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97%
97% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (TBSN Class of 2024)
Fast track your nursing career
Ready to make a lasting impact in healthcare?
At Research College of Nursing (RCoN), we prepare students to be practice-ready in just two years, equipping them to join the next generation of professional nurses.
Since 1905, RCoN has upheld a legacy of excellence in nursing education, empowering graduates to thrive as critical thinkers, compassionate caregivers, and healthcare innovators. Through our partnership with HCA Midwest Health, students gain hands-on experience delivering patient-centered care within Kansas City’s largest healthcare network.
Our commitment to every nursing student begins with exceptional faculty mentors, who guide and support their journey every step of the way. Clinical placements are provided in leading hospitals and community health organizations, ensuring real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Additionally, RCoN proudly offers the region’s largest Dedicated Education Unit program, spanning six hospitals, where students train one-on-one with experienced staff nurses, developing advanced clinical skills and building a strong professional identity.
Start your nursing journey with confidence—where will your passion take you?
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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
Estimate your costs
Earning your BSN can be realistic and affordable. Exclusively at RCoN, the HCA Midwest Health Work Loan Forgiveness program covers a substantial percentage of tuition for eligible BSN students, 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 semester. Please note rates and tuition are subject to change.
| Junior Year (for students entering August 2025) | Senior Year(for students entering August 2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition $20,223.00 | Tuition $20,223.00 |
| Fees $2,050.00 | Fees $2,050.00 |
| HCA Work Loan Forgiveness ($15,167.26) | HCA Work Loan Forgiveness ($15,167.26) |
| Your Cost $7,105.74 | Your Cost $7,105.74 |
Earn your BSN in two years
There are many paths to becoming a nurse, but you don't need a CNA, LPN, or ADN to start your journey toward a BSN at RCoN. Our BSN program is designed to unlock higher earning potential and career advancement, empowering aspiring registered nurses (RNs) to achieve their dreams.
You have the freedom to complete the first 60 credit hours of prerequisites at any regionally accredited college or university that suits you best. Most students wrap up these prerequisites in about two years, often at a community college, and then transfer to RCoN for their final two years of nursing curriculum. Our graduates are not only well-prepared to ace the NCLEX-RN licensure exam but also become top contenders for some of the most sought-after nursing positions.
We're here to cheer you on every step of the way! Our friendly admissions team is ready to answer any questions about transfer credits before you dive into your prerequisite courses.
At Research College of Nursing, success begins before graduation. Many of our students secure RN job offers early, and an impressive 100% of our nursing graduates are employed in their field within six months of earning their degree. These dedicated nurses embark on fulfilling careers that make a difference every day. Discover why more than 6,000 nurses have chosen Research College of Nursing for an education that leads to a meaningful and life-changing profession.
Come for Your Degree - Stay for Your Career
At Research College of Nursing, you don’t just earn a degree—you build a future. As part of the HCA Healthcare family, our students gain early access to networking opportunities with nursing leaders across Kansas City. With a campus connected to Research Medical Center, students experience cutting-edge, specialized care environments just steps from the classroom.
The possibilities in nursing are limitless. Our graduates have gone on to ICU, oncology, behavioral health, community health, nursing research, executive leadership, and beyond. Your nursing journey starts here—where will it take you?
See Traditional BSN Pre-requisites
View Sample Traditional BSN Plan of Study
Review Traditional BSN Admission Criteria
Why nurses and employers trust RCoN
Name: Rylie
Completed Pre-reqs at: Johnson County Community College
Why RCoN: I chose RCoN because the environment was unlike any other nursing school I visited, it truly feels like one big supportive family which means the world. The faculty and staff are all exceptional, they care about their students and their success.
Advice for future nursing students: Dig deep and reflect on why they want to be a nurse, knowing your purpose and passion really helps when the days are hard! I love RCoN and I hope you will too!
Name: Jared
Completed Pre-reqs at: MCC-Longview
Why RCoN: I choose to Research because of the great name it has in the community. I knew I was going to get a real quality education and be able to care for my patients adequately and safely. I’ve been an aide in hospice for 8 years, but you’re really restricted in your role of caring as a CNA – you get to provide more care and be there for the patient when you elevate yourself to the role of an RN.
Advice for future nursing students: Students should choose RCoN because of the amazing opportunities. This is the only nursing school in Kansas City that has access to all the HCA hospitals. The other schools can come and do clinical, but we have the inside scoop. There was one day we came to class and our teachers said, “We’re going upstairs to shadow for a day!” No other school can just go upstairs to a floor and see patients because they don’t have that close connection that Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center have.
100% employment rate
$188k+ scholarship funds awarded through The Research Foundation
Small class/clinical sizes