🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Colorado
Colorado's LPN training runs primarily through technical colleges — Pickens Tech (Aurora), Emily Griffith (Denver), and Pikes Peak State College (Colorado Springs) are the largest public options. IntelliTec College in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs provides a private alternative with multiple start dates. Programs run 11–13 months. The Colorado State Board of Nursing approves all programs.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver | Technical College | 12 months | $7,800 |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs | Community College | 12 months | $6,900 |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | Community College | 12 months | $6,500 |
| Aims Community College | Greeley | Community College | 11 months | $6,200 |
| Pickens Technical College | Aurora | Technical College | 12 months | $7,400 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Colorado
No Colorado LPN program is fully online — the State Board of Nursing requires clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Pickens Tech and Emily Griffith both offer hybrid components with some online lecture delivery. RTD light rail access to Emily Griffith's LoDo campus reduces commute burden for Denver-area students.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Colorado residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Colorado LPN Program
Colorado programs generally require anatomy/physiology, BLS certification, and TEAS or HESI entrance exam scores. Pickens Tech and Emily Griffith have similar requirements but different application timelines — check start dates for each separately. CNA certification is not required in Colorado but gives applicants a competitive edge in admissions.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Colorado
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Colorado
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Colorado earn an average of $68,570 per year ($32.97/hour). This places Colorado above the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Colorado typically range from $51,200 for entry-level positions to $84,600 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Colorado
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $71,200 |
| Colorado Springs | $66,800 |
| Fort Collins | $67,500 |
| Aurora | $70,400 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Colorado is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Colorado
The majority of LPNs in Colorado work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Colorado is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Colorado
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Colorado
Colorado LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Colorado LPNs are regulated by the Colorado State Board of Nursing under DORA (Dept. of Regulatory Agencies). Colorado is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Colorado LPNs practice under the direction of an RN, APRN, physician, or PA:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to the care plan
- Supervising and delegating to CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
Colorado requires a substantial IV therapy course — one of the longer minimums in the country:
- LPNs must complete a 60-hour Board-approved IV therapy course before performing IV therapy
- In-person instruction is required — online prep can supplement but cannot replace classroom/lab time
- After certification: LPNs may start peripheral IVs, administer IV fluids and approved medications
- LPNs CANNOT administer IV push medications, blood products, or chemotherapy
- LPNs CANNOT manage central venous lines without additional specialized training and facility protocols
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Initial comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying the nursing care plan
- IV push medications
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Emergency department triage
- Independent practice
Colorado LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mountain College | Hybrid | 12–18 months | LPN-to-ADN bridge with rural/mountain clinical placements |
| Pueblo Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12 months | ADN bridge in southern Colorado |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Colorado Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: dora.colorado.gov/nursing
- Phone: (303) 894-2430
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →