RN to BSN in Colorado

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

Kristin Mauk PhD, DNP, RN, CRRN, GCNS-BS, GNP-BC, ACHPN, FAAN
President
International Rehabilitation Consultants/Senior Care Central, LLC

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 Deadlines

All Semesters: July 1
  • A four year BS program is offered.
  • The program is a member of the international nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau.
 Online 208 Edgemont Blvd
Alamosa, CO 81101

American Sentinel University
$ 375 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling
  • All nursing courses are administered online.
  • Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing are offered.
  • One-quarter of the students currently enrolled are U.S. military personnel engaged in distance learning.
 Online 2260 South Xanadu Way
Aurora, CO 80014

Aspen University
$ 150 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling
  • All nursing programs offered exclusively online.
  • Fee waivers and benefits available to U.S. military personnel and their spouses.
  • Low monthly tuition repayment program for academic programs available at all levels.
 Online 720 S Colorado Blvd Ste 1150N
Denver, CO 80246

Colorado Mesa University
$ 322 per credit hour nursing
$ 406 per credit hour nonnursing

Application Deadlines

Rolling
  • Other degrees offered include Masters in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner).
  • The newly remodeled Maverick Center has a state-of-the art lab and other facilities.
 Online 1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Colorado State University - Pueblo
$ 304 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

August 1st and January 1st
  • A paramedic to BSN curriculum is also offered.
  • Students gain valuable clinical experience during their first semester.
  • Hands-on training at local hospitals and health centers is available.
  • Programs are designed to offer a team-oriented approach to learning.
Campus 2200 Bonforte Blvd
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901

Colorado Technical University

Application Deadlines:
Rolling
  • The BSN Nursing Completion Program is the only nursing program offered at this school.
  • All courses exclusively online
  • Liberal transfer credit policy.
  • CTU has a Department of Military Education for U.S. military personnel to engage in online learning while deployed around the world.
Online 4435 N Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3812

Metropolitan State University of Denver
$ 202 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

September 1
  • The BSN is offered as well as an accelerated option for students who already have a BS in another discipline.
  • An Introduction to Perioperative Nursing curriculum is offered both online and on campus.
  • The RN to BSN degree can either be full or part time, but is not offered online.
 Hybrid Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80217

Regis University
$ 958 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

  • January 15
  • Some programs have rolling admissions
  • Both degree and certificate programs are offered.
  • RN to BSN programs are offered both on campus and online.
  • RN to MSN program are offered both on campus and online.
 Hybrid 3333 Regis Blvd
Denver, CO 80221-1099

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
$ 610 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling

  • A full slate of undergraduate and graduate-level nursing programs are offered, including doctoral programs.
  • Several master’s programs are offered exclusively online.
  • On-site labs and clinics are available on-site.
 Online 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

University of Northern Colorado
$ 317 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: March 1
  • Spring Semester: December 1
  • A traditional BSN degree with a liberal arts core is also offered.
  • Nursing students complete approximately 1,000 clinical hours of training.
 Online Carter Hall - Rm 4000
Greeley, CO 80639

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
Education

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.

Leadership

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.

Practice & Care

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

Interprofessional Care

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.

Diversity

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.

Data

What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?

No specific plans announced.

Contact Info

Gail Finley

Vice President
Colorado Hospital Association (CHA)
Email
720-330-6011

Karren Kowalski

President & CEO
Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence
Email
303-715-0343

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.

licensure map

Nursing Employment Outlook

Nursing Supply and Demand Projections

Source: "The Future of the Nursing Workforce," US HRSA, accessed June 2015.

What Nurses Make on Average in Major Cities

Source: BLS OES, May 2013. Accessed May 2014. Some data not provided.

Additional Information


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