The RCoN admissions process is built on a foundation of support. Our team is dedicated to helping you join one of Kansas City’s most trusted, longest-tenured nursing schools so you can get ready to become part of the nation’s most trusted profession.
Your Roadmap to Nursing School
RCoN uses NursingCAS, a centralized application service, to streamline admission. Follow these three steps to apply.
(Note: If you’re applying to the BSN Early Admit program, review specific admission criteria.)
Complete Required Prerequisites
We’ve designed these sessions to fit your nursing path. You’ll build connections with classmates, complete prerequisites in a focused environment, and stay on track for your future! The following courses will be conducted online and are needed for any student seeking to enter the BSN Program.
For students pursuing the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the following Liberal Arts & Sciences prerequisites are required:
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Anatomy & Physiology with Lab*
- Microbiology with Lab
- Developmental Psychology
- Electives**
*Anatomy & Physiology credits must be earned within five (5) years of applying to the program.
**Block credit will be awarded for the remaining liberal arts course requirements.
For students entering the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Fast Track option, the required general education courses include:
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- College Algebra
- Pathophysiology
- Anatomy & Physiology with Lab*
- Microbiology with Lab
- English Composition I
- English Composition II
- Social Science Elective
- Communication Elective
- Introduction or General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Humanities, Philosophy or Theology
- Electives
*Anatomy & Physiology credits must be earned within five (5) years of applying to the program.
TBSN Admission Requirements
- Cumulative college GPA of 3.0* or higher
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
- ATI TEAS® score at Proficient level or higher
ABSN Admission Requirements
- Cumulative college GPA of 3.0* or higher
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
- ATI TEAS® score at Proficient level or higher
*Will accept a cumulative college GPA of 2.8, if it includes a grade of B– or better in Anatomy & Physiology
Fast Track Admission Requirements
- Cumulative GPA: 3.25 or higher
- Science and math mastery: Grade of B or better in Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and College Algebra
- Foundational success: Grade of C or better in all other prerequisite coursework
- TEAS score: 70% or higher
- Recency: All prerequisites must have been completed in the last five years
Step 1: TEAS Assessment
All applicants must complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This assessment measures your readiness for nursing content in reading, math, science, and English.
- Requirement: A minimum score of “Proficient Academic Preparedness.”
- Timeline: The test must be taken within 24 months of your application submission.
- Next step: Register on the ATI Testing website.
Step 2: Start Your Application
Getting started is easy! Once you connect with our recruitment team, a Recruitment Coordinator will talk with you about your goals to help identify the program and start date that best fit your needs. From there, they’ll guide you through the next steps and provide everything you need to begin your application with confidence.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
We review applications as they’re received, so we encourage you to apply early and beat the deadline.
| Program | Class Year | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Class of 2028 | July 1 (August start) |
| ABSN and Fast Track | Class of 2027 | October 1 (January start) |
How We Help
- Transfer credit reviews: Not sure where you stand? We’ll decipher your transfer credits to help you choose the right BSN path.
- Prerequisite guidance: We’ll identify which courses you need to qualify for the Fast Track and TBSN programs.
- Application support: From testing to applying, we’ll help you ensure your application is strong, complete, and on time.
Results That Speak
Choose Your Pathway to Practice
RCoN creates streamlined, flexible paths built around your goals. Every path is designed to help you achieve success, no matter where you start out.
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Accelerated BSN (ABSN)1 year: Requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
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Fast Track BSN1 year: No prior degree required, 3.25+ GPA
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Traditional BSN (TBSN)18 Months: Focus on mastery after completing prerequisites
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BSN Early AdmitFor high school seniors & college first years
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Nursing for High School StudentsFor high school juniors & seniors
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Pre-NursingComplete your prerequisites
FAQ’s
Learn more about nursing programs, clinical experience, and what to expect as you explore your path at Research College of Nursing.
Research College of Nursing believes hands-on learning is a key part of any nursing education. At RCoN, students gain experience through simulation labs, clinical environments, and direct exposure to healthcare settings through its partnership with HCA Midwest Health. These opportunities are designed to help students apply what they learn in real-world scenarios and transition into clinical roles after graduation.
The best preparation comes from being in real patient care settings. At Research College of Nursing, clinical rotations and simulation training are built into the curriculum, so students are applying what they learn consistently.
The goal isn’t just to graduate, it’s to feel ready to step into a nursing role. Because students train in HCA Midwest Health facilities, they graduate with real clinical experience and professional connections. Many graduates secure jobs within six months, often in the same settings where they completed their clinicals.
If you already have a degree and are ready for a focused, fast-paced path into nursing, the ABSN program can be a strong fit. It combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience in a shorter timeframe.
Yes. Research College of Nursing is aligned with HCA Midwest Health, giving students access to real healthcare environments and experienced clinicians. This connection helps bridge the gap between education and practice and is a core part of the experience at RCoN.
It depends on your starting point. At Research College of Nursing offers several options, if you:
- Already completed your prerequisites, you can start our 18 month Traditional BSN (TBSN) each August on an accelerated timeline.
- Are looking for flexibility, our evening and weekend BSN program is designed for working adults and busy students. Beginning each January, you can earn your degree in 18 months while balancing work, family, and other commitments.
- Want a more balanced pace, our 24 month BSN program starts in January and August, giving you flexibility while earning your degree.
- Don’t have a degree, but have a 3.25+ GPA, you could qualify for our Fast Track BSN.
- Have a bachelors degree and want a faster path, we have the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program.
All of our programs include clinical experience to help you prepare for practice.
Most programs look for a solid academic foundation, often around a 3.0 GPA or higher. Research College of Nursing takes a more complete view of applicants, considering readiness for clinical learning and commitment to the profession. You can review full requirements here.
You can see the full list of prerequisites that RCoN requires here. These prerequisites can be completed at Research College of Nursing, or at any accredited institution before applying.
Research College of nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The BSN program is accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with admissions by phone, virtual meeting or in person to review admission requirements, financial aid options, and program details.
Take advantage of our campus tours to see if RCoN’s nursing-focused community is the right fit for you.
Schedule Today!
Applying to nursing school is a big moment. You don’t have to do it alone. At RCoN, our admissions team can help guide you. A recruitment coordinator will be with you through every step of the enrollment process. We’re here to simplify your journey.
Need a Hand? Contact Admissions
Invest in Your Future
A degree from Research College of Nursing is an investment with immediate returns. Through our partnership with HCA Midwest Health, our students benefit from hands-on clinical placements that often lead directly to employment.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We’re committed to making a top-ranked nursing education affordable, and we’ll work with you to explore your options.
- Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based awards are available to eligible students.
- Federal aid: We can help you navigate the FAFSA process to secure loans and grants.
- HCA Midwest Health Work Loan Forgiveness Program: Get up to 75% of your tuition covered in exchange for a two-year work commitment at HCA Midwest Health.
Tuition Forgiveness
“The tuition forgiveness is incredible and life changing, and the foundation support as well. My mom was like — you’re going to RCoN.”
— Owen Phillips TBSN ’27
Your Campus and Clinical Experience
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Facilities & LaboratoriesHands‑On Learning Spaces
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VisitPlan Your Visit
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Dedicated Education UnitGet Immersive Training
We’re here to help you become an amazing nurse, every step of the way. Reach out any time.
Contact Admissions