How To Become a Nurse in Colorado 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) are in demand throughout the country � and demand is especially high in Colorado. RNs are responsible for taking care of patients in healthcare settings.

All states require RNs to have a license, but the licensure requirements and how to become a nurse vary between states. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse in Colorado.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse is responsible for providing and coordinating patient care. Their job duties may include:

• assessing and observing patients
• updating patient medical charts
• administering medication and treatments
• supporting patients through procedures and medical events
• working with a medical care team to create a care plan
• educating patients on their care plan

RNs primarily work in hospitals but can also work in places like clinics, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities. Their specific job duties will depend on where they work, as well as the departments or types of patients they work with. For example, someone working in the emergency room will have different tasks than someone working in the intensive care unit.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Colorado?

The length of time it takes you to become a nurse in Colorado depends on what type of degree you earn and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate degrees usually take two to three years to complete, and some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online for those with previous education. If you pass your NCLEX on your first try, as many students do, you could become a nurse in just a few years.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Colorado

To become an RN in Colorado, you'll need an RN license. This requires meeting the educational requirements for nurses as well as passing the NCLEX-RN exam. We've broken down the steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree

The first step to become a nurse in Colorado is to complete a degree program from a nursing school that has been approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. There are several different options for nursing programs, depending on your current level of education.

If you don't already have a degree, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degrees are faster, but a bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate study or leadership roles. A diploma is also acceptable in New York, but these programs are rare.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can look at second bachelor's programs in nursing, which are often accelerated. You can also consider entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) options.

Whatever program you choose will provide you with a solid nursing education in patient care, medical ethics, and public health. You'll also participate in hands-on clinical experiences.

Step 2: Submit an Application and Take the NCLEX

After you complete an accredited nursing program, you can apply for your RN licensure in Colorado. You'll need to fill out the forms, submit proof of your nursing education, pay an application fee, and submit a fingerprint and background check.

Before the state will issue your license, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN. This is a standardized exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and required for licensure in all states.

The exam will test you on client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and clinical judgment. It takes about six weeks to receive your official results, and you can retake the test if you don't pass.

Step 3: Maintain Licensure and Consider Furthering Your Career

To maintain your nursing license in Colorado, you'll need to renew it every two years. To qualify, you must adhere to the Board's policies and complete continuing education (CE) hours.

After you've earned your license, you may decide to further your education. For example, if you earned an ADN, you can complete your bachelor's through an RN to BSN program.

If you're interested in becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), like a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, you'll need to complete a graduate program. Both master's degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options are available.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Colorado

Dozens of colleges and universities in Colorado offer approved and accredited nursing programs as well as online nursing programs for career advancement. We've featured some of the top programs for RN licensure below.

1. Pikes Peak State College

Pikes Peak State College is a public community college in Colorado Springs, CO. It offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing that prepares students to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

This nursing program takes four semesters of nursing courses to complete and had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent test year. Pikes Peak also offers an advanced standing option for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), as well as an online RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,510 per year (in-state); $17,110 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver

At Metropolitan State University of Denver, students will find a traditional BSN for entry-level students and an accelerated BSN (ABSN) for those who already have a bachelor's in another field. Both programs take four semesters of nursing education.

MSU Denver, a public university, is located in Denver. Its traditional BSN had a 100% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate in the most recent year. MSU Denver also offers an online RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,124 per year (in-state); $30,684 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Adams State University

Adams State University offers a bachelor's degree in nursing that prepares students for a successful and rewarding nursing career. Adams is a public university in Alamosa, CO.

The nursing program here focuses on nursing standards, patient safety, cultural diversity, community service, and rural healthcare, and offers realistic training scenarios through its state-of-the-art simulation lab. The program has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, and 95% of students are employed within 90 days of graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,824 per year (in-state); $21,944 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

4. Front Range Community College

The AAS in nursing at Front Range Community College includes rigorous classwork, clinical experiences, and expert faculty to prepare students to become RNs. It also offers an LPN to ADN program, and both options have an over 98% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in the most recent test year.

Front Range, located in Westminster, CO, is a public community college. It also offers an online RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,663 per year (in-state); $17,263 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and ACEN

5. Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College is a public community college in Littleton, CO. It offers an AAS in nursing that trains students for RN roles in a variety of health services and public health settings.

This program had a 96.34% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN for the most recent year. ACC also offers an LPN to RN program and an online RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,434 per year (in-state); $17,034 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and ACEN

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Colorado

The job outlook for nurses in Colorado is quite positive. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects nursing jobs to increase nationwide by 6% by 2033, in Colorado, jobs for RNs are expected to increase 18%.

Wages for RNs in Colorado tend to be lower than the national average. In Colorado, the median annual salary for RNs is $77,860, while nationally, it's $80,010. Wages tend to be higher in the Denver metro area and lower in nonmetro areas of the state.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Colorado

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about how to become an RN in Colorado.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Colorado?

The cost of a nursing degree in Colorado depends on multiple factors, such as what school you choose, what degree you're earning, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid you qualify for.

Many public community colleges in Colorado allow you to earn an ADN for under $10,000, even less if you qualify for financial aid like the state's College Opportunity Fund (COF). To find out what you qualify for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many online colleges that accept FAFSA in Colorado.

Note that in addition to tuition, you'll have other costs to cover, like textbooks and supplies. You'll likely also need a laptop, where there can be a huge price and quality difference between something cheap and the best laptop for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisite courses for nursing degrees can vary slightly by program. Most schools require you to have completed courses in biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Some offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You'll also likely need to have a minimum GPA from either high school or your prerequisite courses. Many schools also require entrance exams like the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS).

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

For students who don't have a degree yet, the fastest way to become a nurse in Colorado is to complete an ADN program and obtain your license.

If you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, many schools offer RN to BSN programs for those who hold an ADN and their license. These programs are usually flexible and allow you to complete your BSN while still working as an RN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

For most students, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These degrees are usually designed with flexibility in mind.

As a result, many schools offer these programs online and allow you to complete your clinicals at the healthcare facility where you work. These programs usually take one to two years to complete.

Find a Nursing Degree

Start your journey toward your RN career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual programs to learn more about their nursing programs.