How to Become a Registered Nurse in Colorado

Colorado map

Nursing is one of the most fulfilling careers and jobs in the medical world.

If you desire to be recognized as a registered nurse, then you must follow the necessary steps to become one.

Attend the right school, and get the relevant qualifications and certification.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Colorado

To excel as a competent nurse, one must first attend nursing school.

This means that you must identify the best nursing school first. Below are five of the best in Colorado.

1. Adam State University

Adam State University Logo

With a fee of $9,560 every year, you can be assured that you will receive one of the best nursing courses in Colorado.

The school has a 92.85 percent pass rate on the NCLEX exam.

However, it would be best if you were willing to attend classes the traditional way since the school does not have an online option.

The classes are, however, more intimate and smaller in size.

This means that students get the attention they need to excel in their classes.

As a result, students are assured of adequate preparation for the NCLEX and an introduction to the National Student Nurses Association, which is a great way to launch one’s career after graduation.

Besides, the assurance of employment 90 days after graduation is something most nurse trainees will love.

All students leave when they are adequately equipped and skilled to get into their places of practice.

2. University of Colorado

University of Colorado Logo

This university is an excellent choice for aspiring nurses seeking a school to study.

One has to part with $30,452 in tuition fees per year.

It also guarantees an 82 percent NCLEX exam pass rate.

It offers a 24-month degree program with summer lessons.

This means you should be ready to study full-time in two years.

The intense training can be demanding, but you have an easy time facing the NCLEX exam, which makes it all worth it.

3. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University Logo

This school offers online education since it is entirely operated online.

The annual tuition fee is $12,529.

Students can choose RN to BSN courses depending on what they deem fit.

It is a plan and program that works well for already practicing nurses that intend to upgrade their nursing careers.

4. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Logo

This school offers both traditional and online learning options.

With an annual tuition fee of $8,539.60 and a 92.68 percent NCLEX pass rate, students are sure they are on the right track.

The school offers one of the most comprehensive nursing education in Colorado.

It is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that make this training possible and enjoyable.

Students are exposed to real-life situations and get into partnerships that help their career advancement.

5. Aspen University

Aspen University Logo

This is another excellent option for students who want both online and traditional schooling.

You have to part with $5,170 annually for the nursing training.

Students mingle and learn from the best hospitals in the Arizona region.

In the long run, students are assured of quality education despite the additional cost of pre-licensure.

Moreover, you can be sure that you will have a better chance of employment with this training.

Registered Nurse Schools in Colorado – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Colorado

School NameAddress
Adam State University208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO 81101
University of ColoradoBoulder, 552 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0552
Colorado Technical University1575 Garden of the Gods Rd Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Aspen University4615 E Elwood St Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Salary of Registered Nurse in Colorado

Generally, RNs in Colorado are paid decently, which is why nursing is one of the best thriving careers in the region.

On average, nurses’ salaries are estimated to be $80,670 annually.

This translates to an average of about $38.78 per hour.

However, you should note that this may vary depending on the employer in question, the employed sector, and the employment terms.

Some nurses are paid more, while others may receive a slightly lower salary rate.

Therefore, having an average in mind is essential to negotiate the best deals when seeking employment.

Annual Salary Range:
$59K
$66K
$75K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Colorado

City NameSalary
Denver$67,160
Colorado Springs$66,100
Aurora$67,110
Grand Junction$64,810
Fort Collins$64,650
Arvada$67,160
Pueblo$67,160
Westminster$67,160
Boulder$68,030
Thornton$67,160
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Colorado

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Boulder, CO3,110$99,350$47.77$129,060$74,400
Colorado Springs, CO6,920$86,470$41.57$103,110$65,170
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO29,460$93,190$44.8$116,680$71,560
Fort Collins, CO4,250$89,760$43.16$107,470$68,560
Grand Junction, CO1,850$90,840$43.67$108,790$71,400
Greeley, CO1,110$90,360$43.44$103,960$70,830
Pueblo, CO1,770$89,130$42.85$103,450$70,980
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which skills do nurses in Colorado get trained for?

To work as a nurse, there are specific skills one must acquire to be competent and relevant.

These are some of the skills that most nursing schools focus on during the training phase.

They include:

  • medical knowledge
  • compassion
  • attention to details
  • oral communication

Is it Worth it to work as a nurse in Colorado?

Practicing nursing in Colorado is one fulfilling job anyone can pursue.

Besides the fact that you are helping change people’s lives, the remuneration package is quite encouraging.

How much do RNs make in Colorado?

Registered nurses make a substantial amount of money in Colorado.

Nurses can make good money, considering they earn an average of $90,542 per year when working fully.

This amount can even increase if the nurse works multiple jobs or works as a specialty nurse since the perks are higher.

How does one get a nursing license in Colorado?

Once you pass your NCLEX-RN exam, you can apply for licensure.

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies gives this.

Use the license number you got within 1-3 days of passing the exams to apply for your nursing license.

What does it take to become a nurse in Colorado?

As with other careers, adequate preparation is key to success.

For one to become an excellent nurse in Colorado, one must follow the steps below:

  • Graduate high school and excel
  • Earn a college degree
  • Pass the NCLEX RN exam
  • Apply for licensure
  • Apply for nursing entry jobs
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