Colorado has the highest per-capita Google search interest for nursing careers of any state in the country — and for good reason. The state projects 18% LPN employment growth through 2032, significantly above the national average. Denver's booming healthcare sector, ski-town resort clinics, and rural mountain communities all need nurses. Here's exactly how to go from zero to licensed LPN in Colorado, step by step.
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Most CO programs require anatomy/physiology, English, and math. Some require CNA certification first. Check your target school's specific requirements — they vary.
Pickens Technical College (Aurora), Emily Griffith Technical College (Denver), Pikes Peak State College (Colorado Springs), and IntelliTec College are top options. Programs run 12–14 months.
Colorado requires supervised clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. Denver programs have access to UCHealth, SCL Health, and Denver Health systems.
National licensing exam. Same test everywhere. Register through Pearson VUE. $200 exam fee. Most graduates pass on the first attempt.
Through the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA). Background check required. Colorado is an NLC compact state — your license works across state lines.
Aurora (Denver metro) — ~$6,000–$9,000
The most popular LPN program in metro Denver. 12-month program with strong UCHealth clinical partnerships.
Downtown Denver — ~$6,000–$9,000
Central Denver location with Denver Health system clinical access. LoDo campus accessible by RTD light rail.
Colorado Springs — ~$5,000–$8,000
Second-largest city in Colorado. Fort Carson and Peterson SFB nearby — strong veteran student population.
Colorado Springs / Grand Junction — ~$15,000–$20,000
Private option with multiple start dates. Grand Junction campus serves the Western Slope — rural Colorado with high demand.
Federal Pell Grant — Up to $7,395. Covers most technical college tuition.
Colorado Student Grant — State need-based aid. Apply via FAFSA.
WIOA — Contact your local Colorado Workforce Center.
VA / GI Bill — Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Buckley SFB, Schriever SFB. Large military population.
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Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming licensed in Colorado. 50 free questions with full answer explanations.
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