Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit Jesuit institution located in the heart of Kansas City. Its Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is the oldest nursing school in the region, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate pathways. Students can pursue a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a 16-month hybrid Accelerated BSN for those with existing degrees, or an online RN-to-BSN track. The traditional program typically requires 120 credit hours, split between 60 hours of prerequisites and 60 hours of professional nursing coursework.

The curriculum prioritizes hands-on experience, beginning with intensive laboratory work in the Seelos Simulation Center before moving to local clinical sites. Students in the accelerated track complete approximately 583 clinical hours, while traditional students engage in rotations across the Saint Luke’s Health System, gaining exposure to acute care, pediatrics, and mental health. This clinical rigor is a primary factor in the program's success, with graduates consistently achieving first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates near 100%.

Rockhurst distinguishes itself through a commitment to the "cura personalis" (care for the whole person) philosophy, integrating ethics and leadership into every course. Compared to other Kansas City programs, Rockhurst is noted for its smaller class sizes and deep-rooted affiliations with premier regional hospitals, providing a clear path from education to professional practice.