Colorado is one of our nation’s most beautiful states adorned with both breathtaking landscapes and diverse urban centers. It’s also a state that happens to have one of the highest proportions of nursing schools and job opportunities in the state. According to the latest data, the number of nursing jobs in Colorado is projected to climb Rocky Mountain high to nearly 29% vacancy by 2030. To learn how you can access these jobs and take full advantage of the trend, take a look at the sections below.

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado

Rankings help prospective nursing students compare programs and identify those with strong outcomes. The Best Nursing Schools in Colorado rankings are created by Registerednursing.org to guide students in their search. Using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion, this list reflects program performance. https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates improved across Colorado from 2022 to 2024, with the statewide average increasing from 87.22% to 93.42%. Student cohorts remained consistently sized over the three years.

  • 2024: 93.42% average pass rate (2,143 students)
  • 2023: 93.13% average pass rate (2,239 students)
  • 2022: 87.22% average pass rate (2,145 students)

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

BSN and ADN programs in Colorado had similar pass rates, with BSN programs slightly ahead. BSN programs also represented a larger number of students in the dataset.

  • BSN: 92.97% average pass rate (925 students)
  • ADN: 92.46% average pass rate (611 students)

Top Performing Schools

The three highest-ranked schools all maintained average pass rates above 96%, with Front Range Community College leading. Each school included at least 132 students across three years of data.

  • Front Range Community College: 98.57% (421 students)
  • Pikes Peak State College: 97.37% (304 students)
  • Colorado Mountain College: 96.99% (132 students)

Biggest Improvements

Three schools posted the largest gains in average pass rate between their earliest and latest reported years, all improving by more than nine percentage points. Colorado Christian University showed the highest increase at 10.18 points.

  • Colorado Christian University: +10.18 (86.96% to 97.14%)
  • University of Northern Colorado: +9.65 (85.45% to 95.10%)
  • Colorado Mesa University: +9.42 (85.38% to 94.80%)

Geographic Trends

Colorado Springs had the highest average pass rate among the largest cities, while Denver produced the most nursing graduates. Littleton also posted a strong average pass rate above 96%.

  • Denver: 92.82% (585 students)
  • Colorado Springs: 99.32% (148 students)
  • Greeley: 94.86% (136 students)
  • Pueblo: 88.43% (121 students)
  • Littleton: 96.34% (82 students)
#1

Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO - Public 4-Year - frontrange.edu

Associate - Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Front Range Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) at the Westminster Campus is a four-semester, campus-based program that combines 42.5 nursing credits with 29 general education credits. Students gain hands-on clinical experience across acute care, home health, and community settings in the Denver metro area, with an emphasis on holistic, person-centered care. The curriculum builds critical thinking and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The program is ACEN accredited and offers a dual enrollment option with FRCC's RN-to-BSN completion program for seamless advancement. FRCC ADN graduates consistently outperform national averages, with NCLEX pass rates between 97% and 100% from 2022 through 2024, reflecting the program's rigorous preparation for nursing practice.

  • ACEN accredited
  • 4-Semester program
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • 42.5 nursing credits required
  • 29 general education credits
  • Dual enrollment in RN-to-BSN
  • Clinical experiences across Denver metro
  • Four-semester program
  • Holistic person-centered care

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Completion Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Front Range Community College's RN-to-BSN Completion Program offers a flexible hybrid pathway for registered nurses and nursing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Combining online coursework with a 68-hour in-person practicum in leadership and community health, the program can be completed in as few as four full-time semesters, with part-time options available. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and advanced nursing skills, preparing graduates for managerial roles and graduate studies. No ACT or SAT is required for admission; instead, candidates must meet prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements. With over 50 years of nursing education and recognition for excellence in online learning, FRCC provides dedicated advisors and flexible support for working professionals.

  • 4-Semester program
  • Complete in four full-time semesters
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 2.0 GPA minimum
  • 68 clinical hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Top 10 community college for online learning
  • 25+ years experience in online education
  • Dedicated online advisors for BSN students
  • Over 50 years educating nurses in Colorado
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Pikes Peak State College

Colorado Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - pikespeak.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pikes Peak State College offers a campus-based RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, evidence-based practice, and prepares graduates for management, education, and specialty care roles. Students practice with advanced manikins in the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation, enhancing clinical decision-making skills. Ranked #2 in Colorado by RegisteredNursing.org, the program aligns with the college's mission of quality nursing education. As a post-licensure degree, ACT/SAT entrance exams are not part of the stated admissions requirements; applicants must hold an active RN license. The college's ADN nursing students have demonstrated strong outcomes, with NCLEX pass rates of 93.3% in 2022, 97.9% in 2023, and 100% in 2024.

  • RN-to-BSN pathway offered
  • Graduates known as caring and skilled
  • Multiple nursing degree options
#3

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomtn.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado Mountain College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year, campus-based program offered at Breckenridge, Spring Valley, and Steamboat Springs. The ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and clinical reasoning, with early hands-on experiences in primary care, acute care, long-term care, and simulated settings. Strong partnerships with rural Colorado healthcare systems provide mentorship from CMC alumni and experts. Admission requires the TEAS and CasPer entrance exams, along with a minimum 2.4 GPA and prerequisite coursework. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and diverse nursing careers. Reflecting the college's commitment to nursing excellence, recent ADN cohorts achieved impressive NCLEX pass rates of 94% (2022), 100% (2023), and 98% (2024).

  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 4-Year program
  • Apply by 2026-02-13
  • Starts fall
  • 2.4 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Early clinical experiences in diverse settings
#4

Adams State University

Alamosa, CO - Public 4-Year - adams.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adams State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a campus-based, CCNE-accredited program emphasizing rural healthcare, cultural diversity, and patient safety. Students learn through hands-on simulation lab experiences and clinical rotations, developing critical thinking, communication, and evidence-based practice skills. Faculty provide personalized mentorship, and the National Student Nurses’ Association offers leadership opportunities. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers as nurse generalists with pathways into pediatrics, oncology, and neonatology. Recently, NCLEX first-time pass rates were 92.88% (2022, n=14) and 100% (2023, n=15). The program reports 95% job placement within 90 days. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is explicitly mentioned as required; applicants should confirm testing policies with admissions.

  • CCNE accredited
  • 95% job placement rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • State-of-the-art simulation lab
  • Individual attention from faculty
  • National Student Nurses’ Association involvement
  • Focus on rural healthcare
  • 100% student satisfaction with simulation
  • Clinical placement coordinator available
  • Realistic simulation scenarios
#5

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO - Public 4-Year - arapahoe.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arapahoe Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is an ACEN-accredited, campus-based prelicensure program for aspiring registered nurses. Coursework spans medical-surgical, maternal-child, psychiatric nursing, and pharmacology, with hands-on learning in simulation labs and clinical placements across the Denver area. Applicants must meet prerequisite science requirements, hold a CNA license, and attain satisfactory HESI A2 scores; admission is selective and competitive. The four-semester curriculum starts in fall and spring. Program completers are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and have posted impressive pass rates: 93.33% in 2022, 100% in 2023, and 96.34% in 2024. Credits transfer seamlessly into the college's RN-to-BSN completion program, allowing graduates to continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.

  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 4-Semester program
  • Apply by 2027-04-27
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 96% licensure pass rate
  • 96% job placement rate
  • 3.0 GPA minimum

Associate - AAS Nursing: PN to RN Option (PN to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arapahoe Community College's PN-to-RN option within its AAS in Nursing provides licensed practical nurses an accelerated path to associate-degree nursing and RN licensure. The on-campus program offers small cohort sizes of 12 for individualized instruction in transition nursing, advanced medical-surgical, psychiatric mental health, and pharmacology. LPNs may receive prior-learning credit that bypasses first-year nursing coursework. Prerequisites include a minimum 3.0 GPA in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology; LPNs with over three years away from practice must show 1,000 hours of recent experience. Summer and fall cohorts begin each year, and graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN and Colorado licensure. The college's ADN completers consistently earn high NCLEX pass rates - 93% to 100% in recent years - and students may simultaneously enroll in the RN-BSN completion program.

  • Apply by 2026-04-10
  • Starts summer/fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Work experience required
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Small cohorts of 12 students
  • Background check and drug screening
  • Dual enrollment in RN-BSN program

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Designed for registered nurses, Arapahoe Community College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program is a fully online, ACEN-accredited pathway to a BSN. The 120-credit curriculum includes a 48.5-credit professional sequence focused on evidence-based practice, leadership, community health, and legal/ethical dimensions of care. Electives allow specialization in areas such as gerontology and emergency preparedness. Students can enroll full-time and finish in four semesters, or choose a part-time six-semester track while working. The program also offers dual enrollment to current ADN students, enabling them to complete both degrees seamlessly, and it emphasizes communication, critical thinking, and professionalism for leadership positions. Graduates benefit from the college's reputation for nursing excellence, as its ADN program has posted NCLEX pass rates ranging from 93.33% to 100% in recent years.

  • ACEN accredited
  • 4-Semester program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Dual enrollment option
  • Online program
  • Flexible 48.5-credit program
  • Part-time completion in 6 semesters
  • Build on nursing skills
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Reference: U.S. DOE, NCES, IPEDS 2025 data release.

Colorado Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

Nursing careers come at various levels of entry points. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to shoot for either an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While they all have their advantages, it’s important to understand the differences.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

The main difference between ADN and RN diplomas is that one is a degree program, and the other is simply a training program. Additionally, ADN programs are typically only found at universities, while nursing diplomas can also be found at hospitals and other medical establishments. The timeline to graduation can sometimes be a little shorter with nursing diplomas, however, both nursing diplomas and ADNs can be completed in around 2 years. If you already have some nursing experience as an LPN, you can also take advantage of an LPN to RN bridge program which offers both ADNs and BSNs, depending on the program.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Colorado include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Colorado.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you’re looking to invest a little more time into your nursing education, you’ll likely want to go with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A traditional BSN program will take 4 years, but if you already have nursing experience and an ADN, you may be eligible to enroll in an RN to BSN program, which will allow you to graduate in as little as 2 years. If you have a bachelor’s degree already, but it’s not a nursing degree, you can enroll in an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program which will work with your existing education to deliver as BSN in as little as a year.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Colorado typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

For RN bridge programs visit:

A Colorado RN to BSN lets you graduate in only 2 years as opposed to a traditional BSN program which requires at least 4 years of full-time study. To enroll in an RN to BSN, you’ll need to have an RN license and an ADN degree.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Thinking about becoming a nurse later in your career? If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing but want to get your BSN without investing another 4 years, you can enroll in a Colorado ABSN program. These bridge programs allow you to graduate with a BSN in only a year!

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Students in Colorado looking to to get enter a career as nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse can take advantage of even more nursing education options. Whether you are looking for a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there's a program for you. Keep in mind that most of these programs require that you already hold a minimum of a BSN or MSN, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Colorado:

See Related Articles

Getting an RN License in Colorado

Beyond the educational requirements involved with becoming a registered nurse, there are also licensure requirements. To get your RN license, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and file a formal application to the Colorado Board of Nursing with an adequate fee. Once licensed, you’ll need to maintain licensure with continuing education courses.

Requirements for RN Licensure in ColoradoTe

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Colorado Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Simply put, students who graduate from non-accredited schools will not be able to get licensed, which is required of all nurses in Colorado. As you research the perfect program for your needs, make sure that any programs you apply to are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This will ensure your program has met the RN program accreditation requirements of the state board in terms of RN program accreditation.

Cities With Nursing Programs in Colorado

List of Nursing Schools in Colorado

We've gathered a list of nursing schools in Colorado to help find the right program. The table below shows each school's city and state, program highlights, and a link to the nursing program page. From associate degrees to master's programs, these schools offer a variety of paths. Take a look and see what fits best for a nursing career.
Jump to City:

Alamosa, CO

Adams State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 95% job placement rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • State-of-the-art simulation lab
    • Individual attention from faculty
    • National Student Nurses’ Association involvement
    • Focus on rural healthcare
    • 100% student satisfaction with simulation

Aurora, CO

Concorde Career College-Aurora

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 29-Month program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 750 clinical hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Practice essential clinical care skills

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ranked #2 nursing school in Colorado
    • RN-to-BSN pathway offered
    • Graduates known as caring and skilled
    • Multiple nursing degree options

Denver, CO

Denver College of Nursing

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 18-Month program
    • 110 total credit hours
    • 85% licensure pass rate
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Employer reimbursement supported

Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • Bachelor's - Nursing Major - Traditional Nursing Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • $40,614 total program tuition
    • Apply by 2026-09-01
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • 750 clinical hours

Regis University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Requires non-nursing bachelor's degree
    • Includes three graduate-level courses
    • Graduate-level ethics course available
    • Competitive admission process
    • Selection based on GPA, resume, recommendations
  • Bachelor's - B.S. Nursing CHOICE

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Evening classes twice per week
    • Clinical rotations on weekends
    • Remain employed while studying
    • 24 students per fall and spring term
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Priority admission for pre-nursing track
    • Three distinct BSN pathways
    • Loretto Heights School of Nursing
    • Emphasis on social justice
    • Ethical foundation in nursing

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • 126 total credit hours
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts spring/fall
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Designed for previous bachelor's degree holders
    • Same curriculum as Traditional BSN
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 24-Month program
    • 126 total credit hours
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Ranked among best nursing programs
    • Interprofessional collaborative learning
    • Includes simulation and direct patient care
  • Bachelor's - CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-03-01
    • Starts summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • 3+2 pathway to BSN
    • 20 students per admission term

Fort Morgan, CO

Morgan Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • High-tech simulation lab
    • Experienced nursing instructors
    • Small class sizes
  • Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $6,100 total program tuition
    • $200 per credit
    • Complete in 3–5 Semesters
    • Rolling admissions
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall/spring
    • Asynchronous online classes

Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 4-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-02-13
    • Starts fall
    • 2.4 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 89% licensure pass rate
    • 96% job placement rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Montrose campus location
    • Articulation to online RN to BSN
    • Blend of classroom and clinical instruction
    • Program effectiveness data available
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Over 900 clinical hours
    • Graduates employed in diverse settings
    • Ranked among best-prepared graduates

Greeley, CO

Aims Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Colorado State Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • $9,590 total program tuition
    • 2-Year program
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Smaller class sizes

University of Northern Colorado

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Second Degree

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Hands-on clinical experience
    • High-tech simulation labs
    • Clinical rotations in emergency departments
    • Birthing suite simulation training
    • Community partnerships with Colorado healthcare
    • Student-centered evidence-based teaching
    • Faculty are expert practitioners
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Financial aid available
    • Hands-on clinical experience
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Clinical rotations at partner sites
    • Faculty with real-world expertise
    • Holistic patient care focus
    • Multiple tracks available

La Junta, CO

Otero College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 2-Year program
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available

Lakewood, CO

Red Rocks Community College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS, HESI
    • Apply by 2026-09-21
    • Starts spring
    • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available
    • Prepares for direct patient care careers

Lamar, CO

Lamar Community College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 5-Semester program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 2.5 GPA minimum

Littleton, CO

Arapahoe Community College

  • Associate - AAS Nursing: PN to RN Option

    Concentration: PN to RN - Campus Based - Website

    • Apply by 2026-04-10
    • Starts summer/fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Small cohorts of 12 students
  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 4-Semester program
    • Apply by 2027-04-27
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 96% licensure pass rate
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Dual enrollment option
    • Online program
    • Flexible 48.5-credit program

Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 14-Month program
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • For non-nursing baccalaureate degree holders
    • Intense and challenging approach
    • Real-life clinical experiences
    • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Hands-on learning and simulation labs
    • In-person and online format
    • Basic and accelerated pathways
    • RN-to-BSN pathway for working nurses
    • Application deadlines in May and October
    • Approximately 90 students in Basic Admission
  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • $440 per credit
    • Complete in 1-2 years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available

Pueblo Community College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Short 8-week courses
    • Flexible online format
    • Built for working professionals
    • Small cohort sizes

Sterling, CO

Northeastern Junior College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three years
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Small class sizes
    • Nursing program since 1964

Trinidad, CO

Trinidad State College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Traditional or Evening/Weekend schedules
    • 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate (2025)

Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College

  • Associate - Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • 42.5 nursing credits required
    • 29 general education credits
    • Dual enrollment in RN-to-BSN
    • Clinical experiences across Denver metro
    • Four-semester program
  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Completion Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Semester program
    • Complete in four full-time semesters
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • 68 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Top 10 community college for online learning
    • 25+ years experience in online education
*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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Yale’s 16-Month Accelerated BSN for Career Changers: What to Know
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Yale Accelerated BSN? What Career Changers Need to Know
Columbia Nursing’s New DNP in Systems Leadership: What It Means for Nurse Leaders
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Columbia DNP in Systems Leadership: What Nurses Should Know
New RN-to-BSN Programs 2026: What Rising RN-to-BS Partnerships Mean for Working Nurses
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New RN-to-BSN Programs 2026: College Partnerships Explained