Best Nursing Schools in Colorado

Best RN Programs in Colorado

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:

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:

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 RN program accreditation requirements of the state board in terms of RN program accreditation.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Colorado

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