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.

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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/).

1.

4616 S Shields St, Fort Collins, CO 80526

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
2.

1011 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101

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
3.

3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031

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
4.

5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

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
5.

1201 5th Street, WC 247, Denver, CO 80204

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
6.

5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120

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
7.

208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO 81102

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
8.

13120 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045

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
9.

501 20th St, Greeley, CO 80639

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
10.

1401 19th St, Denver, CO 80202

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:

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

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:

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.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
11.
Greeley, CO 80634 | Phone: (970) 330-8008
Programs: Associate in Nursing
90.31
12.
Denver, CO 80221 | Phone: (303) 458-4126
Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN, Choice BSN
90.12
13.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 | Phone: (719) 255-8227
Programs: BSN
89.34
14.
Pueblo, CO 81001 | Phone: (719) 549-2100
Programs: BSN
88.60
15.
Durango, CO 81301 | Phone: (719) 549-3200
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
87.77
16.
Lakewood, CO 80226 | Phone: (303) 963-3311
Programs: BSN
87.28
17.
Fort Morgan, CO 80701 | Phone: (970) 542-3100
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
87.08
18.
Pueblo, CO 81004 | Phone: (719) 549-3200
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.69
19.
Trinidad, CO 81082 | Phone: (719) 846-5011
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.15
20.
Grand Junction, CO 81501 | Phone: (970) 248-1020
Programs: BSN
84.13
21.
Aurora, CO 80014 | Phone: (303) 369-5151
Programs: BSN
84.06
22.
Montrose, CO 81401 | Phone: (970) 248-1020
Programs: LPN to BSN
80.86
23.
Craig, CO 81625 | Phone: (800) 562-1105
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.83
24.
Lamar, CO 81052 | Phone: (719) 336-2248
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.60
25.
Sterling, CO 80751 | Phone: (970) 521-6600
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
74.05
26.
La Junta, CO 81050 | Phone: (719) 384-6831
Programs: Associate in Nursing
64.01
27.
Mancos, CO 81328 | Phone: (970) 564-6232
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
-
28.
Denver, CO 80210 | Phone: (303) 765-6271
Programs: BSN
-

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.