Overview of Nursing Schools in Colorado
- There are 34 nursing schools in Colorado. The CCNE accredits 11 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 16 schools in Colorado.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Colorado is between 69.95% and 99.34%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Colorado is between 68.69% and 93.86%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Colorado can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Colorado
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Colorado
Colorado is on its way to becoming one of the most favorable states to practice as a nurse, with the average annual salary of RNs more than $78,000. There are currently more than 52000 registered nurses working in the state of Colorado, and the number is expected to rise to 68,630 by 2028, which means that there is an annual opening of almost 5000 nurses in the state to meet the healthcare needs of the people. RNs in Colorado can choose to work in acute healthcare facilities, long-term care centers, hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, residential homes, trauma centers, and more. The state also has opportunities like school health nursing.
For nurses who have completed their post-graduate degrees and want to practice as Nurse Practitioners, Colorado state has given them a Full Practice authority which means that they can take on the role of primary care providers for the patients. The laws permit all NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. There are currently 3,080 NPs working in Colorado across multiple healthcare facilities, and the number is expected to rise to 4,400 by the year 2028. All of that, paired with the average annual salary of $144,660 for more experienced nurses, make this rocky state a great place to work and live as a Nurse Practitioner comfortably.
Colorado is also one of the states that have implemented the eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact), which allows nurses with a license from another state to practice in Colorado without having to acquire a new license specifically for the state. However, the eNCL is only available for RNs and LPNs, so the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (ARPNS) are required to hold an individual license in Colorado if they wish to practice here.
To meet the apparent gaps in the nursing requirement, Colorado has multiple highly-accredited nursing schools that prepare some of the best nurses in the entire country. Most of these nursing schools are ranked as the top ones nationally, and the graduates' success is proof of that. You can study to become an LPN, RN, NP or get a DNP and Ph.D. as well in Colorado. Some of the best and most prominent nursing schools in Colorado are listed below.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Nursing Programs Offered by Colorado Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 32
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 5
- Nurse Educator: 3
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
Colorado Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Regis University-Choice: 5
- Colorado Christian University: 4
- University of Northern Colorado: 4
- Colorado State University-Pueblo: 4
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional: 3
- Colorado Mesa University – Traditional: 2
- University of Phoenix-Colorado Campus: 1
- University of Colorado College of Nursing (Traditional): 1
- Pikes Peak Community College: 1
- Colorado Northwestern Community College: 1
Colorado RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 17 | 18 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 85.13% | 87.31% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 69.95% to 99.34% | 68.69% to 93.86% |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Colorado
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Colorado and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 11 BSN degree programs in Colorado. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Colorado to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools in Colorado
Front Range Community College-Westminster
Pass Rate
- 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO - 80031
- (303) 404-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 240
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,032
Book and Supplies: $1,460
Percent Received Aid: 64%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,243
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 2,025%
Arapahoe Community College
Colorado Community College System
Pass Rate
- 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO - 80160-9002
- (303) 797-4222
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 109
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,080
Book and Supplies: $2,200
Percent Received Aid: 47%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,118
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Pikes Peak Community College
Pikes Peak Community College Nursing Department
Pass Rate
- 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO - 80906-5498
- (719) 502-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 189
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,981
Book and Supplies: $1,460
Percent Received Aid: 68%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,991
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Metropolitan State University of Denver (TNO)
Pass Rate
- Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave, Denver, CO - 80217-3362
- (303) 556-3058
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.17%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 558
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,021
Book and Supplies: $1,460
Percent Received Aid: 77%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,178
Percent Admitted: 83%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 32%
University of Northern Colorado
Pass Rate
- Carter Hall - Rm 4000, Greeley, CO - 80639
- (970) 351-1890
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.41%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 441
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,666
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,560
Percent Admitted: 88%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Aims Community College
Pass Rate
- 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO - 80634
- (970) 330-8008
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 118
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,826
Book and Supplies: $10,418
Percent Received Aid: 80%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,486
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
Adams State University
Pass Rate
- 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO - 81101
- (719) 587-7011
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.07%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 95
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,680
Book and Supplies: $1,800
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,585
Percent Admitted: 100%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pass Rate
- 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO - 81001-4901
- (719) 549-2100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.47%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, RN to MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 171
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,005
Book and Supplies: $1,854
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,638
Percent Admitted: 94%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
Graduation Rate: 37%
Additional Listings of the Top Colorado Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Colorado Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.70 | Morgan Community College | 6 | ADN |
88.20 | Denver College of Nursing | 7 | ADN |
86.20 | Pueblo Community College | 8 | ADN |
86.00 | Trinidad State Junior College | 9 | ADN |
82.70 | Colorado Northwestern Community College | 10 | ADN |
75.50 | Lamar Community College | 11 | ADN |
72.30 | Otero Junior College | 12 | ADN |
63.20 | Northeastern Junior College | 13 | ADN |
88.53 | Platt College-Aurora | 6 | BSN |
87.73 | Regis University-Choice | 7 | BSN |
86.02 | Colorado Christian University | 8 | BSN |
81.61 | Colorado Mesa University - Traditional | 9 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Colorado
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Colorado
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Colorado and research schools in Colorado offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Colorado Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Colorado RN Licensing Requirements
RN License by Exam
There a few different ways one can obtain licensure in the state of Colorado. One of the easy ways to gain licensure is through the NCLEX examination. Along with a passing score, you also need to provide verification of graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN nursing education program.
RN License by Endorsement
Colorado allows candidates who are licensed from one of the fifty states to gain licensure through endorsement. Colorado is also a member of a nurse license compact in other compact states. The bordering states of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nebraska do not need to get a Colorado license if they take a position there. However, this changes if and when they move to the state. Nurses with license in non-compact states are not authorized to work in Colorado without first getting a new license. Out of state candidates may be required to take a refresher course. This applies to those who do not have a current license or have not taken the NCLEX-RN in the past two years.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who are not licensed in the United States must apply for license by examination. There are some steps that must be completed prior to this. First of all, all candidates need a Healthcare Profession and Science Report. This will determine if their education program meet the equivalent requirements. In countries where English is not the native language, nurses will need to demonstrate English competency.
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821
RN Salaries in Colorado
There is a large expected increase of citizens who are over the age of 65. The healthcare reform will increase the patient load, which will require registered nurses to possess a high level of influence and knowledge of their skill. Hospitals are more likely to hire nurses with a BSN in order to meet the demanding needs of the industry. On average, an RN in Colorado makes more than $68,980.
Colorado Registered Nursing Salaries by City
Bolder, CO has the highest annual wage followed closely by Denver and surrounding area. And Denver, by a very large percentage, has the largest number of employed nurses in Colorado. Hourly salary range is between $31.83 and $39.80.
Area Name | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
Boulder | 2,880 | $39.80 | $82,780 |
Colorado Springs | 5,880 | $36.85 | $76,640 |
Denver | 29,390 | $38.12 | $79,300 |
Eastern and Southern Colorado Area | 1,370 | $31.83 | $66,210 |
Fort Collins | 3,780 | $37.00 | $76,960 |
Grand Junction | 1,860 | $36.62 | $76,160 |
Greeley | 1,220 | $34.49 | $71,730 |
Northwest Colorado Area | 1,870 | $37.89 | $78,810 |
Pueblo | 2,060 | $36.69 | $76,310 |
Southwest Colorado Area | 1,950 | $33.16 | $68,980 |
Colorado Nursing Salaries by Experience Level
Occupation | Employment | 1 to 4 Years | 5 to 9 Years | 10 to 19 Years | 20+ Years |
Nursing Instructors | 1,180 | $29,480.00 | $51,890.00 | $105,580.00 | $146,550.00 |
Registered Nurses | 52,330 | $55,820.00 | $64,580.00 | $90,410.00 | $104,070.00 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 370 | $113,270.00 | $153,390.00 | $202,860.00 | - |
Nurse Midwives | 170 | $71,620.00 | $86,360.00 | $126,600.00 | $145,370.00 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,080 | $73,680.00 | $92,130.00 | $127,890.00 | $144,660.00 |
LPN / LVN | 4,960 | $41,530.00 | $46,610.00 | $60,990.00 | $65,980.00 |
Nursing Assistants | 21,310 | $27,250.00 | $30,170.00 | $38,640.00 | $41,230.00 |
Projected Need for Nurses in Colorado
Occupation | 2018 | 2028 | Change | %Change | Avg. Annual Openings |
LPN / LVN | 5,680 | 6,870 | 1,190 | 21 | 600 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 350 | 460 | 110 | 31.4 | 30 |
Nurse Midwives | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.8 | 10 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,040 | 4,400 | 1,360 | 44.7 | 330 |
Nursing Assistants | 21,730 | 27,120 | 5,390 | 24.8 | 3,280 |
Nursing Instructors | 1,270 | 1,700 | 430 | 33.9 | 170 |
Registered Nurses | 53,000 | 68,630 | 15,630 | 29.5 | 4,810 |