Colorado’s nursing education landscape is as varied as its terrain, offering programs that cater to every stage of a nursing career. Whether you’re building fundamental skills through a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate, advancing your practice with an RN‑to‑BSN bridge, earning your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential, or pursuing an advanced practice degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Colorado’s institutions blend robust classroom instruction with hands‑on clinical placements. From the cutting‑edge medical centers of Denver’s Front Range to rural health clinics nestled in mountain communities, these programs are designed to equip graduates with the expertise and confidence to deliver high‑quality care across the Centennial State.
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2026 Top Nursing Programs in Colorado
Nursing education in Colorado offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals, and TopNursing.org has comprehensively analyzed and ranked the state's top nursing programs. Our expert team evaluated multiple factors including academic rigor, clinical training quality, faculty credentials, and student outcomes to determine the most outstanding nursing schools across Colorado. From metropolitan Denver to smaller regional campuses, these programs provide robust educational pathways for future nurses seeking bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Whether students aim to become registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or specialized clinical professionals, Colorado's nursing schools deliver comprehensive training that prepares graduates for dynamic healthcare environments. Learn about our ranking methodology.
Colorado State University Pueblo's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a hybrid offering that combines online and on-campus learning, focusing on holistic nursing care integrating person, health, and environment. It prepares students for professional licensure through clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings, with admissions requiring prerequisite courses and deadlines in May and October. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specifics are not provided in the data.
Hybrid learning format.
Focuses on holistic nursing.
Multiple admission pathways.
Prepares for professional licensure.
Clinicals in diverse settings.
Deadlines in May and October.
Requires prerequisite courses.
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Colorado State University Pueblo is tailored for working nurses, featuring 30 nursing credits and 57 prerequisites at $425 per credit hour. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, compassionate care, and professional leadership, accredited by ACEN, and is designed for career advancement without requiring entrance exams for this bachelor's level pathway.
Online format
30 nursing credits
57 prerequisite credits
$425 per credit hour
Flexible for working nurses
Accredited by ACEN
Prepares for diverse healthcare roles
Evidence-based practice focus
Professional leadership training
Compassionate care emphasis
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Colorado State University Pueblo's Accelerated BSN program is a 14-month campus-based option for non-nursing degree holders, blending classroom, online, and clinical learning with 14 prerequisite credits required. It facilitates a quick transition into nursing roles, focusing on practical experience and theoretical knowledge, and as a bachelor's level program, it may necessitate ACT or SAT exams, though details are not specified.
14-month duration.
Campus-based program.
For non-nursing degree holders.
14 prerequisite credits required.
Blends classroom and online learning.
Includes clinical experiences.
Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
Intensive, fast-track option.
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#2
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report. It prepares students for generalist nursing practice through evidence-based and relationship-centered care, with hands-on learning via classroom instruction, clinical simulation, and direct patient care. Multiple pathways include Traditional, Accelerated, and Integrated options, requiring a competitive NursingCAS application. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not specified as required in the provided data.
Multiple pathway options
Evidence-based curriculum
Clinical immersion experiences
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Competitive admission process
Hands-on patient care
Classroom and simulation learning
Health assessment training
Pharmacology for nurses
Mental health nursing
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, completed in 12 months. It focuses on evidence-based, relationship-centered care through rigorous classroom and clinical experiences, including simulation and direct patient care. Admission is competitive via NursingCAS, with no mention of entrance exam requirements such as ACT or SAT in the provided information.
The CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway is a 3+2 program for Colorado residents, combining three years of prerequisites at CU Denver with two years of nursing studies at the Anschutz Medical Campus. It emphasizes diversity in healthcare, offers early admission to the BSN program, and includes personalized advising and health-related certificates. With high NCLEX pass rates, it requires a 3.0 GPA and holistic review, but no entrance exams are specified as required for this bachelor's-level program.
The University of Northern Colorado's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a hybrid program blending online and on-campus learning over nine semesters. It offers two tracks for first-time degree seekers and those with prior bachelor's degrees, focusing on critical thinking and practical skills to improve health outcomes. Admission requires meeting university standards with an emphasis on math and science proficiency; entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not explicitly mentioned as required, so prospective students should verify directly with the institution.
Nine-semester program.
Hybrid learning format.
Two tracks available.
Prepares for graduate studies.
Focus on critical thinking.
Math and science proficiency required.
Professional nursing preparation.
On-campus and online courses.
For first-time and second-degree seekers.
Emphasis on health outcomes.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Second Degree
Designed for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree, the University of Northern Colorado's Second Degree BSN is a hybrid program combining on-campus and online courses. It prepares students for professional nursing roles and graduate studies, emphasizing critical inquiry and judgment to support health in communities. Admission requires a previous bachelor's degree; entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are not specified as mandatory, so applicants should confirm requirements with the university.
Hybrid program format
For second-degree seekers
Prepares for professional nursing
Foundation for graduate study
Requires previous bachelor's degree
Combines on-campus and online courses
Focuses on critical inquiry
Emphasizes health assistance
Details via UNC Extended Campus
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#4
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO - Public 4-Year - arapahoe.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Arapahoe Community College prepares students for the NCLEX exam with a focus on medical/surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. Accredited by ACEN, it features state-of-the-art labs, high NCLEX pass rates, and requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, a CNA license, and the HESI A2 entrance exam for admission.
Nationally approved by ACEN.
Prepares for NCLEX exam.
High NCLEX pass rates.
State-of-the-art simulation labs.
Seamless BSN progression.
Competitive admission process.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement.
CNA license required.
HESI A2 exam required.
Associate - AAS Nursing: PN to RN Option
Concentration: PN to RN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for licensed Practical Nurses, the PN to RN option at Arapahoe Community College advances careers to Registered Nurse roles, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. It requires a Colorado LPN license, a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, and covers advanced medical-surgical, psychiatric mental health nursing, and pharmacology. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, but work experience may be required.
For licensed Practical Nurses
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Requires Colorado LPN license
3.0 GPA prerequisite courses
Advanced medical-surgical nursing
Psychiatric mental health nursing
Pharmacology included
Eligibility for Colorado RN licensure
Work experience may be required
Comprehensive professional preparation
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN)
Arapahoe Community College's online RN-BSN program is tailored for licensed RNs or those in AAS/ADN programs, offering flexibility with 120 credit hours, including 48.5 BSN-specific credits. Accredited by ACEN, it focuses on enhancing leadership, research, ethics, and community health skills, with electives in gerontology and behavioral health. No entrance exam is required, as it's designed for career advancement in nursing.
Online program flexibility.
120 total credit hours.
48.5 BSN-specific credits.
ACEN accredited.
For licensed RNs or AAS/ADN students.
Enhances leadership skills.
Focus on community health.
Electives in gerontology, behavioral health.
Requires active RN license.
Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
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#5
Front Range Community College
Westminster, CO - Public 4-Year - frontrange.edu
Associate - Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN)
Front Range Community College's Nursing Associate of Applied Science (RN/ADN) program is campus-based, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam through 42.5 nursing and 29 general education credits. Accredited by ACEN, it offers clinical experiences in Denver, focusing on critical thinking and ethical care. Admission involves advisor guidance; as an associate-level program, it may require ACT or SAT, but this is not explicitly stated.
Front Range Community College's RN-to-BSN Completion Program is a hybrid, accredited option for RNs seeking a bachelor's degree, combining online coursework with 68 practicum hours. It emphasizes flexibility, affordability, and over 50 years of nursing excellence, preparing graduates for leadership roles. Admission requires an Associate Degree in Nursing or enrollment in an ADN program with a minimum 2.0 GPA. No entrance exam is specified for this bachelor's-level program.
Hybrid program format
Accredited nursing education
Flexible online coursework
68 practicum hours required
Minimum 2.0 GPA for admission
Designed for RNs and ADN students
Prepares for leadership roles
Affordable tuition rates
Over 50 years of excellence
Dedicated online advisors
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*Based on data from: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Colorado LPN Program Overview
Colorado’s LPN programs provide students with the core nursing knowledge and hands‑on skills needed to deliver compassionate care across the state’s diverse settings, from Denver’s major medical centers to rural mountain clinics. Combining coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations, these programs prepare graduates to assist RNs and physicians by administering medications, monitoring patient status, and supporting recovery. After earning licensure through the NCLEX‑PN exam, LPNs play a vital role in easing staffing shortages, enhancing patient access, and strengthening Colorado’s healthcare system.
Colorado’s CNA courses run six to twelve weeks, combining interactive lessons in anatomy fundamentals and infection control with hands‑on practicums in both urban and rural care sites. Participants cultivate skills in patient transfers, feeding assistance, and vital‑sign recording, all under professional supervision. After completing the state evaluation, certified CNAs join multidisciplinary teams, supporting nurses in hospitals, nursing facilities, and health centers. Their role is crucial for extending care access across the state’s varied communities.
Colorado’s RN to BSN programs combine flexible online courses in leadership, population health, informatics and policy with clinical rotations across urban hospitals and rural clinics. Offered in part‑time and accelerated formats, they let RNs keep working while they earn a BSN. This degree boosts skills in evidence‑based practice and care coordination, meets employer expectations for baccalaureate‑prepared nurses, and unlocks specialty and leadership opportunities throughout the state.
Colorado’s Nurse Practitioner programs advance a BSN background through challenging graduate-level coursework and hands-on clinical practicums, generally spanning two to four years, in specialties such as family health, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered via on-campus cohorts, hybrid blends, and fully online formats, these MSN and DNP tracks prepare nurses for APRN certification and Colorado licensing. Graduates emerge as primary care providers, chronic care coordinators, and telehealth practitioners in urban medical centers, mountain-town clinics, and rural frontier health posts. By extending high-quality care into underserved regions, alleviating provider shortages, and supporting innovative care models, NP programs are vital to strengthening Colorado’s healthcare ecosystem.
Common entry path, BSN preferred in major healthcare systems, BSN-in-10 trend
RN Diploma
2-3 years
High school diploma or GED
Not offered in Colorado
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
4 years (12-18 months accelerated)
High school diploma or ADN transfer
Strong employer preference, includes RN-to-BSN options, rural and mountain care emphasis
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
2 years (post-BSN)
BSN + RN license
Prepares for advanced roles, full practice authority for NPs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN)
BSN or MSN + RN license
Highest degree, NPs practice independently under full authority laws
List of RN Programs in Colorado
Nursing students in Colorado have a wealth of exceptional RN programs to choose from across the state. Whether you're seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, these programs offer diverse educational paths to launch your nursing career. From urban centers like Denver to smaller mountain communities, Colorado provides high-quality nursing education with strong clinical training and unique opportunities in healthcare settings.
