Top LPN to BSN Programs near Denver, CO
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Denver, Colorado, are in a prime location to take the next step in their nursing careers. With healthcare needs growing rapidly along the Front Range, especially in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, there is a strong demand for highly trained Registered Nurses (RNs). LPN to BSN programs offer an accelerated pathway for LPNs to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), opening the door to broader job opportunities, higher salaries, and leadership roles in patient care.
In 2025, Colorado’s emphasis on elevating healthcare standards has made BSN-prepared nurses more competitive than ever. According to the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, the state continues to advocate for academic progression in nursing, aligning with national goals set by the AACN and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). For LPNs in the Mile High City, local programs offer flexible learning formats, strong clinical partnerships, and supportive pathways to help meet this demand. Whether transitioning to hospital-based roles or preparing for graduate-level study, these programs serve as a crucial bridge for nurses aspiring to higher levels of practice.
Top LPN to BSN Programs Near Denver, CO in 2025
Community College of Denver
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ccd.edu
Bachelor's - LPN-BSN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Community College of Denver's LPN-BSN Bridge Program stands out as Colorado's first of its kind, offering Licensed Practical Nurses a streamlined route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. By maximizing transfer credits, the program efficiently reduces both time and cost for students. It focuses on enhancing clinical judgment, leadership, and comprehensive healthcare knowledge, equipping graduates for broader roles in nursing. With a curriculum that stresses quality care, professionalism, and critical thinking, students are prepared to meet the demands of diverse healthcare settings. Notably, the program is eligible for federal financial aid, aligning with its goal to support career advancement in a field with a projected 6% employment growth and a median RN salary of $86,900 annually.
- First LPN-BSN bridge program in Colorado
- 120 total credit program
- Maximizes practical nursing credits
- Develops leadership skills
- Supports career advancement
- Federal financial aid eligible
- Employment growth projected 6%
- Median RN salary $86,900 annually
Why Earn a BSN in Denver?
Denver stands out as a hub for healthcare innovation, housing renowned institutions like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Denver Health, and National Jewish Health. As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., the city is also experiencing a rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Earning a BSN in this region means access to:
- Robust Clinical Experiences: Many programs partner with local health systems, providing hands-on training in top-tier facilities.
- Job Market Demand: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment projects sustained growth in RN positions, especially those requiring BSN-level education.
- Higher Earning Potential: BSN-prepared nurses in Denver earn significantly more than their LPN counterparts.
- Specialization Opportunities: A BSN opens doors to specialties like ICU, pediatrics, oncology, informatics, and public health nursing, many of which are in high demand across Denver.
In addition, many healthcare employers across the Denver metro area are moving toward a BSN-preferred hiring model, particularly for positions in magnet-designated hospitals, leadership tracks, and community outreach programs.
What to Expect from an LPN to BSN Program
LPN to BSN bridge programs are designed to build on existing clinical expertise while expanding a nurse’s academic foundation. These programs are ideal for working professionals who want to move into roles with more responsibility and higher compensation.
Most programs in or near Denver:
- Award a full BSN degree upon completion
- Prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam
- Accept transfer credit or advanced standing for prior LPN coursework and clinical experience
- Offer flexible schedules with part-time, evening, or hybrid formats
Typical program lengths range from 18 to 36 months, depending on part-time or full-time enrollment. Many programs also offer accelerated pathways for students who can commit to a more intensive study schedule. Admission requirements usually include an active LPN license, official transcripts, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0), and prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition.
Some schools include simulation labs and case-based learning experiences that enhance students' ability to handle complex clinical scenarios. Others embed public health and community-based rotations to prepare students for holistic and culturally responsive care.
Online and Hybrid Options
For working LPNs, online or hybrid BSN pathways offer essential flexibility. While Colorado schools offer limited fully online LPN to BSN programs, a growing number of nationally accredited universities are expanding access to Denver-based students.
- Clinical placements arranged locally in the Denver area
- Fully online didactic coursework using asynchronous or blended formats
- Flexible start dates and pacing to accommodate working professionals
However, it is important to verify that the program is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing and that clinical sites meet licensure and accreditation standards. Students should also confirm that any out-of-state institution maintains NCLEX-RN pass rates that meet or exceed the state average.
Online programs may appeal to LPNs balancing full-time employment or family obligations. While these programs are often longer due to part-time pacing, they offer unmatched scheduling convenience.
Admissions Tips for Denver-Area LPNs
Applying to an LPN to BSN program in the Denver area requires thoughtful preparation. Competitive programs receive more applications than they can accept, so early preparation can help applicants stand out.
Here are several steps to take:
- Complete Prerequisites: Most programs require general education coursework in subjects like anatomy, chemistry, sociology, and English composition.
- Verify Licensure: Ensure the Colorado LPN license is active and in good standing with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
- Prepare for TEAS or HESI: These entrance exams evaluate academic readiness in subjects such as reading comprehension, science, and math.
- Gather Recommendations: Secure strong letters from supervisors, clinical preceptors, or academic faculty who can speak to clinical skills and commitment.
- Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Explain motivations for pursuing a BSN and highlight professional experiences and future goals.
- Apply Early: Some programs have rolling admissions, while others use firm deadlines. Either way, early applications often receive priority.
Denver-based community colleges and universities often offer informational sessions or webinars for prospective applicants. Attending these sessions can clarify expectations and strengthen the application strategy.
Career Outlook for BSN-Prepared Nurses in Denver
Denver's expanding healthcare sector makes it an ideal place for BSN-prepared RNs. The region’s high population growth, aging demographics, and focus on preventative care continue to fuel the demand for skilled nurses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% through 2032. In Colorado, RNs with BSNs are increasingly preferred for roles in critical care, case management, care coordination, and community health.
Denver's largest employers of BSN-prepared nurses include:
- UCHealth – Colorado's largest health system with multiple hospitals and specialty clinics across the region.
- SCL Health/St. Joseph Hospital – Known for integrating faith-based care with advanced medical services.
- Children’s Hospital Colorado – A regional leader in pediatric nursing and family-centered care.
- Denver Health Medical Center – A safety-net provider offering a wide range of services to underserved populations.
BSN-prepared nurses are also increasingly sought after in outpatient care centers, home health agencies, schools, and public health departments. Leadership roles such as nurse manager, quality coordinator, and clinical educator are typically reserved for those with a BSN or higher.
Making the Leap: Is Now the Right Time?
There has never been a more strategic moment for LPNs in the Denver area to advance their careers through a BSN. With the city’s emphasis on evidence-based care, innovation, and inclusivity, LPN to BSN programs are designed to meet both workforce needs and individual goals.
Graduates emerge with enhanced clinical judgment, leadership competencies, and a foundation for lifelong learning. Whether the next step involves a hospital-based role, work in the community, or preparation for graduate school, the BSN lays a versatile and respected foundation.
Denver's unique blend of urban opportunity and supportive healthcare networks ensures that LPNs pursuing a BSN are well-positioned for long-term success. Choosing the right program is the first step toward building a career that is not only professionally fulfilling but deeply impactful to the communities served.
Sources
- Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nurses
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Colorado Board of Nursing
- Institute of Medicine: The Future of Nursing
- AACN on LPN to BSN Pathways
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