If your dream is to care for others by becoming a licensed practical nurse in Alabama, it is essential to begin your rewarding career with the best possible education.
Below, you will find five top-quality LPN programs in Alabama that can prepare you for your future career as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
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5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Colorado
Take a look at these five top LPN school programs to begin your nursing journey.
1. Community College of Denver
Community College of Denver is dedicated to teaching students not only how to care for patients’ health but also their overall wellness.
Their practical nursing program includes 45 credit hours that can be completed in just one year.
To be accepted in this program, you must have completed the Medical Terminology, English Composition, and Basic Anatomy and Physiology prerequisites.
You must also have one of the following to apply:
- Work experience as a medical assistant, phlebotomist, nursing assistant, or pharmacy technician
- Or have received training as a nurse aide
The cost of tuition for in-state residents is $324.70 per credit hour, making the total cost $14,611.50.
However, eligible in-state students can receive the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend, which can reduce the tuition total to $10,381.50.
Out-of-state students can expect to pay $643.65 per credit hour or $28,964.
These totals do not include the cost of fees, materials, or additional expenses.
2. Colorado Mesa University
If you have not yet gotten your basic requirements completed, Colorado Mesa University might be the better choice.
Its LPN program is a total of 58 credit hours that cover everything from the basics to LPN-specific courses.
Those credit hours can be completed over four semesters.
Tuition for in-state students typically costs $399.05, which brings the total to $23,144.90.
Students eligible for the COF stipend will pay $299.05 per credit hour or $17,344.90 for total tuition.
Tuition for out-of-state students typically runs $785 per credit hour, which makes the total tuition approximately $45,530.
Though the COF is only available to in-state students, there are assistance options for out-of-state students, as well.
The cost of fees, books, course materials, and additional expenses can vary each year and are not included in the tuition totals mentioned here.
3. Pickens Technical College
If you are ready to dive into your career as an LPN with a comprehensive education program, consider Pickens Technical College.
Its LPN program consists of only 36 credits and is designed to be completed in just one year or two semesters.
To be accepted into this program, there are several requirements, which include but are not limited to:
- Scoring 58.7 or more on the TEAS test
- CPR certification
- Have completed English Composition 1 and Basic Anatomy & Physiology
Tuition plus the credit hour fee is $2,570 per semester, bringing the total to $5,140.
However, with books, course materials, fees, and additional expenses, the total program cost is $15,350.
These stated prices are for in-state residents. Out-of-state students will need to discuss fees and tuition with Pickens Technical College for specifics.
4. Concorde Career College
For those looking for a program with a lot of hands-on experience, Concorde Career College’s Aurora campus offers an LPN program that fits the bill.
It consists of 35.5 credit hours, which includes 120 lab hours and 405 clinical hours, and can be completed in as little as 11 months.
Tuition for the program is $27,406 with a $100 application fee.
The estimated cost of books is $2,289, bringing the total to $29,795.
5. Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College offers an affordable LPN program that can be completed in only 11 months.
It consists of 37.5 credit hours that include four clinical internships for a total of 400 hands-on hours.
Acceptance into this program requires that you complete both Medical Terminology and Basic Anatomy & Physiology prior to applying as well as submit an Admissions Portfolio.
The cost of tuition prior to books, fees, and other expenses is approximately $13,079.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Colorado – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Denver | 800 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204 |
| Colorado Mesa University | 1100 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501 |
| Pickens Technical College | 500 Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 8001 |
| Concorde Career College | 770 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203 |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | 1860 Lincoln St 3rd floor, Denver, CO 80203 |
Salary Information
In addition to a rewarding career that allows you to help people, becoming an LPN can be financially rewarding, too.
LPNs in Colorado earn anywhere from $41,589 and $61,285, but the median annual salary is $50,455.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Colorado
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $51,179 |
| Colorado Springs | $50,369 |
| Aurora | $51,145 |
| Grand Junction | $49,387 |
| Fort Collins | $49,266 |
| Arvada | $51,179 |
| Pueblo | $46,933 |
| Westminster | $51,179 |
| Boulder | $51,842 |
| Thornton | $51,179 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 370 | $68,500 | $32.93 | $83,200 | $56,070 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 690 | $63,490 | $30.52 | $75,030 | $50,680 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 2,630 | $66,430 | $31.94 | $77,530 | $53,420 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 310 | $62,610 | $30.1 | $73,010 | $49,710 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 180 | $60,870 | $29.27 | $72,380 | $48,360 |
| Greeley, CO | 130 | $64,220 | $30.88 | $76,180 | $49,910 |
| Pueblo, CO | 250 | $63,000 | $30.29 | $79,040 | $40,940 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my LPN license in Colorado?
After graduating from your nursing program, you will need to send your transcripts to the Colorado State Board of Nursing with your application and $88.
You will then need to register to take the NCLEX-PN and wait for your ATT or authorization to test to schedule your exam.
Lastly, you will need to pass the exam, get your CPR card, and go through the fingerprinting process.
What if I let my Colorado LPN license lapse?
It depends on how long the license is inactive.
In most circumstances, you will simply need to pay all licensing and late fees and fill out the renewal paperwork.
If it has been inactive for more than two years, you will likely be required to take refresher courses.
How long is my Colorado LPN license valid?
The Colorado State Board of Nursing requires renewal of licensing on September 30 every two years.
They do allow a 60-day grace period, but you must pay a $25 late fee if you do not renew during that period.
Additionally, you will not be able to practice until you renew the license.
What are the best areas to work as an LPN in Colorado?
LPNs are needed all over the state, so anywhere you choose can be a good option.
If you are looking for the highest potential earnings, though, areas such as Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins are some of the best choices.
Are there many openings for LPNs in Colorado?
Yes.
There are thousands of LPNs currently working in Colorado, and there is expected to be at least 20% job growth over the next few years.
Every year, this leads to hundreds of positions needing to be filled.
