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.
Starting before August 26? You will take Chemistry as your required prerequisite course.
Starting on or after August 26? You’ll take Pathophysiology as your required course.
For students pursuing the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the following Liberal Arts & Sciences prerequisites are required:
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Chemistry with lab
- 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
- Chemistry with lab
- Anatomy & Physiology with lab*
- Microbiology w/ 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 anticipated start date.
- Next step: Register on the ATI Testing website.
Step 2: Start Your Application
Create your account in NursingCAS. This is where you will submit official transcripts from prior colleges and select your RCoN program. When searching for Research College of Nursing, be sure to select the correct designation based upon your start date:
- Select “Spring” if applying for Fast Track or ABSN (May start)
- Select “Fall” if you’re applying for the TBSN (August start)
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 | June 1 (August start) |
| ABSN and Fast Track | Class of 2027 | Nov. 16th (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)2 years: 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
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.
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



