Are you the type of person who enjoys helping others and would love to make a difference in their lives? If so, why not consider a career in registered nursing? Colorado is a great place to begin a nursing career, and as a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), you can expect an average salary of nearly $91,730 per year! This figure has been provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- 17.8% RN Job Growth
- $91,730 Yearly Salary
- 53,480 RNs Employed
Source: Projections Central, BLS
ADN programs in Colorado, like elsewhere in the U.S., combine traditional classroom instruction with clinical skills training to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a registered nurse. Typically, approved ADN programs last two years. Depending on the institution, you may also need to pass a nursing program entrance exam before being admitted to the ADN program.
Before you can work as an RN in Colorado, you must apply for a state nursing license. After submitting your application, you’ll need to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) licensing exam for RNs. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive your license and can begin searching for employment in Colorado.
Related: Average Cost of Tuition for an ADN Program
The Best ADN Programs in Colorado
Below are some of the best schools with ADN programs in Colorado. These have been approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Aims Community College
5401 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634 (970) 330-8008Arapahoe Community College
5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120 (303) 797-4222College America
1385 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 300-8740Colorado Mesa University
1100 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 248-1020Colorado Mountain College
802 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (800) 621-8559Colorado Northwestern Community College
500 Kennedy Dr, Rangely, CO 81648 (970) 675-2261Colorado Northwestern Community College
2801 W 9th St, Craig, CO 81625 (970) 824-1101Community College of Denver
1111 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 556-2600Concorde Career College
111 Havana St Suite 120, Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 861-1151Denver College of Nursing
1401 19th St, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 292-0015Front Range Community College
3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 (303) 404-5000Front Range Community College
2190 Miller Dr, Longmont, CO 80501 (303) 678-3850Front Range Community College
4616 S Shields St, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 226-2500Lamar Community College
2401 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052 (719) 336-2248Morgan Community College
920 Barlow Rd, Fort Morgan, CO 80701 (970) 542-3100Northeastern Junior College
100 College Ave, Sterling, CO 80751 (970) 521-6600Otero Junior College
1802 Colorado Ave, La Junta, CO 81050 (719) 384-6831Pikes Peak Community College
5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (719) 502-2000Pueblo Community College
900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 (719) 549-3200Pueblo Community College
51320 US-50, Canon City, CO 81212 (719) 296-6100Regis University
3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, CO 80221 (800) 388-2366Trinidad State Junior College
600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082 (719) 846-5011Trinidad State Junior College
1011 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101 (719) 589-7000
Job Outlook & Salary for RNs in Colorado
RNs in Colorado are in high demand, with a projected 17.8% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to Projection Central. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 53,480 RNs in the state, earning an average annual salary of $91,730, or $44.10 per hour.
Use our RN salary calculator to estimate your potential earnings based on location, experience, and education.
Explore salary trends for RNs in Colorado's metro areas below:
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $47.77 | $99,350 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $44.80 | $93,190 |
| Grand Junction | $43.67 | $90,840 |
| Greeley | $43.44 | $90,360 |
| Fort Collins | $43.16 | $89,760 |
| Pueblo | $42.85 | $89,130 |
| Colorado Springs | $41.57 | $86,470 |
Source: BLS
Colorado Board of Nursing
For questions about nursing programs and licensure in Colorado, please contact the Colorado Board of Nursing.
Colorado Board of Nursing
- Address: 1560 Broadway #1350, Denver, CO 80202
- Phone: (303) 894-2430
- Fax: (303) 894-2821
- Website: colorado.gov
Conclusion
Nursing is a high-demand, growing field. ADN programs in Colorado provide a great opportunity to enter this rewarding profession. With hands-on training and a fast track to becoming a nurse, these programs ensure you gain the skills needed for success. They also offer competitive pay and job stability. Choosing an ADN program in Colorado is a smart investment for your future career.
