The Affordable Care Act has given more Colorado residents than ever access to quality medical coverage, increasing the number of people receiving healthcare services. That, coupled with the aging population, means that the nursing profession is growing rapidly in the state and nationwide. In fact, the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence expects about 2,000 nurses to retire each year for the next 10 years, leaving a large deficit in the workforce.
As a result, there is a need for new registered and advanced practice nurses in Colorado. If a career in nursing is something you wish to pursue, or even just explore, keep reading to learn more about Colorado nursing schools and nurse licensure requirements.
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Top Nursing Schools in Colorado
#1 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO - 4 years
- Campus
Students looking for a competitive, flexible education should consider Colorado Mountain College. The school's associate of applied science in nursing equips learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferrable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Enrollees benefit from an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
Degree-seekers can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. In-person and remote students can access campus resources, including career services and academic advising.
Colorado Mountain College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 102
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 25%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 68%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,222
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 11%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,286
Average Price After Aid: $5,975
#2 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Northern Colorado supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in Greeley. The college's bachelor of science in nursing provides students with a world-class education. With a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study. Degree-seekers can also explore collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects.
Students can complete coursework at the school's main campus or pursue remote learning. Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 22% of the college's programs support fully online study. Degree candidates benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
University of Northern Colorado at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 111
Number of Online Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 93%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,971
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 44%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,239
Average Price After Aid: $15,965
#3 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado Christian University connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The college's bachelor of science in nursing equips enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a nursing career. Degree-seekers complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Depending on their needs, students can complete the program in person or online. Leading in online education, the college supports 54 online programs. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
Colorado Christian University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 78
Number of Online Programs: 54
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 55%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 49%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $9,908
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#4 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University offers a variety of academic programs in person and online. The college's bachelor of science in nursing provides students with transferrable skills and knowledge necessary for the nursing field. Enrollees benefit from a supportive learning community, customizable study, and a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Degree candidates benefit from dual enrollment formats. They can learn in person or remotely. Remote students can choose from one of 12 fully online degrees. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising, library services, and more.
Colorado Mesa University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 119
Number of Online Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,637
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 44%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,155
Average Price After Aid: $14,788
#5 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pueblo-based Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public college that prepares learners with theoretical and practical knowledge for their field of choice. Students hoping to deepen their knowledge can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.
Enrollees pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing can attend classes on campus or pursue fully online learning. The institution notes that 14% of its programs enable online study. Degree-seekers can access numerous campus resources throughout their studies, including academic advising and career services.
Colorado State University-Pueblo at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 44
Number of Online Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 93%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,959
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 60%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,504
Average Price After Aid: $14,797
#6 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado-based Metropolitan State University of Denver supports numerous degrees that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge. Enrollees seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, learners can pursue the bachelor of science in nursing at their own pace. Remote students can choose from one of seven fully online programs. Whether in person or online, degree-seekers can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Metropolitan State University of Denver at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 108
Number of Online Programs: 7
Admission Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 70%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,467
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 39%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,756
Average Price After Aid: $13,067
#7 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Aims Community College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The school's associate degree in nursing prepares students for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. While completing coursework, enrollees can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Depending on their needs, students can complete the program in person or online. The college offers one fully online degree. Learners can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Aims Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 96
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 27%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 76%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,596
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 8%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,301
Average Price After Aid: $6,812
#8 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Lamar Community College
Lamar, CO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Lamar Community College is a Lamar-based school supporting academic programs in dual modalities. Learners looking to advance in the nursing field should consider the college's associate of applied science in nursing. Degree-seekers can pursue collaborative learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects, to supplement their learning.
Students can complete coursework at the school's main campus or pursue remote learning. Of all programs offered through the college, 3% can be completed fully online. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
Lamar Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 31
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 40%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,392
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 20%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,445
Average Price After Aid: $11,437
#9 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Trinidad State Junior College
Trinidad, CO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Trinidad State Junior College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The Trinidad school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students pursuing the associate degree in nursing can explore collaborative learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects, to supplement their learning.
Degree-seekers can complete the program online or on campus. Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 3% of the college's programs support fully online study. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their studies.
Trinidad State Junior College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 70
Number of Online Programs: 2
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 50%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,501
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 13%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,267
Average Price After Aid: $10,897
#10 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Morgan Community College
Fort Morgan, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Morgan Community College, a public college based in Fort Morgan, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's associate degree in nursing provides students with a world-class education. Learners seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.
Enrollees can complete the program in person or online. Of all its programs, 3% are online. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Morgan Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 36
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 47%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 88%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,406
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 14%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,411
Average Price After Aid: $8,512
#11 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Rangely, CO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado Northwestern Community College supports numerous programs from its main campus in Rangely. Learners seeking flexible study in nursing will benefit from the college's associate of applied science in nursing. With a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study. Degree-seekers can explore collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects.
Students can complete the nursing program in person or online. Distance learners can choose from one of six fully online degrees. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
Colorado Northwestern Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 32
Number of Online Programs: 6
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 42%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 80%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,506
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 21%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,085
Average Price After Aid: $13,542
#12 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Northeastern Junior College
Sterling, CO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in higher education, Northeastern Junior College provides educational opportunities to Sterling-based students and distance learners. Its programs, such as the LPN-to-ADN program, foster learning through a robust curriculum and supportive learning community in person and online. Learners benefit from a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
Nursing students can earn their degree on campus or online. The institution notes that 26% of its programs enable online study. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, like academic advising and career services.
Northeastern Junior College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 47
Number of Online Programs: 12
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 48%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,312
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 33%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,453
Average Price After Aid: $13,751
#13 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in higher education, Pikes Peak Community College provides educational opportunities to Colorado Springs-based students and distance learners. Students seeking robust study in the nursing field can explore the college's nursing programs. Enrollees benefit from a 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling collaborative endeavors such as faculty-driven research projects.
The nursing program accommodates both in-person and remote study. Leading in online education, the college supports 24 online degrees. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising, library services, and more.
Pikes Peak Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 108
Number of Online Programs: 24
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 17%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 67%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,478
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 20%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,929
Average Price After Aid: $10,164
#14 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pueblo Community College, a public college in Pueblo, offers an associate degree in nursing. Students benefit from a supportive learning community, customizable study, and a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Enrollees can pursue in-person or online learning, and enroll full time or part time. Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 1% of the college's programs support fully online study. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
Pueblo Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 111
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 20%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 87%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,206
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 24%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,658
Average Price After Aid: $10,892
#15 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Colorado [2022 Guide]
Otero Junior College
La Junta, CO - 2 years
- Campus
Located in La Junta, Otero Junior College provides a flexible, competitive education to students near and far. The school's associate of applied science in nursing program builds theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. Beyond the classroom, degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Students can complete the program in person or online. All degree candidates can access institutional resources, such as career services, geared toward student success.
Otero Junior College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 39
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 38%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,450
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 25%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,950
Average Price After Aid: $10,082
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Explore Nursing Schools in Colorado
In order to ensure that Colorado's nurses are highly skilled, the state enforces stringent training requirements, including comprehensive hands-on training in addition to classroom coursework. The application process for nursing school can be competitive, as cohort programs are generally kept small to ensure students receive the best education possible.
To address the nursing shortage, some schools are working with the state to expand enrollment, which would allow colleges to keep up with Colorado's nursing demand. For example, Metropolitan State University of Denver has been permitted to increase the number of students it can admit to its accelerated and traditional nursing programs. Other schools are expected to petition to do the same.
Use the search tool below to browse and filter nursing programs and find a school that best fits your needs and career aspirations.
Earning a Nursing License in Colorado
Nurses must hold an active license to practice and each state has its own specific requirements for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. Qualified individuals can receive a nursing license through the Colorado Board of Nursing, which is charged with enforcing the regulations that guide the state's nursing education and profession. Outlined below is a list of eligibility requirements for first-time applicants, renewal information, and how to earn certification as an advance practice nurse in Colorado.
Eligibility Requirements
- Provide evidence for completion of an approved nursing program. For graduates of traditional programs, this includes official transcripts sent directly to the Division of Professions and Occupations Office of Licensing. For graduates of non-traditional programs, individuals must complete the Student Permit application process and send the completed Skills Checklist to the Division of Professions and Occupations. Lastly, for students educated and trained outside the US and its territories, submission of the CES credentials review “Professional Report” from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required, in addition to Test of English as a Foreign Language results.
- Register to take the NCLEX with Pearson Vue and pay the exam fee online
- Create a Healthcare Professions Profile. Applications without a profile will be considered incomplete and a license will not be issued.
- Proof that you are lawfully permitted to work in the US
- Submission of a valid social security number
- Completion of screening questions regarding criminal history or complaints filed against you
- Nurses in compact states can hold only one compact license and it must be issued by the applicant's primary residence. If an applicant declares his/her primary residence is a non-compact state and meets all other Colorado licensure requirements, a single-state license will be issued and valid for practice only in Colorado.
- RNs with an active license in a different state can apply for Colorado licensure by endorsement. Verification and a fee will be required.
Renewal
Licenses for all Colorado registered nurses expire on September 30 of even- and odd-numbered years depending on the date of initial issuance. Individuals who received a valid license before June 2 will have a license that is set to expire that same year and, as a result, will need to renew it during the upcoming renewal period. All RN licenses issued after June 2 will be given a license with the subsequent expiration date.
Nurses in Colorado are not required to earn continuing education hours for license renewal. However, registered nurses are required to maintain a health profile through the CBN, disclosing specific information that is accessible to the public. Information includes disciplinary action, criminal convictions, malpractice, and surrender of prescriptive rights.
Getting Certified as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Colorado
A variety of advance practice and specialty licenses are available to Colorado RNs. In addition to the requirements for RN licensure, APRNs such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives must also go through a few additional steps such as:
- Submit official transcripts as proof of completing a graduate degree or higher for the advanced practice role you plan to work in
- Verify certification from the specialty's national board
- Pay required fee
- Create a Healthcare Professions Profile on Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
For more information about advanced practice licensing and renewal in Colorado, visit the Colorado Board of Nursing website.
Colorado Nursing by the Numbers
According to the national Health Resources and Services Administration, by 2025 there will be 46,100 nurses working around the state. However, this will not be enough to address the health care needs of Colorado's population. In fact, the agency expects that there will be a 12,900 deficit in the number of nurses needed to take care of patients.
This is a trend that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see in states around the country. On a national scale, the agency predicts that between 2014 and 2024, there will be a 16 percent increase in the number of available jobs for registered nurses. And while salaries for Colorado nurses are very similar to the national average, they do vary slightly, depending on the specific geographic location.
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Colorado
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $34.69 | $72,150 |
| Denver-Aurora-Broomfield | $34.20 | $71,130 |
| Northcentral Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| Greeley | $32.44 | $67,470 |
| Grand Junction | $31.98 | $66,520 |
| Central Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $30.56 | $63,560 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $30.45 | $63,330 |
| Pueblo | $30.25 | $62,910 |
| Colorado Springs | $29.93 | $62,250 |
| West Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $29.27 | $60,880 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Colorado vs. National Numbers
Salary
Registered NurseCertified Nurse MidwifeNurse AnesthetistNurse Practitioner$0$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000
| Year | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $57,280 | $68,290 | $80,660 | $0 | $54,620 | $66,640 | $81,080 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $87,400 | $102,300 | $113,080 | $0 | $82,580 | $96,970 | $114,090 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $150,800 | $167,560 | $0 | $0 | $132,380 | $153,780 | $181,860 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $83,490 | $97,940 | $116,440 | $0 | $82,720 | $95,350 | $113,470 |
- Annual Salary (25th percentile)
- Annual Salary (median)
- Annual Salary (75th percentile)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT (2014)
| Type | Colorado | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 44,370 | 2,687,310 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 120 | 5,110 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 120 | 36,590 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 2,070 | 122,050 |
2022 OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK
| Type | Colorado | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 53,270 | 3,238,400 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 210 | 7,700 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 110 | 43,900 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 2,550 | 147,300 |
AVG. ANNUAL OPENINGS (2012 – 2022)
| Type | Colorado | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 1,930 | 105,260 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 10 | 290 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 0 | 1,560 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 100 | 5,850 |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central
Resources for Nurses in Colorado
The Colorado Nurses Association is dedicated to supporting members of the professional community around the state. It advocates for all of the state's registered nurses and facilitates professional development in an effort to maintain excellence in education, practice and research.
Colorado Society of Advance Practice Nurses
The Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses provides services for nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists. It promotes the role of advance practice nurses and provides resources for them to enrich their practice.
Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado
The Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado is an organization for nurses who specialize in public health in the state. It advocates for public policies to improve community health and provides education and network opportunities for public health nurses.
Colorado Student Nurses Association
Colorado nursing students can join the Colorado Student Nurses Association to receive support as they train to enter the field. It helps to better the personal and professional development of aspiring nurses by introducing them to additional leadership and educational opportunities.
Colorado Emergency Nurses Association
The Colorado Emergency Nurses Association has advocated on behalf of emergency care nurses, as well as patients who receive emergency care, since 1970. The organization provides volunteering opportunities and advocacy for emergency care nurses in the state.