Colorado has over 41,000 registered nurses currently employed, with over 25,000 additional nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners. Salaries for these positions range from about $69,000 annually for registered nurses to $28,000-$48,000 for nursing assistants and licensed practical/vocational nurses. Nurse practitioners earn about $96,000 annually, with nurse-anesthetists topping the list at about $172,000. If teaching is your passion, you’ll be happy to learn that nursing instructors with advanced academic degrees can earn about $68,000 annually in Colorado.
A wide variety of nursing programs are offered by Colorado’s well-respected colleges and universities throughout the state, as well as opportunities to train at hospitals with cutting-edge technology and renowned physicians. Colorado was also the first state to legalize marijuana, which has lead to an increased demand for nurses and other medical professionals to assist in this burgeoning industry.
Featured Colorado Nurse

Earning your BSN is just the beginning of an exciting nursing career. Think of it as a journey in helping others. I encourage nurses to further their education to become advance practice nurses and help bring better health care to those who need it most. As a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, you can become an expert in a certain field that interests you. Think big, and change the world!
RN-to-BSN Programs in Colorado
Here we have compiled a comprehensive listing of Colorado’s RN to BSN programs. In the summaries below, you will find all the essential program information to help you quickly and easily narrow down your RN to BSN search. NCLEX-RN pass rates are as reported by the school.
Adams State University |
$
302
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesAll Semesters: July 1 |
|
School Website | Online |
208 Edgemont Blvd
Alamosa, CO 81101 |
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|
American Sentinel University |
$
375
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesRolling |
|
School Website | Online |
2260 South Xanadu Way
Aurora, CO 80014 |
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|
Aspen University |
$
150
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesRolling |
|
School Website | Online |
720 S Colorado Blvd Ste 1150N
Denver, CO 80246 |
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|
Colorado Mesa University |
$
322
per credit hour nursing
$
406
per credit hour nonnursing
|
Application DeadlinesRolling |
|
School Website | Online |
1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501 |
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|
Colorado State University - Pueblo |
$
304
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesAugust 1st and January 1st |
|
School Website | Campus |
2200 Bonforte Blvd
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901 |
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|
Colorado Technical University |
Application Deadlines:
|
|
School Website | Online |
4435 N Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3812 |
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Metropolitan State University of Denver |
$
202
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesSeptember 1 |
|
School Website | Hybrid |
Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80217 |
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|
Regis University |
$
958
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Hybrid |
3333 Regis Blvd
Denver, CO 80221-1099 |
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|
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs |
$
610
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesRolling |
|
School Website | Online |
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 |
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|
University of Northern Colorado |
$
317
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Online |
Carter Hall - Rm 4000
Greeley, CO 80639 |
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Please contact the RN to BSN program in Colorado that you are interested in enrolling in to confirm details and to learn more. If you run an accredited RN to BSN program in Colorado that is not listed above; please reach out to us with program information and proof of accreditation. Thank you!
State Commitment to RN to BSN Education Paths
The Future of Nursing campaign is a nationwide effort to bring the country up to the standards of nursing as outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. As a part of the effort, Colorado has formed a State Action Coalition with the singular objective of achieving the goals set forth by the campaign. Having at least 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN degree is an integral part of this initiative and we have outlined below the ways in which Colorado is actively progressing on this front.
- Education
- Leadership
- Practice & Care
- Interprofessional Care
- Diversity
- Data
What is being done to increase the number of Colorado RN’s with a BSN?
The AC is working toward 80% of Colorado nurses obtaining a BSN by 2020. They aim to achieve this goal through bridge and dual enrollment programs.
Are students enrolled via identified promising models of education progression?
Yes. RN to MSN Programs; RN to BSN degrees awarded by community college/4 year partnerships; state or regional shared curriculum; and other methods.
What programs are being implemented to prepare nurses to lead change to advance health?
The AC holds monthly conventions for education and support. The coalition also convenes a leadership stakeholder group.
Is the Coalition working to remove barriers to RN level of care?
Yes. The AC is working to change or reduce the number of MD supervised hours for APN’s to gain prescriptive authority.
Are they advancing state policy to remove barriers to care provided by APRNs?
No
Is the state working to improve communication, transparency, and cooperation between healthcare providers?
The Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence is supporting interprofessional collaborative practice teams at health centers across the state.
How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?
The AC is developing a mentorship program for diverse nursing students. The coalition is also informing school counselors about nursing opportunities.
What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?
No specific plans announced.
Contact Info
Gail Finley
Colorado Hospital Association (CHA)
Karren Kowalski
Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence
Source: Campaign for Action
For a detailed progress report and additional workgroup contact information, please see the Colorado Action Coalition page.
Colorado Licensing
Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you move to another state participating in the NLC (pictured in green), you can practice without getting a new license. For licensing information, visit the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Employment Outlook
Additional Information
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Colorado Nursing Resources & Contact Information
View InfoDivision of Professions and Occupations
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202Phone: 303.894.2430
2170 South Parker Road, Suite 145
Denver, CO 80231Phone: (303) 241-8646
Fax: (303) 757-8833Useful Resources
Useful Resources
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National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Chapters in Colorado
View Info
-
State Health Departments and Organizations
View Info4300 Cherry Creek S Dr.
Denver, CO 80246
Other State RNtoBSN Information
Looking for other RN-BSN information in a nearby state? We’ve got you covered:
Arizona RNtoBSN Information
Nevada RNtoBSN Information
New Mexico RNtoBSN Information
Utah RNtoBSN Information