RN Programs in Colorado 2026
Colorado approves both ADN and BSN nursing programs through the Division of Professions and Occupations. Both degree levels lead to the same NCLEX-RN exam and the same RN license. The decision between them comes down to time, cost, and plans for graduate school.
Sponsored School(s)
Colorado has approved programs at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. The state’s Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) maintains a current list of approved ADN and BSN programs and publishes NCLEX pass rates for each. Both are useful starting points for comparing programs before applying.
ADN or BSN: Choosing a Program Level
ADN and BSN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN and qualify for the same initial RN license in Colorado. The practical differences show up later: in employer preferences, in graduate school admissions, and in the scope of clinical preparation built into each curriculum.
ADN programs run approximately two years and are offered primarily through community colleges. They’re more affordable than university-based BSN programs and cover the core nursing curriculum in a compressed format. An ADN is a legitimate path to RN licensure and leads to the same exam as a BSN.
BSN programs take four years and include coursework in leadership, public health, and nursing research alongside clinical preparation. Many Colorado hospitals have expressed a preference for BSN graduates, and some specialty units require it. The degree also opens the door to graduate programs like an MSN or DNP without needing an additional bridge step.
Multi-exit programs exist in Colorado that allow a student to sit for the PN exam after one year and continue for a second year to complete an ADN and qualify for the NCLEX-RN. Students who complete an ADN first can also enroll in an RN-to-BSN program later.
Accreditation: State Approval and National Recognition
The Colorado DPO approves all prelicensure nursing programs in the state. State approval is the baseline requirement. Graduates of unapproved programs are not eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Beyond state approval, most programs also hold national accreditation from one of three recognized bodies: ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), or CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation). National accreditation matters if you plan to pursue graduate education. Most MSN and DNP programs require that prior degrees come from a nationally accredited institution. Colorado requires programs to seek and obtain programmatic accreditation within four years of full DPO approval.
Most ADN programs in Colorado hold ACEN accreditation. Most BSN programs are CCNE-accredited. Both are recognized for graduate school eligibility.
NCLEX Pass Rates as a Selection Criterion
Every nursing graduate must pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing. Pass rates vary across Colorado programs, and the DPO makes this data publicly available at dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Education. The site publishes separate reports for ADN and BSN programs, broken down by year and institution.
A consistently high pass rate indicates the program is preparing graduates effectively. Under Colorado rules, programs must maintain a first-time pass rate at or above 75%. A rate below that threshold, or below the state average in recent years, is worth investigating before applying. The data covers enough years to identify which programs have been consistently strong and which have shown volatility.
RN Salaries and Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado RNs earned a median annual salary of $100,260 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is above the national median of $97,550. Projections Central estimates 17.8% growth in RN employment in Colorado between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 4,100 job openings per year. For a broader look at how Colorado compares across specialties and settings, see RN career paths and salary in Colorado.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage (BLS May 2025) | $100,260 |
| Mean Annual Wage (BLS May 2025) | $99,370 |
| 75th Percentile Wage (BLS May 2025) | $108,930 |
| Projected Employment Growth (2022–2032) | 17.8% |
| Avg. Annual Job Openings (2022–2032) | 4,100 |
After Graduation: NCLEX-RN and Licensing in Colorado
Completing a DPO-approved program makes a graduate eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests clinical judgment at the RN scope of practice. The state reviews each application individually, including background check results, before granting the license. Full details on the application process are on the Colorado RN licensing requirements page.
Colorado is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). An RN licensed in Colorado can practice in any of the 40-plus eNLC member states without applying for a separate license, as long as Colorado remains the nurse’s primary state of residence. This is relevant for travel nursing assignments, working near state borders, and relocating to another compact state.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RN programs does Colorado have?
Colorado approves programs at both the associate (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) levels. The DPO maintains a current list of all approved programs at dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Education. Program counts change as schools receive or lose approval, so check the DPO list directly for the most current information.
Do ADN and BSN programs lead to the same license in Colorado?
Yes. Graduates of both program levels sit for the same NCLEX-RN and qualify for the same initial Colorado RN license. The license does not specify the degree level of the holder.
Is Colorado a compact nursing state?
Yes. Colorado is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). RNs licensed in Colorado can practice in other eNLC member states without a separate license, as long as Colorado is their primary state of residence.
Where can I find current NCLEX pass rates for Colorado RN programs?
The DPO publishes pass rate data for both ADN and BSN programs at dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Education. Reports cover multiple years and are separated by program level, allowing you to track trends across institutions.
Does national accreditation affect my ability to get licensed in Colorado?
Not for initial licensure. State approval by the DPO is the requirement for NCLEX-RN eligibility, not national accreditation. National accreditation (ACEN or CCNE) matters for graduate school admissions and most RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which typically require that your prior degree came from a nationally accredited institution.
Key Takeaways
- Two program levels, one license — ADN and BSN graduates both take the NCLEX-RN and qualify for the same initial Colorado RN license.
- DPO approval is the baseline — the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations approves all prelicensure programs. Only graduates of approved programs can sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- National accreditation affects what comes next — ACEN or CCNE accreditation is not required for initial licensure, but it is required by most graduate programs and RN-to-BSN bridges.
- Colorado is a compact state — an eNLC license issued in Colorado is valid in 40-plus compact member states without a separate application.
- Strong job market — Projections Central estimates 17.8% RN employment growth in Colorado between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 4,100 openings per year.
Use the link below to compare accredited RN programs, review school-specific requirements, and find application information for Colorado nursing programs.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.