LPN to RN Programs in Colorado (2026)

Advance from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse in Colorado. Compare 2 accredited bridge programs with real tuition data, program length, and Colorado-specific licensing context.

Limited LPN / ADN listings in Colorado

Our directory currently shows fewer than 8 combined LPN and ADN programs for Colorado. Explore the Colorado nursing hub, online programs in Colorado, or national LPN-to-RN programs.

Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for Colorado in our sample, 20% are fully online, 0% hybrid, and 80% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).

LPN Programs

ADN Programs

11 mo

Fastest Bridge

+$26K

Salary Jump (LPN→RN)

Find LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs in Colorado

Advancing to RN in Colorado can mean +$26K/year. Compare 5 bridge programs by tuition, format, and start date — enter your zip code to get matched.

Why Advance from LPN to RN in Colorado?

The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.

In Colorado, registered nurses earn an average of $85,670 per year — roughly $25,940 more than the national LPN median. With Colorado nursing job growth projected at 8.7% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.

Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.

Two Paths: LPN-to-ADN vs. LPN-to-BSN

LPN → ADN (Fastest)

Duration: 12–18 months
Outcome: Associate Degree in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages quickly
Many nurses later complete an RN-to-BSN while working.

LPN → BSN (Most Competitive)

Duration: 2–3 years
Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals or grad school
Required for many Colorado hospital leadership tracks.

Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in Colorado

Current, Active LPN License

Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in Colorado at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the Colorado Board of Nursing before applying.

Prerequisite Science Courses

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.

Work Experience

Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.

Credit Evaluation

Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost — and programs in Colorado start as low as $18,000.

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LPN Programs in Colorado

2 programs listed for Colorado.

Program	School	Format	Duration	Tuition
LPN (Practical Nursing)	Concorde Career College	On Campus	11 mo	$22,000	Get Info →
LPN	Denver College of Nursing	On Campus	12 mo	$18,000	Get Info →

ADN Programs in Colorado

Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 3 programs available in Colorado.

Program	School	Format	Duration	Tuition
ADN	Concorde Career College	On Campus	22 mo	$35,000	Get Info →
ADN	Denver College of Nursing	On Campus	24 mo	$34,000	Get Info →
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)	Excelsior University	Online	24 mo	$14,560	Get Info →

See all nursing programs in Colorado →

Get Matched with Colorado Bridge Programs

Compare your options side by side — tuition, format, and admissions requirements. Enter your zip to see which programs are accepting Colorado students.

How do I go from LPN to RN in Colorado?

To advance from LPN to RN in Colorado, enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program at an accredited nursing school. These programs typically award credit for your LPN coursework and take 12 to 18 months to complete. At graduation you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Colorado Board of Nursing (https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing) issues RN licenses and can confirm current requirements.

How long does LPN to RN take in Colorado?

Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs available in Colorado take 12 to 18 months full-time. The fastest option currently listed for Colorado is 11 months. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline to 18–24 months. Programs that award a direct-entry BSN at completion may take longer than those that award an ADN.

How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Colorado?

Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average of $85,670 per year (BLS May 2023). The national median for licensed practical nurses is $59,730 — a difference of roughly $25,940 per year. Most LPN-to-RN programs pay for themselves within the first year of RN practice based on that salary increase alone.

Do LPN credits transfer in Colorado?

Most LPN-to-RN programs accept 15 to 30 LPN credits through advanced standing or articulation agreements. The exact number depends on the program and your LPN coursework. Some schools require a validation exam or skills assessment before awarding credit. Ask each program's admissions office for a transfer credit evaluation before applying.

What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN in Colorado?

LPN-to-ADN bridge programs (typically 12–18 months) result in an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility — the fastest route to RN licensure. LPN-to-BSN programs take longer (usually 2–3 years) but award a bachelor's degree, which many Colorado hospital systems prefer for direct-care positions and which is required for graduate nursing programs. Many nurses complete the ADN first to start earning an RN salary sooner, then complete an RN-to-BSN program while working.

Is Colorado in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes, Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. After earning your RN license in Colorado, you can practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border healthcare employment.

Colorado RN License Information

Renewal Cycle

2 years

CE Hours Required

None specified

NLC Compact Member

Yes

Source: Colorado Board of Nursing

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