Colorado LPN to RN Guide

1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Colorado?

Colorado offers outstanding opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance to Registered Nurse (RN) status. Here's why thousands of Colorado LPNs make this career move every year:

• Significant Salary Increase: Colorado RNs earn an average of $82,430/year compared to LPNs at $55,360/year - that's a $27,070 annual increase!
• Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret diagnostic tests, create comprehensive care plans, supervise LPNs and CNAs, and make critical clinical decisions independently.
• Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to leadership roles, specialized nursing fields (ICU, ER, OR, Oncology, Pediatrics), management positions, and advanced practice opportunities.
• Job Growth: Colorado projects 7% RN job growth through 2034, driven by population growth and healthcare expansion in the Front Range corridor.
• High Quality of Life: Colorado offers exceptional outdoor recreation, 300+ days of sunshine, healthy lifestyle, and growing tech/healthcare job market in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder.
• Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Colorado is an NLC state - your RN license is valid in 40+ compact states for travel nursing or relocation!
• Strong Healthcare Systems: Major employers include UCHealth, Centura Health, SCL Health, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Kaiser Permanente.

2. Colorado LPN to RN Bridge Program Requirements

2.1 Prerequisites

To enroll in a Colorado LPN to RN bridge program, you typically need:

• Active Colorado LPN License: Must be current and unencumbered (in good standing with Colorado Board of Nursing)
• High School Diploma or GED: Official transcripts required
• Minimum GPA: Usually 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale (competitive programs may require 3.0+)
• Prerequisite Courses:
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • General Chemistry or Chemistry I
  • General Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Psychology
  • English Composition I & II
  • College Mathematics or Statistics
  • Nutrition (some programs)
• Background Check & Drug Screening: Colorado criminal background check and fingerprinting required
• CPR Certification: Current BLS for Healthcare Providers from American Heart Association
• Work Experience: Many programs prefer 1 year of LPN clinical experience
• Entrance Exam: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 (varies by school)
• Immunizations: Proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, Tdap, annual flu shot)
• TB Test: Negative tuberculosis skin test or chest X-ray
• Physical Exam: Health assessment by licensed provider confirming ability to meet program physical demands

2.2 Program Options

3. Top Accredited LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Colorado

Colorado has numerous accredited LPN to RN bridge programs approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Here are some of the top options:

4. Colorado LPN vs RN Salary Comparison

One of the most compelling reasons to advance from LPN to RN in Colorado is the significant salary increase. Here's a detailed comparison based on 2026 data:

Experience Level	LPN Salary	RN Salary	Annual Increase
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000/year	$72,000/year	+$24,000
Mid-Career (3-5 years)	$55,360/year	$82,430/year	+$27,070
Experienced (5+ years)	$62,000/year	$92,000/year	+$30,000

Additional Financial Benefits in Colorado:

• Better Benefits: RN positions typically offer superior health insurance, retirement plans (403b/457), and generous paid time off
• Shift Differentials: Night and weekend shifts often pay 15-20% more in Colorado hospitals
• Specialty Pay: RNs in ICU, ER, OR, NICU, and other specialty units earn additional premium pay
• Sign-On Bonuses: Many Colorado hospitals offer $5,000-$15,000 sign-on bonuses for RNs (especially in rural areas)
• Travel Nursing: Colorado RNs can earn $85,000-$120,000+ as travel nurses with housing stipends
• Denver Metro Premium: RNs in Denver, Aurora, and Boulder earn 10-15% more than state average
• Mountain Town Premium: Ski resort towns (Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge) offer premium pay to attract RNs

Regional Salary Variations in Colorado

• Denver Metro Area: RN average $85,000-$95,000/year
• Colorado Springs: RN average $78,000-$88,000/year
• Fort Collins/Northern Colorado: RN average $80,000-$90,000/year
• Boulder: RN average $88,000-$98,000/year
• Mountain Resort Towns: RN average $82,000-$100,000/year (with housing assistance)
• Western Slope/Grand Junction: RN average $75,000-$85,000/year

5. How to Apply to LPN to RN Programs in Colorado

The application process for LPN to RN bridge programs in Colorado typically follows this timeline:

5.1 Application Steps

1. Research Programs (4-6 months before desired start date)
   • Compare program lengths, costs, formats, and accreditation
   • Check Colorado Board of Nursing approval status
   • Review NCLEX-RN pass rates (aim for 85%+ first-time pass rate)
   • Consider location (Front Range programs most popular), schedule flexibility, and clinical partnerships
   • Research Colorado Community College System schools for the most affordable tuition
2. Complete Prerequisites (6-12 months before application)
   • Finish all required prerequisite courses with minimum required grades (usually C or better)
   • Ensure your Colorado LPN license is current and unencumbered
   • Complete CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
   • Gather official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Complete any required science lab courses
3. Submit Application (3-6 months before program start)
   • Complete online application through college admissions portal (CCCApply for Colorado community colleges)
   • Submit application fee ($30-$75, varies by institution)
   • Request official transcripts be sent directly to the nursing program
   • Provide copy of current Colorado LPN license
   • Submit letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 required from employers, nursing supervisors, or instructors)
   • Write personal statement or essay explaining career goals and motivation
4. Take Entrance Exam (2-3 months before acceptance)
   • Register for TEAS or HESI A2 (check which exam your program requires)
   • Study using official prep materials, practice tests, ATI study guides
   • Schedule your exam at an approved testing center or take remotely
   • Submit official scores directly to your chosen programs
   • Colorado programs typically require minimum TEAS scores of 60-70+ for admission
5. Acceptance & Enrollment (1-2 months before program start)
   • Receive acceptance notification (via email or portal)
   • Submit enrollment deposit to secure your seat ($100-$300)
   • Complete Colorado criminal background check and fingerprinting through approved vendor
   • Complete drug screening at approved facility
   • Provide proof of immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B series, Varicella, Tdap, flu)
   • Submit negative TB test or chest X-ray
   • Complete physical examination by healthcare provider
   • Attend mandatory nursing orientation session
   • Register for courses and secure financial aid/payment plans (FAFSA, CollegeInvest)
   • Purchase required uniforms, supplies, textbooks, and equipment

6. Financial Aid for LPN to RN Students in Colorado

Don't let cost prevent you from advancing your nursing career! Colorado offers numerous financial aid opportunities for LPN to RN students:

6.1 Federal Financial Aid

• Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year for eligible students (does not need to be repaid)
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Low-interest loans for students with demonstrated financial need
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Available regardless of financial need
• Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities to help pay education expenses
• How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa - opens October 1st annually

6.2 Colorado State Aid

• CollegeInvest: Colorado's college savings and financing programs
• Colorado Student Grant: Need-based grant for Colorado residents attending eligible Colorado institutions
• Governor's Opportunity Scholarship: For Colorado residents pursuing high-demand careers (including nursing)
• Colorado Work-Study: State work-study program for Colorado students
• Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI): Support for underserved students
• Nursing Loan Forgiveness Programs: For nurses working in underserved areas of Colorado

6.3 Employer Tuition Assistance

• Hospital Tuition Reimbursement: Many Colorado hospitals offer $3,000-$8,000/year for employees pursuing RN degrees
• Return Commitment: Usually requires 1-2 year work commitment after graduation
• Major Colorado Employers Offering Tuition Assistance:
  • UCHealth (statewide network)
  • Centura Health
  • SCL Health
  • Children's Hospital Colorado
  • Kaiser Permanente Colorado
  • Denver Health
  • CommonSpirit Health
  • UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins)

6.4 Military & Veterans Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers tuition, fees, and provides housing allowance for eligible veterans
• Colorado National Guard Tuition Assistance: Members of Colorado National Guard
• Military Tuition Assistance: Active duty service members can receive up to $4,500/year
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Additional funding for veterans at participating Colorado schools

6.5 Scholarships

• Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships for Colorado nursing students
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Various nursing scholarships and grants
• National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for nursing students
• Institutional Scholarships: Check with your specific college - many Colorado community colleges offer nursing scholarships
• Local Organizations: Rotary Clubs, hospital auxiliaries, community foundations, Colorado health organizations
• Minority Scholarships: National Black Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association

7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Colorado

After completing your LPN to RN bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed RN in Colorado.

7.1 Colorado NCLEX-RN Requirements

7.2 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

• Colorado First-Time Pass Rate: Approximately 86-88% (2023-2024 data)
• National Average: 85-90%
• Note: LPN-to-RN bridge students often have higher pass rates (88-92%) due to clinical experience and foundational knowledge

7.3 Exam Format & Structure

• Question Count: 75-145 questions (computerized adaptive testing - CAT)
• Time Limit: Maximum 5 hours (including tutorial and breaks)
• Question Types:
  • Multiple choice (select one answer)
  • Select all that apply (SATA - multiple correct answers)
  • Fill-in-the-blank calculations (dosage, IV rates)
  • Ordered response (drag and drop sequencing)
  • Hot spot (point and click on images)
  • Audio/video questions
• Content Areas:
  • Safe and Effective Care Environment (26-38%)
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
  • Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
  • Physiological Integrity (38-62%)

7.4 Scheduling & Testing in Colorado

1. Apply to Colorado Board of Nursing: Submit your application for licensure by examination through the Colorado DORA online system
2. Complete Background Check: Fingerprinting and background check required
3. Receive ATT: After approval, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE via email
4. Schedule Exam: You have 90 days from your ATT issue date to schedule and take your exam
5. Choose Testing Center: Pearson VUE has testing centers throughout Colorado:
   • Denver Metro: Denver, Aurora, Englewood, Lakewood
   • Colorado Springs
   • Fort Collins
   • Boulder
   • Grand Junction
   • Pueblo
6. Processing Time: Initial application review typically takes 4-6 weeks in Colorado
7. Results: Unofficial "Quick Results" available 48 hours after exam for $8 fee; official results in 2-4 weeks

7.5 Colorado Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

7.6 NCLEX-RN Preparation Tips

• Official NCSBN Resources: NCSBN Learning Extension offers the official NCLEX prep course ($50-$150)
• Practice Questions: Complete at least 3,000-5,000 practice questions before your exam
• Top Study Programs:
  • UWorld NCLEX-RN Review ($129-$329) - highest rated
  • Kaplan NCLEX Prep ($299-$999)
  • Hurst Review ($500+)
  • ATI NCLEX Prep (usually included with Colorado nursing programs)
  • Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN (book)
• Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates for motivation and accountability
• Test-Taking Strategies: Focus on understanding rationales, priority concepts, and nursing process
• Mark Klimek Lectures: Free audio lectures covering NCLEX strategies (widely used by Colorado nursing students)
• Content Review: Review ABC's, Maslow's hierarchy, delegation, infection control, medication administration

8. Colorado Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Colorado Board of Nursing regulates all nursing education and licensure in the state. Here's how to reach them:

8.1 Common Board of Nursing Services

• License Verification: Check your license status or verify another nurse's license online at dpo.colorado.gov
• License Renewal: RN licenses in Colorado must be renewed every 2 years
• Address Changes: Update your contact information through the DPO Online Services System
• Continuing Education: Colorado RNs must complete continuing education requirements every 2 years (check current CE hour requirements with the Board)
• Program Approval: Search for Colorado Board of Nursing-approved RN programs online
• Complaint Investigations: Report concerns about nursing practice or violations through the online portal
• DORA Online Services: Most services available through Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) portal