How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Colorado

Registered nurses shape the backbone of Colorado's health care system, delivering compassionate care while navigating complex medical situations in settings from bustling urban hospitals to remote mountain clinics. Their unique combination of clinical expertise and human connection makes them indispensable members of medical teams across the state.

The path to becoming a registered nurse in Colorado offers multiple entry points and specialization opportunities, allowing aspiring nurses to align their career trajectory with personal goals and interests. Whether working in pediatric units, emergency departments, or community health centers, Colorado's registered nurses play a crucial role in advancing patient outcomes and promoting public health across diverse communities.

Key Points  

• Colorado employs approximately 53,480 registered nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
• Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, driven by an aging population and increased demand for health care services.  
• Core responsibilities include patient care, recording medical information and vital signs, and monitoring symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.  
• Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $91,730.  

What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Registered nurses are licensed professionals who provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, and educate patients about their conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and outpatient centers. Responsibilities often include administering medications, creating care plans, and documenting medical histories.  

There are opportunities to specialize in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or oncology. Success in this career requires clinical decision-making skills, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Knowledge of medical software like Epic Systems or MEDITECH software is also beneficial.  

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Colorado

Colorado offers multiple pathways to becoming a registered nurse. Completing the required education, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and securing licensure are critical steps.  

Step 1: Complete a Registered Nurse (RN) Program

Aspiring registered nurses must complete an accredited nursing program. There are multiple education options available in Colorado, depending on career goals and previous education.  

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN programs are a common choice for entry into nursing. These programs, offered at institutions like Pikes Peak State College and Front Range Community College, typically take two to three years to complete. Coursework includes anatomy, pharmacology, and fundamentals of nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for an RN license in Colorado.  

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN provides advanced training and opens more career opportunities. These four-year programs are offered at universities such as the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Colorado Mesa University. Most BSN programs include courses in public health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based care.  

Accelerated BSN programs, available to those with a prior non-nursing degree, allow completion in 12 to 18 months. RN-to-BSN programs are also available for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement.  

Accreditation Requirements

Colorado requires nursing programs to hold accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures compliance with national standards and eligibility for licensure.  

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After graduating from an accredited nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), evaluates clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.  

Steps to Register for the Exam

1. Apply for authorization to test through the Colorado Board of Nursing.  
2. Register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.  
3. Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.  
4. Schedule the exam at an approved testing center in Colorado.  

Preparation is crucial for success. Study materials, including practice exams and review courses, are widely available.  

Step 3: Obtain RN Licensure in Colorado

An RN license is required to practice in Colorado. The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees the licensing process.  

Steps to Apply for Licensure

• Submit official transcripts from the nursing program.  
• Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.  
• Pay the $88 application fee.  

Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Applicants must declare Colorado as their primary state of residence to qualify.  

Health care Professions Profile Requirement

Colorado requires licensed professionals to create a Health care Professions Profile. This document includes education history, practice details, and any disciplinary actions. The profile is publicly accessible and ensures transparency.  

Step 4: Begin a Nursing Career in Colorado

After obtaining licensure, registered nurses can explore job opportunities across Colorado. The state employs thousands of registered nurses, with positions available in urban hospitals and rural clinics.  

Top Employers

• UCHealth: Operates 12 hospitals across the state, offering advanced care in neurology and oncology.  
• HealthOne: A large network of hospitals in the Denver area with opportunities for professional growth.  
• Children’s Hospital Colorado: Focuses on pediatric care, providing training opportunities for nurses.  
• Denver Health: Known for community health programs and diverse clinical experiences.  

Step 5: Maintain RN Licensure

Colorado requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years. Renewal deadlines depend on the issuance date.  

Requirements for License Renewal

1. Submit a renewal application through the Colorado Board of Nursing.  
2. Pay the $108 renewal fee.  
3. While continuing education is not mandatory, staying updated on nursing practices is recommended.  

Licensure in Colorado

Colorado mandates completion of an accredited nursing program, a fingerprint-based background check, and submission of official transcripts. Applicants must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional details regarding Colorado licensing requirements are available online.  

Out-of-state applicants must meet Colorado Board of Nursing standards and ensure their program is approved by their home state board.  

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in Colorado?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in Colorado earn an annual mean salary of $91,730. The hourly mean wage is $44.10. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an RN in Colorado?  

The timeframe depends on the program. ADN programs typically take two to three years, while BSN programs require about four years. Accelerated BSN programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months.  

What is the fastest you can become an RN?  

The fastest path involves enrolling in an accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in 12 to 18 months if eligible.  

Are there online RN programs in Colorado?  

Many Colorado schools offer hybrid programs combining online coursework with in-person clinical training. Fully online programs are rare due to clinical requirements.  

What are the most common RN specialties in Colorado?  

Popular specialties include pediatrics, critical care, oncology, and emergency nursing. Specialization often requires additional certifications or training.  

How often do RN licenses need to be renewed in Colorado?  

RN licenses in Colorado must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires submission of an application and a fee but does not mandate continuing education.

Starting Your Nursing Career in Colorado

The role of a registered nurse offers meaningful opportunities to make a direct impact on patient outcomes while working alongside diverse health care teams. Colorado's growing communities, from Denver's urban centers to mountain town clinics, provide unique settings to develop specialized skills and build lasting professional relationships.

If you're ready to pursue a career in nursing, start by researching accredited nursing programs in your area. Connect with current nurses, attend information sessions at local schools, and consider shadowing opportunities to gain firsthand insight into the profession. Your journey toward becoming a registered nurse begins with that first step of choosing the right educational program for your goals.