subject to competitive admission while those seeking direct admit are not. Completion of the coursework makes the student eligible to apply to write the NCLEX-RN besides being awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Accelerated BSN Option

This program is designed for candidates who hold a non-nursing bachelors degree from an accredited program. It is a study-intensive full time program that takes 12months to complete and as such, students are advised not to engage in any work during the period of study. Completion of the nursing and prerequisite courses enables the student to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and also earn a joint second degree in nursing from Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing.

Graduate Degrees

There are four tracks of Master of Science in nursing degrees from Research College of Nursing for BSN-prepared candidates namely:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Executive Nurse Practice
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Leader

The Nurse Educator track is offered exclusively online and consist of 36 credit hours. Part time and full time study plans are available for nurse educator students. The Executive Nurse Practice option consists of 35 credit hours and is offered online through partnership with Rockhurst University. For Family Nurse Practitioner students, the study plan is part time with a blend of both campus based and online instructions for the 45 credits.

Post Master’s

Two post master’s certificate programs for MSN-Prepared students are also offered i.e

  • Executive Nurse Certificate
  • Nurse Educator Certificate

 Contact:
Research College of Nursing
2525 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City,
MO 64132