Rockhurst University's Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Kansas City, Missouri. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on simulation labs, and clinical placements with Kansas City's largest health systems to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and a career as a registered nurse. Students can enter through several pathways, including freshman direct entry, transfer, and current-student admission.
New Cohorts Every Fall & Spring
Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences has trained community-minded healthcare professionals in Kansas City for more than 115 years, building strong clinical and networking connections across the region. High school and transfer students pursuing a nursing career can earn their BSN through this proven program — and put those same connections to work advancing their own careers.
Rockhurst is proud to offer 96 seats in our BSN program each fall and spring. Qualified students can gain entry to the program starting in their first year at RU or as transfer students after completing two years at another institution.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare is the fastest-growing sector in the U.S. economy, projected to grow 8.4% and add roughly 2 million jobs between 2024 and 2034 — the most of any of the 20 sectors BLS tracks. That's almost three times faster than the overall economy's projected 3.1% growth rate.
Rockhurst's affiliations with the largest and most prestigious healthcare systems in Kansas City provide invaluable opportunities to find nursing jobs that meet that need. The first step is applying. Questions? Just ask!
RU Nursing School Fast Facts
- Tuition – $22,995 before financial aid and scholarships per undergraduate semester (12-18 hours)
- Duration – Can be completed in 3-4 years
- Delivery Format – On campus in Kansas City with some online classes
- Concentrations – Comprehensive instruction, though specialty classes like maternal-child nursing, gerontology, mental health, and pharmacology are included
- Curriculum – See our BSN course catalog
- Start Dates – Fall (August) and Spring (January) semesters
- Accreditation – CCNE
Why do nursing students choose Rockhurst University?
- Great financial aid, work-study, and scholarships available
- Low faculty-to-student ratio, making sure you get the attention you deserve
- 1:1 faculty-to-student ratio for NCLEX success coaching
- Rockhurst exemplifies all that a Jesuit education has to offer – the highest caliber of academics, leadership and service to others. This is the foundation upon which RU, as one of the 27 Jesuit institutions nationwide, builds its experience.
- A campus located in the heart of Kansas City, close to the Country Club Plaza, shopping, nightlife and restaurants.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition discount per credit hour for BJC/Saint Luke's Health System employees and area colleges
- Several different pathways to a nursing degree, including Freshman Direct Entry, high school, current RU student admission for junior-level classes, and transfer.
Nursing Program Career Outcomes
- Students are educated as nurse generalists to provide high-quality, safe, and evidence-based practice to representative populations in a variety of settings.
- Graduates are prepared with a liberal arts education for the role of the professional nurse, which encompasses thoughtful leadership, compassionate service, scholarship, and lifelong learning.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
School Nurse
Travel Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
ICU Nurse
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse
ER Nurse
Course Map
Degree and class descriptions and requirements can be found by clicking on the course catalog listings below:
Popular Courses
This course introduces students to the theoretical concepts of health assessment techniques, differentiation of normal and abnormal findings, and health promotion. Students will have the opportunity to utilize health assessment techniques in the laboratory setting.
This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process.
This course provides introduction, assessment and clinical recommendations related to life supportive measures in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and National Institutes of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS). Successful completion of the course offers certification in NIHSS certification.
This course provides students with the opportunity to comprehensively apply and integrate synthesized theoretical and clinical experiences from previous nursing courses into a capstone experience. A primary emphasis in this course is placed on personal growth and preparation for a successful transition to practice as a baccalaureate-prepared nurse.
Degree Info
- Experience a mix of learning on campus and online, with several hands-on, lab-oriented courses to test your skills
- Engage in nursing school courses rooted in a wide range of areas in human life and medical health needs, including maternal-child nursing, gerontology, mental health, and pharmacology
- Apply your humanistic and critical thinking skills in Nursing Leadership and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
- Complete clinical rotations at one or more of 16 Saint Luke's Hospitals throughout the KC region
- Pursue a capstone placement in a network that includes a majority of Kansas City metro hospitals, along with opportunities for paid capstone placements within the Saint Luke's system
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a BSN at Rockhurst University?
The traditional BSN program can be completed in three to four years, depending on course load and whether you enter as a freshman direct-entry student or a transfer student.
What's the fastest way to become a registered nurse?
An Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is typically the quickest path to becoming an RN. Rockhurst offers an Accelerated BSN pathway alongside its traditional four-year BSN for qualified students with prior college coursework.
How much does the BSN program cost?
Tuition is $22,995 per semester (12–18 credit hours) before financial aid and scholarships. Rockhurst also offers work-study, scholarships, and tuition discounts for Saint Luke's Health System employees and area college partners.
What's the difference between an ADN and a BSN?
An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) usually takes about two years, while a BSN takes three to four years and includes additional coursework in leadership, research, and community health. Rockhurst offers an RN-BSN bridge for nurses who already hold an ADN and want to advance their degree.
Is Rockhurst's nursing program accredited?
Yes. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
When can I start the nursing program?
Rockhurst admits new cohorts twice a year — Fall (August) and Spring (January) — with 96 seats available each term.
What jobs can I get with a BSN from Rockhurst?
Graduates go on to careers as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, school nurses, travel nurses, pediatric nurses, NICU and ICU nurses, psychiatric/mental health nurses, and ER nurses, among other specialties.
Are classes fully in-person, or is there an online option?
Coursework is primarily delivered on Rockhurst's Kansas City campus, with some classes offered online for added flexibility.
STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING
In 2022, Rockhurst reopened the oldest building on campus, Sedgwick Hall, after a $23 million renovation to transform it into a state-of-the-art health sciences hub. The newly renovated academic hall includes:
- Seelos Simulation Center with interactive medical manikins, fully functioning medical equipment and observation rooms.
- Health assessment and skills practice labs.
- 100-person learning studio and event space.
- Study spaces, debrief rooms, student lounges and more!
This new facility gives students in Rockhurst’s nursing and health sciences programs access to hands-on learning that enhances their education and perfects their skills before they begin clinical work.
Nursing Program Goals
- Prepare the graduate for the role of the professional nurse.
- Provide an environment of trust, student engagement, and academic support. Provide high-quality nursing education.
- Promote a culture of safety.
- Integrate students into clinical practice and transition them into nursing culture.
- Increase the diversity of the student population with an emphasis on cultural awareness.
- Be a leader in the NCLEX board pass rate for the region.
- Provide population-focused education to produce graduates who provide efficient, effective health care.
- Create an innovative, cutting-edge environment for nursing students in this fast-changing field of health care.
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