Capella University

Capella University offers a comprehensive range of online nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), designed for busy professionals seeking career advancement. Programs are structured to provide flexibility and quality education, allowing students to earn their degree on their schedule while gaining skills needed for today's healthcare environment.

Programs Offered

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
  • Total cost: $46,800
  • Program duration: 42 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework
• MSN — Nurse Educator
  • Total cost: $27,000
  • Program duration: 30 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework
• MSN — Nursing Leadership
  • Total cost: $27,000
  • Program duration: 30 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework
• RN to BSN (FlexPath)
  • Total cost: $10,400
  • Program duration: 18 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework
  • Recommended minimum GPA: 2.8 (4.0 scale)
  • Requires 45 transferable college credits plus an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing
• RN to BSN (GuidedPath)
  • Total cost: $19,800
  • Program duration: 24 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework
  • Minimum GPA: 2.0 (4.0 scale)
• RN to MSN
  • Total cost: $32,400
  • Program duration: 36 months
  • Graduation rate: 58%
  • Fully online, asynchronous coursework

Admissions

• Applicants must hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution and possess a current, unrestricted RN license.
• No TEAS or HESI exam requirements.
• RN-to-BSN (GuidedPath): Minimum GPA of 2.0 (4.0 scale).
• RN-to-BSN (FlexPath): Recommended minimum GPA of 2.8 (4.0 scale). Applicants with GPAs below 2.8 may still be considered if they meet specific criteria (e.g., 100 transfer credits).

Schedule & Format

• All nursing programs are fully online with asynchronous coursework. Practicum or hands-on components (e.g., skills labs or clinicals) are completed locally in the student’s community.
• Two online learning formats:
  • FlexPath: Self-paced, allowing students to set their own deadlines and complete as many courses as desired per 12-week billing session. No courseroom discussions.
  • GuidedPath: Structured format with fixed weekly deadlines, up to three classes per 10-week quarter, and weekly discussions with instructor feedback.
• BSN (Prelicensure) combines online coursework with 550 supervised clinical hours and two in-person skills labs.

Why Choose Capella University

• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education.
• Graduates are eligible for professional licensure and credits are transferable to graduate programs.
• Employers, particularly hospitals pursuing Magnet Recognition, strongly prefer graduates from accredited programs.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects approximately 189,100 RN job openings annually through 2034, with a median annual wage of $93,600 as of May 2024.
• Nurses with a BSN typically earn 10–20% more than those with an associate degree and are prepared for advanced practice roles.

What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

• Accreditation: Ensure the program holds programmatic accreditation from CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a key indicator of program quality. The national average is approximately 87–89%.
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations ensure diverse, high-quality hands-on experience.
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success.
• Career Placement: Some schools maintain partnerships with healthcare employers to facilitate hiring of new graduates.