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.
Jump to:
- Colorado RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Colorado
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Colorado
Best RN Programs in Colorado
Selecting the best nursing school in Colorado can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Colorado by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 28 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Front Range Community College - Larimer
Score: 98.91
Front Range Community College - Larimer is the hub of a prestigious associate's degree nursing program in Fort Collins, Colorado. With a number of diploma and degree options, FRCC meets the needs of today's expanding healthcare field.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (970) 226-2500
Trinidad State - Valley
Score: 97.53
Alamosa's Trinidad State - Valley Campus offers students numerous registered nursing pathways. Their popular ADN and LPN to ADN programs provide students with the guidance and skills needed to find success in the nursing workforce.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (719) 589-7000
Front Range Community College - Westminster
Score: 96.46
The Westminster Campus of Front Range Community College is home to a nursing program created to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving healthcare system. Clinical experiences include acute, home health, and community agencies across the Denver metro area.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (303) 404-5000
Pikes Peak State College
Score: 95.91
At the foot of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak State College is home to one of Colorado's choice Associate of Applied Science nursing programs. Nursing graduates from PPCC possess the technical skills and patient advocacy to make them a valuable asset in the clinical setting.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (719) 502-2000
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Score: 95.16
The Metropolitan University of Denver's nursing program offers three tracks to the coveted BSN in Nursing. Between the accelerated, traditional or completion options, MU is a core provider of high-quality nurses.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (303) 556-5740
Arapahoe Community College
Score: 94.44
As part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, Littleton is also home to the notable nursing program found at Arapahoe Community College. With ASN and BSN tracks and clear bridge procedures, ACC is committed to serving the medical profession through high-quality graduates.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (303) 797-4222
Adams State University
Score: 93.41
The nursing program at Adams State University prepares students for a successful career in nursing. The curriculum combines engaging coursework, hands-on training, and accessible faculty who are mentors and advisors.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (719) 587-7011
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Score: 91.25
At the eastern edge of the Denver Metropolitan Area lies the University of Colorado College of Nursing. Clinical and theoretical opportunities abound in an urban environment; UC's nursing graduates enter the field well prepared for the rigors of professional life.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (303) 724-1812
University of Northern Colorado
Score: 90.96
Located north of the Denver Metropolitan Area, historic Greeley is home to the University of Northern Colorado's School of Nursing. State-approved, UNC's bachelor's degree in nursing program trains leaders in patient care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (970) 351-1890
Denver College of Nursing
Score: 90.38
Denver College of Nursing offers numerous RN degree pathways, including both ADN and BSN programs. The school's goal is to train the next generation of nursing leaders through a curriculum that emphasizes clinical skill, critical thinking, and more.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
- Phone: (303) 292-0015
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:
Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
---|---|---|---|
ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely 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:
Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
---|---|---|---|
Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
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:
- Colorado Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Colorado MSN Programs
- Colorado RN to MSN Programs
- Colorado Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Colorado DNP Programs
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 requirements of the state board in terms of RN program accreditation.
Continued List of All RN Programs in Colorado
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
11. | Aims Community College Greeley, CO 80634 | Phone: (970) 330-8008 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 90.31 | aims.edu |
12. | Regis University Denver, CO 80221 | Phone: (303) 458-4126 | Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN, Choice BSN | 90.12 | regis.edu |
13. | University of Colorado - Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO 80918 | Phone: (719) 255-8227 | Programs: BSN | 89.34 | johnsonbethel.uccs.edu |
14. | Colorado State University - Pueblo Pueblo, CO 81001 | Phone: (719) 549-2100 | Programs: BSN | 88.60 | csupueblo.edu |
15. | Pueblo Community College - Fremont Center Durango, CO 81301 | Phone: (719) 549-3200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 87.77 | pueblocc.edu |
16. | Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO 80226 | Phone: (303) 963-3311 | Programs: BSN | 87.28 | ccu.edu |
17. | Morgan Community College Fort Morgan, CO 80701 | Phone: (970) 542-3100 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 87.08 | morgancc.smartcatalogiq.com |
18. | Pueblo Community College Pueblo, CO 81004 | Phone: (719) 549-3200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 84.69 | pueblocc.edu |
19. | Trinidad State Junior College Trinidad, CO 81082 | Phone: (719) 846-5011 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 84.15 | trinidadstate.edu |
20. | Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 81501 | Phone: (970) 248-1020 | Programs: BSN | 84.13 | coloradomesa.edu |
21. | Platt College Aurora, CO 80014 | Phone: (303) 369-5151 | Programs: BSN | 84.06 | plattcolorado.edu |
22. | Colorado Mesa University - Montrose Montrose, CO 81401 | Phone: (970) 248-1020 | Programs: LPN to BSN | 80.86 | coloradomesa.edu |
23. | Colorado Northwestern Community College CNNC Craig, CO 81625 | Phone: (800) 562-1105 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.83 | cncc.edu |
24. | Lamar Community College Lamar, CO 81052 | Phone: (719) 336-2248 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.60 | lamarcc.edu |
25. | Northeastern Junior College Sterling, CO 80751 | Phone: (970) 521-6600 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 74.05 | njc.edu |
26. | Otero Junior College La Junta, CO 81050 | Phone: (719) 384-6831 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 64.01 | ojc.edu |
27. | Pueblo Community College Southwest Mancos, CO 81328 | Phone: (970) 564-6232 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | - | pueblocc.edu |
28. | Adventist University of Health Sciences - Denver Denver, CO 80210 | Phone: (303) 765-6271 | Programs: BSN | - | ahu.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.