Private nursing college in Kansas City affiliated with Research Medical Center and HCA Healthcare since 1905.
Research College of Nursing specializes exclusively in nursing education, offering multiple Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways to accommodate diverse student backgrounds. Programs include the Accelerated BSN (1 year, requires non-nursing bachelor's degree), Fast Track BSN (1 year, no prior degree required, 3.25+ GPA), Traditional BSN (18 months with prerequisite completion), and specialized tracks for high school students and those completing prerequisites. The college discontinued its Master of Science in Nursing program in December 2024. All programs emphasize clinical mastery, professional leadership, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam through hands-on, 100% on-site learning.
The college operates from a newly constructed 78,000-square-foot campus at 2110 East Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, completed in 2026 with a $34.5 million investment. Facilities include six hospital-grade simulation suites, specialized home health labs, high-fidelity clinical skills labs with Elevate Juno simulators, MetaQuest VR headsets for immersive training, collaborative classrooms with digital displays, a Student Success Center offering tutoring and writing services, a Student Lounge with kitchen facilities, and secure study spaces. The Goods Bank and Scrubs Bank provide material support to ensure student success. Students benefit from partnerships with HCA Midwest Health for clinical experience and career opportunities.
Admissions are rolling and flexible, with multiple entry points throughout the year. The college offers one-on-one advising, campus tours, and virtual meetings to guide prospective students through requirements and financial aid options. Applicants can schedule visits to experience the state-of-the-art facilities and meet with recruitment coordinators. The college welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds and life stages, with prerequisite completion available through any accredited college or university before transferring to RCoN.
Research College of Nursing reports 100% graduate employment within 6 months of graduation. Graduates pursue diverse nursing careers including clinical roles (Medical-Surgical, ICU, Emergency, Labor and Delivery, Pediatrics), community and leadership positions, and advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Nurse Educator. The college provides comprehensive student support services including tutoring, writing assistance, and access to the Student Success Center. Alumni network spans local, national, and international healthcare settings, with notable graduates including US Army Major Sean Riley (BSN '01).