Preparing for Nursing School
Please find information below on preparing for nursing school at Colorado College.
As designated by the associations: PAEA, APTA, AACN
Biology: 2 intro course requirement - translates to 3 courses at Colorado College:
- Microbiology - 1 course - BE107 or MB320
- Biology - Cell Biology - 2 courses - MB131 and MB201
Chemistry: 2-4 course requirement (depending on program)
- General Chemistry - 2 courses - CH107 and CH108
- Organic Chemistry - 2 courses - CH250 and CH251 (not required for PT schools)
Physics: 2-course requirement (PT schools only)
- Physics - 2 courses - PC141 and PC142 (PT schools only)
Math: 2-course requirement
- Statistics - 1 course - MA117
- Calculus - 1 course - MA126 or MA129
Psychology: 1-2 course requirement (depending on program)
- Psychology - 1-2 courses - PY100 or PY 105 (some schools require 2 courses for PT & Nursing)
Anatomy and Physiology: 2-course requirement
- Basic Anatomy - 1 course - HK204
- Human Physiology - 1 course - HK321
Courses Highly Recommended by PA, PT, and Nursing Schools
NOTE: Course Requirements vary for each program and profession. Please check the course listing on the school's website.
- Biochemistry: 1 course: CH382 (**Nursing & PA)
- Genetics: 1 course: MB231 (*Varies by school)
Information shared here taken from the AACN's Accelerated Nursing Programs page.
With an increasing emphasis on preparing nurses at the baccalaureate and higher degree level, one innovative approach to nursing education that is gaining momentum is the accelerated degree program for non-nursing graduates. These programs build on previous learning experiences and provide a way for individuals with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines to transition into nursing.
Program Basics
Accelerated baccalaureate programs offer the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) for adults who have already completed a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline.
Fast-track entry-level baccalaureate programs take between 11 and 18 months to complete, including prerequisites. Fast-track entry-level master's degree programs generally take about 3 years to complete.
Accelerated entry-level nursing programs are available in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In 2013, there were 293 accelerated entry-level baccalaureate programs and 62 entry-level master’s programs available at nursing schools nationwide. In addition, 13 new accelerated entry-level baccalaureate programs are in the planning stages, and 9 new entry-level master's programs are also taking shape.
Fast-Track Nursing Education
Accelerated entry-level baccalaureate programs accomplish programmatic objectives in a short time by building on previous learning experiences. Instruction is intense with courses offered full-time with no breaks between sessions. Students receive the same number of clinical hours as their counterparts in traditional entry-level nursing programs.
Admission standards for accelerated entry-level programs are high with programs typically requiring a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a thorough prescreening process. Identifying students who will flourish in this environment is a priority for administrators. Students enrolled in accelerated programs are encouraged NOT to work given the rigor associated with completing degree requirements.
Accelerated entry-level baccalaureate and master's programs in nursing are appropriately geared to individuals who have already proven their ability to succeed at a senior college or university. Having already completed a bachelor's degree, many second-degree students are attracted to the fast-track master's program as the natural next step in their higher education.
Accelerated Entry-Level Program Graduates
The typical second-degree nursing student is motivated, older, and has higher academic expectations than traditional entry-level nursing students. Accelerated students excel in class and are eager to gain clinical experiences. Faculty find them to be excellent learners who are not afraid to challenge their instructors.
Graduates of accelerated entry-level programs are prized by nurse employers who value the many layers of skill and education these graduates bring to the workplace. Employers report that these graduates are more mature, possess strong clinical skills, and are quick studies on the job.
AACN's 2014 survey found that 16,935 students were enrolled in accelerated baccalaureate programs, which represents only a slight increase from 2013 when 16,921 students were enrolled. The number of program graduates has increased from 10,584 in 2013 to 11,080 in 2014 (up 4.7%). In entry-level master's nursing programs, 6,219 students were enrolled and 2,325 students graduated in 2014. By comparison, in 2013, there were 5,930 students enrolled and 2,162 graduates from these programs.
Given their experience and level of educational achievement, many graduates of entry-level master's programs are being encouraged to pursue roles as nurse educators to help stem the growing shortage of nurse faculty.
Supporting Accelerated Entry-Level Programs
Financial aid for students enrolled in accelerated entry-level baccalaureate and master's programs in nursing is limited. Many practice settings are partnering with schools and offering tuition repayment to graduates as a mechanism to recruit highly qualified nurses.
Hospitals, health care systems, and other practice settings are encouraged to form partnerships with schools offering accelerated entry-level programs to remove the student's financial burden in exchange for a steady stream of new nurse recruits. Nurse employers including Tenet Healthcare, Carondelet Health Network, University of Missouri Health Care, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Duke University Health System, and many others are actively supporting the development and growth of accelerated entry-level baccalaureate programs in nursing.
Legislators on the state and federal levels are encouraged to increase scholarship and grant funding for these programs that produce entry-level nurses faster than any other basic nursing education program. These programs are ideal career transition vehicles for those segments of the labor force impacted by fluctuations in the economy.
Information shared here taken from the AACN's NursingCAS Quick Start Guide. For more detailed information and FAQs, we encourage you to check out that page.
What is NursingCAS?
Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) is an online application designed to simplify the nursing school admissions process by enabling students to apply to multiple programs with one, electronic application. NursingCAS is a service of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) that allows prospective students to discover and apply to associate degree, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs offered by participating nursing schools.
- Visit the program directory to find out more about participating programs and their admissions requirements.
- Start your application.
How long does the application process take?
It's important you apply as early as possible since completing your application can be a lengthy process, and since application processing times vary throughout the cycle. Below is a suggested timeline that includes key actions to keep the application process on track. This timeline may need to be adjusted based on your programs' deadlines and requirements.
Timeline |
Key Actions |
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6 Weeks Before the Deadline |
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5 Weeks Before the Deadline |
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3 Weeks Before the Deadline |
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2 Weeks Before the Deadline |
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1 Weeks Before the Deadline |
Continue monitoring your application. If your program requires that your coursework be verified, note the following: |
After Deadline |
Download a copy of your application for your records. |
Information shared here taken from the AACN's NursingCAS Application Cycle Dates page.
Dates for the 2023-2024 Cycle
These dates are for the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, and Spring 2025 terms.
Application Milestone |
Date and Time |
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The NursingCAS application cycle opens. |
August 10, 2023 |
The NursingCAS application cycle closes. The last date you can:
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January 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET |
The last date your transcripts and official test scores are matched to your application. Be sure to request your transcripts and official test scores in advance so they are received by this date. If you submitted updated coursework during the Academic Update (AU) periods, this is the last date your updated transcripts are matched to your application. |
February 13, 2025 at 5 PM ET |
The last date your references can submit their references. If you used the Professional Transcript Entry (PTE) service, this is the last date you can approve your PTE. |
February 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET |
If you are in the Undelivered status, this is the last date you can re-submit your application. |
February 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET |
The last date you can be verified. All application processing ends. |
February 21, 2025 at 5 PM ET |
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