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100%
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (ABSN Class of 2022)
Reimagine your future in nursing
Are you ready to start a new career in nursing and make a bigger impact? Find success in our community designed exclusively for nursing and together we can build healthier tomorrows. Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is the region’s largest, and longest running, single-purpose nursing institution, ranked #1 in Kansas City, Missouri by Nursing Schools Almanac's 2022 report.
RCoN’s ABSN students build on knowledge from their previous bachelor’s degree while learning to provide patient-centered care with Kansas City’s largest network and recognized leader in healthcare – HCA Midwest Health. Students have more access to a variety of clinical experiences and more networking opportunities to fast track their new career in nursing.
You will see our commitment to each nursing student begins with exceptional nursing faculty who serve as mentors and coaches throughout your nursing career. Clinical placement is provided for you within Kansas City’s leading hospitals and community health partners.
RCoN proudly offer the region’s largest Dedicated Education Unit program that spans six hospitals. This clinical learning model pairs you one-on-one with a staff nurse for a more in-depth learning experience, with opportunities to develop your clinical skills and build a professional nursing identity.
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#1
Most Trusted Profession
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#1
Best nursing school in KCMO
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Up to 75%
Tuition Assistance
Earn your BSN in as little as 12 months
As one of the first to offer an Accelerated BSN in the region, Research College of Nursing helps students pivot from a previous career path into an essential nursing career. While there are several education pathways to becoming a nurse, you do not need to have your CNA, LPN or ADN to begin earning a BSN from RCoN.
Earning your ABSN from RCoN helps open the door to higher earning potential and career advancement for the aspiring registered nurse (RN). In as little as 12 months our graduates are prepared to sit for NCLEX-RN licensure and become top candidates for some of the most competitive nursing roles.
RCoN offers a full-time, on-ground ABSN track designed for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. ABSN students complete three terms of intensive nursing curriculum. Start dates are offered each January and students graduate in December.
See ABSN Pre-Requisites
View Sample ABSN Plan of Study
Review ABSN Admission Criteria
Estimate your costs
Earning your Accelerated BSN can be realistic and affordable. Exclusively at RCoN, the HCA Midwest Health Work Loan Forgiveness program will cover up to 75% tuition for eligible ABSN students. You can take advantage of this tuition assistance in exchange for a two-year work commitment as an RN at an HCA Midwest Health facility. Please visit the loan FAQ page to learn more.
Looking for a ballpark figure? We did the math for you on what to expect per term. Please note rates and tuition are subject to change.
| Term 1 (for students entering January 2024) | Term 2 (for students entering January 2024) | Term 3 (for students entering January 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition $12,840 | Tuition $12,840 | Tuition $12,840 |
| Fees $1,267 | Fees $1,267 | Fees $1,267 |
| HCA Work Loan Forgiveness ($9,630) | HCA Work Loan Forgiveness ($9,630) | HCA Work Loan Forgiveness ($9,630) |
| Your Cost $4,477 | Your Cost $4,477 | Your Cost $4,477 |
Why nurses and employers trust RCoN
Name: Tammy
Bachelor’s Degree(s): Business Management and Psychology from William Jewell College
Why RCoN: I was accepted into the ABSN program back in 2006, but was not able to attend at that time. All these many years later, I still dreamed of becoming a nurse, but honestly thought I was too “old.” With the love, support, encouragement, and prompting from many people in my life, I decided to once again apply to RCoN. I chose Research because of their reputation as one of the top nursing schools, not only in Kansas City, but across the country. My cohort alone has students from Hawaii, Arizona, and New York - just to name a few.
Advice for future ABSN students: My advice would be that if you have a dream, PURSUE IT! You will never regret chasing after your passions. No matter how old you are, or what your circumstances, find what brings you joy. RCoN is definitely that place for me!
Name: Tanner
Bachelor’s Degree: Exercise Science from Truman State University
Why RCoN: I chose the nursing field because I have a passion for taking care of people when they are unable to themselves. My preferred field is acute care nursing, but overall, there are so many jobs you can do in the medical field with a nursing degree. Specifically, I chose Research College of Nursing because of the faculty’s willingness to go the extra mile to help students achieve their goals and succeed.
Advice for future ABSN students: My best advice for incoming students is to take each day one step at a time. Some days will be better than others, but it’s important to remember your reason for choosing nursing and put that at the forefront in order to succeed.
Name: Meredith
Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Oklahoma State
Why RCoN: I chose RCoN because of the program completion rate, NCLEX pass rate, and length of the program. Being someone who decided to change their career path 3 1/2 years into college, I wanted a program that could get me working quickly, while also teaching me what I needed to know. RCoN also has an amazing opportunity with the HCA [Loan] program! Every single faculty member I have encountered has been nothing but genuine and caring about not only my academic success, but me as a person!
Advice for future ABSN students: Nursing is a profession that requires empathy and compassion for others, while also having a passion for health and medicine. Nursing school can seem daunting, but once you find your community, it will be more than doable with the right people around.
100% employment rate
$188k+ scholarship funds awarded through The Research Foundation
Small class/clinical sizes
Many of our ABSN students have RN job offers prior to graduation and 100% of our nursing graduates are employed in their field within six months of graduating. These inspiring nurses dedicate themselves each day to a rewarding career. Hear why more than 6,000 nurses chose Research College of Nursing for a unique and life-changing career opportunity.
Come for your degree stay for your career
Research College of Nursing is part of the HCA Healthcare family, which means our students get early networking opportunities with nursing leaders across the Kansas City area. We share a campus with Research Medical Center which allows nursing students to experience highly specialized state-of-the-art services just steps away from the classroom.
Career opportunities are endless within the nursing profession as many of our graduates have gone on to work in ICU, oncology, behavioral health, community health, nursing research, executive leadership and so much more. Where will your nursing journey lead?