Given the current nursing shortage, aging population, high salary ranges, and quality educational opportunities, Colorado nurses have a bright future for job opportunities, competitive salary and career advancement.

Scan our nursing school rankings before applying to a nursing program. We've made it easy to identify the best nursing schools below. Our annual ranking report uses NCLEX first-time passing rates, accreditation, and affordability to curate our rankings.

Pursuing a nursing career in the Centennial State, offers a many advantages. The state hast 35 nursing schools, 11 accredited by the CCNE and 16 by the ACEN, providing a range of options for aspiring nurses. Students can choose between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), taking 18 to 24 months, or a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN), requiring about 4 years.

Colorado's nursing schools are known for high-quality education, as evidenced by the impressive NCLEX passing rate ranges for ADN students (72.70% to 99.50%) and BSN students (77.42% to 96.17%). This solid foundation sets nurses up for success, with registered nurses in Colorado earning an average annual salary of $60,550 to $100,870.

The nursing shortage in the state stems from an aging population requiring more skilled healthcare professionals. This shortage creates opportunities for new nurses, as the demand for nursing professionals is expected to grow by 28.6% between 2020 and 2030. By 2030, Colorado will need 68,270 new Registered Nurses, or 4,430 new nurses per year, to meet the rising demand.

Many nurses appreciate the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, providing a refreshing break from their demanding jobs. Additionally, healthcare facilities in Colorado are committed to quality care and fostering supportive work environments, allowing nurses to thrive professionally.

Colorado offers many opportunities for those interested in a rewarding nursing career. With a variety of high-quality nursing schools, growing demand for healthcare professionals due to the nursing shortage and aging population, and a supportive community of healthcare providers, the Centennial State is an excellent place to start a nursing journey.

Overview of Nursing Schools in Colorado

  • There are 35 nursing schools in Colorado. The CCNE accredits 11 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 16 schools in Colorado.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Colorado is between 16.70% and 99.50%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Colorado is between 77.42% and 96.17%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Colorado can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

Recommended Nursing Schools for Colorado

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

2024 8th Annual Best Ranked RN Programs in Colorado

Best Nursing School Programs State

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Colorado and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 14 ADN degree programs and 9 BSN degree programs in Colorado. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Colorado to provide our state rankings. View our methodology

Best Nursing Schools in Colorado

Front Range Community College-Westminster

RN-to-BSN Completion Program

99.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO - 80031
  • (303) 404-5000
Nurse Admin: Shelly A. Fischer, PhD, CNS, CNE
Title: Program Direcotr, RN-BSN
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.50%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 240
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,032
  • Book and Supplies: $1,460
  • Percent Received Aid: 64%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,243
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 2,025%

Nursing instructors at Front Range Community College prepare students to provide safe, quality, and patient-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. The nursing program is ideal for students who want to provide quality nursing care to patients while adhering to evidence-based practices.

The nursing program at Front Range Community College is available at the Larimer Nursing Department and Westminster Nursing Department. Different programs are available according to the campus. Both the colleges have classrooms and labs equipped with the most advanced technology in the state. Students gain clinical experience in some of the most prominent acute care centers, long-term care, home health, and community agencies of the state. The nursing course is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly changing global healthcare delivery system. Students here learn to promote and practice the culture of caring to provide support, compassion, and culturally competent holistic care. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Practical Nursing course is a three-semester-long program available at the Larimer campus. It prepares students to take their NCLEX-PN exam and practice in long-term care facilities, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Similarly, there is an LPN to ADN course available at Westminster campus for LPNs practicing in Colorado who wish to complete their associate degree.

Both the Larimer and Westminster Campuses have an AAS in nursing degree that prepares nurses for their NCLEX-RN and embark on a Registered Nurse career. There is also an online RN to BSN Completion Program designed for graduates of ADN degrees or those who wish to complete both their ADN and BSN degrees simultaneously.

Arapahoe Community College

Colorado Community College System

99.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO - 80160-9002
  • (303) 797-4222
Nurse Admin: Jennifer Blanchard, DNP, MSN, RN, CWON
Title: Director of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.00%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 109
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,080
  • Book and Supplies: $2,200
  • Percent Received Aid: 47%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,118
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 26%

Arapahoe Community College is located in Littleton, Colorado.  Arapahoe Community College offers an LPN program, an ADN program, and an LPN to ADN program.  They also have partnerships with three neighboring universities, which allows their graduates to easily gain entrance into a BSN program after completion of the ADN program.

The nursing program at Arapahoe Community College is an award-winning program that is a recognized leader in nursing education. The college ranks as one of the nation's and state's best when it comes to the quality of nursing education. 

The program boasts high professional standards, a superior reputation in the community, and accessible faculty and staff. The graduates have had excellent rates of hire in some of the most reputed healthcare facilities in the state and the nation. Students participate in active learning in classrooms, high-quality simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences in multiple healthcare facilities.

The college itself is committed to affordability by providing low tuition and multiple financial aids and scholarship opportunities. Also, to ensure that the students never feel alone and confused about their career, Arapahoe Community College provides supports like advising, career/transfer counseling, tutoring, counseling, and more, all of which are completely free of cost.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree in Arapahoe Community College paves the way for students to become professional RNs who are qualified to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation units, and other clinical settings.

For licensed RNs who want to advance their career further, the RN to BSN program offers online classes so that they can further build their skills, enhance their leadership skills, and open doors for further education.

Similarly, the students who successfully complete the first two semesters of the AAS Nursing program are eligible to earn their Practical Nursing Certificate. Arapahoe Community College also accepts admissions from LPNs who wish to complete their ADN.

Pikes Peak Community College

Pikes Peak Community College Nursing Department

97.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO - 80906-5498
  • (719) 502-2000
Nurse Admin: Amber Lippincott, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Title: Associate Dean of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.80%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 189
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,981
  • Book and Supplies: $1,460
  • Percent Received Aid: 68%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,991
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: N/A

Pikes Peak Community College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  They offer an RN program and a dual enrollment RN to BSN program.  Their RN program is unique in that students enrolled may exit with their LPN at a designated point in the program rather than continuing for the full program if they so choose.  The dual enrollment program allows the RN student to also take classes towards their BSN while working towards their ADN.  This would allow the student to first obtain their ADN but still have credits for their BSN after completion of the program.

The nursing program at Pikes Peak Community College prepares the students with the skills, technical competence, and the skills they need for a successful nursing career. The college is diverse both in terms of its students and the programs offered. At PPCC, the average class size is 16, allowing for personal mentorship and guidance by experienced faculty.

Pikes Peak Community College leaves no stone unturned when it comes to taking care of the students. About $1 million scholarships are awarded annually along with affordable tuition, and the college's nationally accredited Child Development Center provides quality care and educational services to children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. 

Similarly, nursing graduates receive a quality education that prepares them to be leaders and care providers to a diverse population. The course work is designed to provide a better life to the students by understanding them physically, educationally, and financially.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides the students with core competence in caring intervention, health-illness, holistic care, teaching/learning, nursing process, professionalism, communication, and leadership.

Similarly, the LPN to RN bridge program and the RN to BSN program allow nursing professionals to obtain a bachelor's degree, thereby opening new doors in terms of nursing education, research skills, and leadership. Students of these programs take the classes on campus and have clinical rotations in some of the best healthcare facilities in the community.

Metropolitan State University of Denver (TNO)

96.17% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave, Denver, CO - 80217-3362
  • (303) 556-3058
Nurse Admin: ,
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.17%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 558
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,021
  • Book and Supplies: $1,460
  • Percent Received Aid: 77%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,178
  • Percent Admitted: 83%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%

Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, Colorado.  They offer various BSN choices: a traditional nursing option (TNO), an accelerated nursing option (ANO) and baccalaureate registered nurse completion option (BRNCO).  The ANO option is designed for students with a previous bachelor's degree (non-nursing) and the BRNCO option is designed or students already holding an ADN degree and RN license.

University of Northern Colorado

School of Nursing

93.41% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • Carter Hall - Rm 4000, Greeley, CO - 80639
  • (970) 351-1890
Nurse Admin: Melissa Henry, PhD, RN, FNP-C
Title: Interim Director
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.41%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 441
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,666
  • Book and Supplies: $1,200
  • Percent Received Aid: 99%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,560
  • Percent Admitted: 88%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%

University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado.  UNC has a diverse student population; 87% of its population is from Colorado, with 58 of its 64 counties represented.  47 out of 50 states currently have students studying there.  In addition, 34 countries are represented at UNC.  In addition, their nursing program is over 50 years old.  Their nursing program offers a BSN option and an RN to BSN option.

The University of Northern Colorado prides itself in its College of Natural and Health Sciences for having highly qualified faculty, competitive and rigorous academic standards, and a commitment to quality professional practice. It is one of the top nursing colleges that teaches students to view the patient holistically and practice patient-centered care. 

One of the most unique and prominent features of this university's nursing program is the Poverty Simulation for Nursing Students. This simulation is set up each semester and allows nursing students to understand social justice, reservation of judgment, and personal biases that people living in poverty face. It helps students get a sense of how it feels to live in poverty and teaches them a valuable lesson on empathy. 

The University of Northern Colorado is diverse in terms of both its majors and student body. The students here learn the value of hard work and personal growth while participating in rigorous lessons as well as extra-curricular activities. In addition to being highly affordable, the University of Northern Colorado also provides a multitude of financial aid and scholarships to students who seek them.

Undergraduate Programs: The College of Natural and Health Sciences has a five semester RN-BSN program for RNs who have completed their associate degree. There is also a dual enrollment option where students who are currently studying for their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in an affiliated Colorado Community College are able to take the RN-BSN courses at the University of Northern Colorado.

Graduate Programs: The University offers multiple courses in their MSN program, including FNP, Leadership, Adult-Gerontology, and so on. These courses prepare nurses to become primary care providers while contributing to evidence-based research and practices.

The DNP courses at the University of Northern Colorado aim to prepare nurses to become clinical experts, critical thinkers, leaders, and policymakers. Similarly, there is also a Ph.D. in Nursing Education course, which can be taken online. This course focuses on knowledge development, education strategies, leadership, and research.

Aims Community College

93.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO - 80634
  • (970) 330-8008
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.30%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 118
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,826
  • Book and Supplies: $10,418
  • Percent Received Aid: 80%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,486
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 35%

Nursing students at Aims Community College learn the scientific and practical hands-on skills required to become a registered nurse and successfully practice as one. The graduates from the college have gone on to work in different hospitals, medical offices, home healthcare facilities, dialysis centers, healthcare agencies, and more. 

In their years in Aims Community College, nursing students learn theory in classrooms taught by specialized faculty, and apply that knowledge practically in simulation labs. They also practice their critical thinking skills, quality patient care delivery, and multitasking during their internship in various healthcare facilities in the community. 

The college offers small class sizes with one-on-one instruction and guided practice at an affordable price. Students can also apply for and benefit from the various scholarship opportunities that the college offers.

Undergraduate Programs: Aims Community College offers a two year long Nursing Associate Degree that teaches the students the basics of pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical and surgical nursing concepts, and nursing specialities like maternal-child and psychiatry.

In addition to the associate degree, students can also enroll in a dual degree program with University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing to simultaneously earn their BSN degree along with an associate degree at Aims.

Similarly, for students who want to become a LPN or nurse aide, the college offers nursing certificates to ensure they acquire the necessary skills to practice as such. The certificates provided include the Healthcare Readiness and Professionalism Certificate and Practical Nursing Certificate.

Adams State University

Nursing Department

93.07% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO - 81101
  • (719) 587-7011
Nurse Admin: Melissa Milner, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN
Title: Interim Director of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.07%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 95
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,680
  • Book and Supplies: $1,800
  • Percent Received Aid: 97%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,585
  • Percent Admitted: 100%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%

Colorado State University-Pueblo

91.47% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO - 81001-4901
  • (719) 549-2100
Nurse Admin: ,
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.47%
  • Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 171
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,005
  • Book and Supplies: $1,854
  • Percent Received Aid: 98%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,638
  • Percent Admitted: 94%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
  • Graduation Rate: 37%

The School of Nursing at Colorado State University-Pueblo is a regional nursing school for Southern Colorado. It provides its students with quality learning experiences, multiple degree entry paths, educational excellence, and a supportive and caring learning environment. The students here are capable of maintaining competencies throughout their practice, and hence are capable of bringing a positive change in the healthcare environment.

Being a diverse and inclusive institution, Colorado State University offers its students a variety of social, educational, and cultural opportunities that help them develop as competent human beings, in addition to apt professionals. Students enjoy personal mentorship and individualized education in small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. The University also offers CARES funding to help students pay for their food, housing, healthcare, course materials, technology, and other needs in addition to their tuition.

In Colorado State University School of Nursing, students enjoy the benefits of online, in-person, or hybrid learning formats, student organizations, high-quality simulation labs, and networking opportunities.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at Colorado State University teaches students the holistic synthesis of person, health, and environment. There are also courses designed especially for working RNs who want to complete their degrees. The RN (ADN) to BSN and RN (ADN) to MS programs are online courses that the students can take without letting their work schedule affect education and vice-versa.

Graduate Programs: The MS-Nurse Practitioner, Nurse manager, and Leader, and MS-Nurse Educator are online courses with in-person clinical postings that help students master evidence-based practice, ethical decision making, and use of technology as they provide advanced nursing care. 

Similarly, the DNP program exists for those seeking a terminal degree in nursing. This is an innovative, inter/intra-professional education that focuses on evidence-based healthcare.

Registered Nursing Salary Reports

The Nursing Salary Reports offers an in-depth analysis of the earning potential and financial landscape for nursing professionals across various roles, locations, and experience levels.

This comprehensive resource sheds light on factors that influence nursing salaries, such as education, specialization, geographic location, and years of experience.

By providing detailed information on salary trends, industry outlook, and regional variations, the report serves as a valuable guide for aspiring nurses, current professionals, and employers in making informed decisions about career development and compensation in the nursing field.

With an average annual salary of $80,670, Colorado Registered Nurses tend to earn less than Nurse Anesthetists ($173,820), Nurse Midwives ($122,620), Nurse Practitioners ($112,580), and Nursing Instructors ($82,850).

However, Registered Nurses tend to earn more than Nursing Assistants ($35,210), and LPNs ($55,360).

TitleAnnual Salary
Nurse Anesthetists$173,820
Nurse Midwives$122,620
Nurse Practitioners$112,580
Nursing Instructors$82,850
Registered Nurses$80,670
LPNs$55,360
Nursing Assistants$35,210
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Salaries Ranked by Colorado Cities

The following section delves into a comprehensive analysis of registered nurse salaries across various metropolitan areas in Colorado. We present the average salary figures, cost of living (COL) adjustments, and differences between the two metrics.

This information enables nursing professionals to make informed decisions about their career paths while considering the impact of the cost of living in each region.

By examining the disparities between salaries and living expenses, nurses can gain valuable insights into the financial landscape of their profession across the state of Colorado.

AreaAverage SalaryCOL AdjustedDifference
Boulder$85,020$82,882$-2,138
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood$82,860$77,230$-5,630
Northwest Colorado Nonmetropolitan Area$82,090$85,868$3,778
Fort Collins$78,660$78,550$-110
Colorado Springs$78,520$80,188$1,668
Grand Junction$78,480$82,855$4,375
Pueblo$76,930$85,260$8,330
Greeley$72,630$73,841$1,211
Southwest Colorado Nonmetropolitan Area$72,580$75,921$3,341
Eastern and Southern Colorado Nonmetropolitan Area$70,130$73,358$3,228
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce – 2022*

Projected need for nurses in Colorado.

About Nursing Schools in Colorado

Colorado is on its way to becoming one of the most favorable states to practice as a nurse, with the average annual salary of RNs more than $78,000. There are currently more than 52000 registered nurses working in the state of Colorado, and the number is expected to rise to 68,630 by 2028, which means that there is an annual opening of almost 5000 nurses in the state to meet the healthcare needs of the people. RNs in Colorado can choose to work in acute healthcare facilities, long-term care centers, hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, residential homes, trauma centers, and more. The state also has opportunities like school health nursing.

For nurses who have completed their post-graduate degrees and want to practice as Nurse Practitioners, Colorado state has given them a Full Practice authority which means that they can take on the role of primary care providers for the patients. The laws permit all NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. There are currently 3,080 NPs working in Colorado across multiple healthcare facilities, and the number is expected to rise to 4,400 by the year 2028. All of that, paired with the average annual salary of $144,660 for more experienced nurses, make this rocky state a great place to work and live as a Nurse Practitioner comfortably. 

Colorado is also one of the states that have implemented the eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact), which allows nurses with a license from another state to practice in Colorado without having to acquire a new license specifically for the state. However, the eNCL is only available for RNs and LPNs, so the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (ARPNS) are required to hold an individual license in Colorado if they wish to practice here.

To meet the apparent gaps in the nursing requirement, Colorado has multiple highly-accredited nursing schools that prepare some of the best nurses in the entire country. Most of these nursing schools are ranked as the top ones nationally, and the graduates' success is proof of that. You can study to become an LPN, RN, NP or get a DNP and Ph.D. as well in Colorado. Some of the best and most prominent nursing schools in Colorado are listed below.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Nursing Programs Offered by Colorado Nursing Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 32
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 5
  • Nurse Educator: 3
  • Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • CNL: 1
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Nursing Administration: 1
  • Research or Clinical Nursing: 1

Colorado Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

Colorado RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 17 18
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 80.64% 88.90%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 16.70% to 99.50% 77.42% to 96.17%

Additional Listings of the Top Colorado Nursing Programs

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Colorado

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Colorado

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Colorado and research schools in Colorado offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Online NP Programs Liked by Colorado Nurses

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Colorado  RN Licensing Requirements

RN License by Exam

There a few different ways one can obtain licensure in the state of Colorado. One of the easy ways to gain licensure is through the NCLEX examination. Along with a passing score, you also need to provide verification of graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN nursing education program.

RN License by Endorsement

Colorado allows candidates who are licensed from one of the fifty states to gain licensure through endorsement. Colorado is also a member of a nurse license compact in other compact states. The bordering states of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nebraska do not need to get a Colorado license if they take a position there. However, this changes if and when they move to the state. Nurses with license in non-compact states are not authorized to work in Colorado without first getting a new license. Out of state candidates may be required to take a refresher course. This applies to those who do not have a current license or have not taken the NCLEX-RN in the past two years.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Nurses who are not licensed in the United States must apply for license by examination. There are some steps that must be completed prior to this. First of all, all candidates need a Healthcare Profession and Science Report. This will determine if their education program meet the equivalent requirements. In countries where English is not the native language, nurses will need to demonstrate English competency.

Colorado Board of Nursing

1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821


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