Your Roadmap to Nursing School
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.
Step 1: Complete the College Application
Submit your college application to begin the admissions process.
Step 2: Discuss Your Plan With a Recruitment Coordinator
We’ll go over your goals, discuss program options, evaluate transfer credits, and help you create a personalized plan for admission. We will review the required coursework so you know what outstanding prerequisite courses will need to be completed before submitting your nursing application. See the full list here.
Step 3: Complete the TEAS Assessment
All applicants must complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This assessment evaluates your academic readiness for nursing school.
- Minimum score: Proficient Academic Preparedness
- Must be taken within 24 months of application submission
- Register through the ATI website
Step 4: Complete Your Nursing Application
Once you’ve successfully completed a minimum of 45 prerequisite credit hours and TEAS assessment, you’re ready to submit your nursing program application. Your Recruitment Coordinator will guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way.
Step 5: Submit Your Official Transcripts
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please note that your application is not reviewed until all official transcripts have been received.
| Program | 2027 Start Dates | 2027 Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN and LPN-BSN Pathway | January 11 & August 30 | November 1 (Jan start) & July 23 (Aug start) |
| ABSN and Fast Track | January 11 & May 10 | November 1 (Jan start) & April 2 (May start) |
Program Requirements
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
Choose Your Pathway to Practice
RCoN creates streamlined flexible paths built around your goals. every path 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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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.
- 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
We’re here to help you become an amazing nurse, every step of the way. Reach out any time.
Contact Admissions