Thomas Reed, RN
June 2, 2025
The healthcare system of Colorado heavily depends on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who deliver essential care to rural and underserved population areas. The state’s combination of urban Denver and distant mountain towns requires LPNs to connect patients with medical teams through their frontline care work at facilities that include long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics.
Trinidad, CO - Public 4-Year - trinidadstate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trinidad State College offers a Practical Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. Available on both Trinidad and Alamosa campuses, the program provides flexible scheduling options, including traditional and evening/weekend classes. Students can opt for the Practical Nurse exit option after completing a short summer course, allowing them to sit for the Practical Nursing boards. The program emphasizes safe, quality, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care across diverse populations. Admission requirements and detailed program information are available on the college's website, ensuring prospective students have all necessary details to embark on their nursing journey.
Grand Junction, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomesa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado Mesa University's Practical Nursing Technical Certificate prepares students for LPN licensure, focusing on direct care in various healthcare settings. The program requires college-level reading and writing skills for admission, with a March 1 application deadline. Classes start in August, completing by May, readying graduates for the NCLEX exam. Tuition details are available on CMU's website, with costs outlined in a provided PDF. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate and job placement, emphasizing practical skills and evidence-based practice.
Westminster, CO - Public 4-Year - frontrange.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Front Range Community College in Colorado offers a Practical Nursing Certificate program designed for those looking to start a career in nursing. This program, available at the Larimer Campus, prepares students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in just three semesters. With a focus on hands-on training, students gain experience in state-of-the-art labs and clinical settings. The program boasts a high NCLEX-PN pass rate and on-time completion rate, making it a strong choice for aspiring nurses. Admission is competitive, with specific requirements to ensure student success.
Littleton, CO - Public 4-Year - arapahoe.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Arapahoe Community College prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as a licensed practical nurse. This program requires completion of 47 credit hours, including general education and major courses, with a focus on medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and maternal-child nursing. Admission requires acceptance into the AAS-Nursing program and completion of prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and is designed for those seeking an alternative nursing pathway. Graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession, with a strong foundation in patient care and clinical skills.
Lamar, CO - Public 2-Year - lamarcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lamar Community College in Colorado offers a Practical Nursing Option (PN) within its Nursing Program, designed for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, leading to licensure as a Practical Nurse. With a focus on hands-on clinical experiences and a comprehensive curriculum, students gain the skills needed for patient care. The program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, ensuring graduates are ready to enter the workforce. Admission requires prerequisite coursework and a minimum GPA, with a competitive selection process. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students.
The majority of LPN programs in Colorado maintain traditional in-person instruction because of the practical nature of the training, yet some flexible learning options exist. A few colleges now provide hybrid learning programs that let students finish their online didactic classes while participating in hands-on lab sessions and clinical practice at their campus locations. The state of Colorado does not offer fully online LPN programs because clinical experience requires direct supervision and must take place in approved facilities. The increasing demand for remote education has motivated institutions to expand their hybrid program options annually.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad State College |
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| Colorado Mesa University |
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| Concorde Career College-Aurora |
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| Certifying Board | Colorado State Board of Nursing, Division of Professions and Occupations |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Colorado Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcripts and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $88 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, plus $51 fingerprint processing fee, submit Social Security Number (or SSN affidavit) and FD-258 fingerprint card for state and FBI checks |
| Application Processing Time | Approximately 8 weeks from receipt of all required documents |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every August 31 of even-numbered years with a $108 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | No specific contact hours required for renewal, but maintain active practice and comply with Compact requirements |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs submit a $43 endorsement application fee, $30 license verification fee, Nursys verification, fingerprint/background check, proof of an unrestricted license, and declaration of primary residence |
LPNs working in Colorado State receive good pay and have a strong job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that LPNs in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $59,000, with the highest salaries found in Denver and Boulder. The compensation for LPNs depends on their work environment because skilled nursing facilities, private practices, and home healthcare agencies provide distinct payment systems. The rural areas of Colorado State require the most healthcare staff, which creates excellent employment prospects for graduates who want to work in less populated regions.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Colorado | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $58,600 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$65,491 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $58,600 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,825 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~12.5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~30,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Community College |
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| Colorado Mesa University |
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| Concorde Career College-Aurora |
| - |
The path to becoming an LPN creates a valuable career milestone but provides opportunities to progress further in nursing practice. LPNs who wish to advance their education can enroll in LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which multiple Colorado institutions provide. The programs accept previous practical nursing experience to provide a faster path for registered nursing role transition. The nursing profession offers leadership positions through supervisory roles in long-term care and charge nurse positions, and continuing education is strongly recommended for those who want to maintain current best practices in patient care. LPNs in Colorado have direct access to multiple career advancement opportunities that lead to clinical or administrative roles.
Additional Nursing Programs in Colorado
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