Colorado offers multiple nursing pathways - from CNA certificates to graduate NP programs - through community colleges, public universities, and private schools. Licensure is managed by the Colorado Board of Nursing and requires passing the appropriate NCLEX. Prospective students should prioritize accredited programs, confirm clinical requirements, and check current regional job projections before choosing a pathway.

Why choose nursing in Colorado

Nursing remains a practical career for people who want to help others and work in health care. Colorado offers a range of training options - from short certificate programs to graduate-level degrees - and employers across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care continue to hire nurses.

Typical education pathways

Nursing has multiple entry points. Common pathways in Colorado include:

  • Certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs - short, skills-focused certificate courses.
  • Licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) programs - often 12-18 months and prepare students for the NCLEX-PN.
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - two-year programs that prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as a registered nurse (RN).
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - four-year degree; many employers prefer or require BSNs for hospital nursing roles.
  • Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) - for nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse educators, and leadership roles.
Programs are available at public universities, community colleges, technical schools, and private institutions. Many schools now offer hybrid or online coursework combined with in-person clinical rotations.

Licensure and accreditation

Colorado nursing licensure is regulated by the Colorado Board of Nursing. RNs and LPNs/LVNs take the appropriate NCLEX exam (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN) to become licensed in the state.

Choose programs accredited by recognized bodies (for example CCNE or ACEN for pre-licensure nursing programs) so graduates are eligible for licensure and employer credentialing.

Job outlook and where to start

Hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, and long-term care are major employers for nurses. Many regions in Colorado report steady demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses, but demand varies by specialty and location (urban vs. rural). [[CHECK: Confirm current BLS or Colorado Department of Labor projections for RN employment growth and regional shortages]]

If you are starting out:

  1. Decide the level you want (CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN/DNP).
  1. Confirm program accreditation and clinical placement support.
  1. Review Colorado Board of Nursing licensure requirements early.
  1. Consider local community colleges for cost-effective ADN/BSN pathways and public universities for BSN and graduate degrees.

Practical notes

Clinical hours, background checks, immunizations, and drug screens are common requirements for nursing programs. Costs, financial aid, and program length vary widely, so compare schools carefully.

Colorado historically has a diverse higher-education landscape (public universities, private colleges, and vocational schools), which means many program choices - but availability and accreditation can change over time. [[CHECK: Verify current list of accredited nursing programs in Colorado and status of specific private institutions]]

  1. Confirm current Bureau of Labor Statistics or Colorado Department of Labor projections for RN employment growth and regional shortages in Colorado.
  2. Verify the up-to-date list of accredited nursing programs in Colorado (CCNE/ACEN accredited) and the operational status of specific private institutions mentioned in older sources.

FAQs about Nursing Programs Colorado

What exam do I need to become a licensed nurse in Colorado?
To become an LPN/LVN you must pass the NCLEX-PN; to become an RN you must pass the NCLEX-RN. The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees licensure applications and requirements.
Should I get an ADN or a BSN in Colorado?
An ADN is a faster, often less expensive route to become an RN; a BSN is increasingly preferred by hospitals and required for many leadership and specialty roles. Consider employer requirements and future education plans when choosing.
How can I find accredited nursing programs in Colorado?
Search the Colorado Board of Nursing and national accreditors such as CCNE and ACEN to confirm program accreditation and eligibility for licensure.
Do nursing programs require clinical hours?
Yes. Most pre-licensure and graduate nursing programs require supervised clinical hours in health-care settings, and schools commonly arrange or assist with placements.
Are online nursing programs available in Colorado?
Many schools offer online coursework or hybrid formats, but in-person clinical training is still required for licensure and must be completed locally.

News about Nursing Programs Colorado

Education funding chaos weighs on Colorado community and rural colleges - The Colorado Sun [Visit Site | Read More]

CMU Nursing Program Embarks on First International Clinicals in Panama - Colorado Mesa University [Visit Site | Read More]

Why a federal student loan proposal has Colorado nurses worried - Colorado Public Radio [Visit Site | Read More]

CU Anschutz College of Nursing Launches New Midwifery Program - CU Anschutz newsroom [Visit Site | Read More]