[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado presents many promising career opportunities for new and experienced nurses looking to practice in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado boasts the nation’s second highest growth rate for nursing jobs. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.coloradonursingcenter.org/quick-facts-on-nursing-supply-and-demand/” target=”_blank”]Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence[/hen-ui-link], the healthcare and social service sector generates $11 billion in annual revenue and supports 253,000 Colorado residents.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Find out how you can become a nurse in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/colorado/”]Colorado[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies administers state nursing licensure. In Colorado, prospective nurses must earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing program[/hen-ui-link] before applying for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Colorado Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing” target=”_blank”]Colorado Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] implements nursing statutes, renews licenses, and enforces nursing policies defined in the Nurse Practice Act, Nurse Aide Practice Act, and the Licensed Psychiatric Technician Practice Act.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can apply for or renew a Colorado nursing license by creating an account on its website. The site also features resources on topics like accredited [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]RN programs[/hen-ui-link] in Colorado, prescription drug monitoring, and certification information. Nurses should check the website often to stay updated on changing rules and regulations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals may receive a Colorado nursing license [hen-ui-link href=”https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/RNApplications” target=”_blank”]by examination or endorsement[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New nurses who wish to practice in the state earn licensure by examination. They must take and pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for a license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado is a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC) state. The NLC lets nurses practice in participating states without applying for a new license. RNs who are licensed in another NLC state but wish to practice in Colorado must apply for licensure by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an NLC state, Colorado lets nurses who are licensed in other participating states transfer their credentials without getting a new license. These RNs must apply for licensure by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for an RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses licensed in NLC states may practice in Colorado without pursuing another license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create a profile on the Colorado nursing board’s website.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide documents such as official school transcripts, any other healthcare credentials, license verification, and background information.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit your completed application with a $108 fee.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Colorado” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/colorado/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals can check their license’s status at any time through the Colorado nursing board’s website. Nurses receive a warning before their licenses expire, or if the expiration date has passed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Colorado, RN licenses expire on September 30 of odd- or even-numbered years, depending on the issue date. Users may not access the state’s online license renewal portal until 4-6 weeks before their license’s expiration date.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renewal costs $108. RNs do not need to fulfill continuing education requirements to renew an active license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado is home to some of the nation’s best healthcare facilities and job opportunities. The state’s growing elderly population has led to an increased demand for nursing professionals. Data from Projections Central indicates that RN jobs in Colorado should grow by nearly 28.6% from 2020-30.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Colorado enjoy an average annual wage of $80,670.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While Colorado’s large metropolitan areas offer the highest median salaries, their costs of living also tend to be high. RNs in these areas also face larger workloads typically.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Boulder[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$85,020[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Denver — Aurora — Lakewood[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$82,860[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fort Collins[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$78,660[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Colorado Springs[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$78,520[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Pueblo[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$76,930[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”best-hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every nurse’s workplace preferences are slightly different. However, U.S. News & World Report developed a ranking to determine Colorado’s best hospitals, based on how well each facility handles rare and life-threatening diseases in addition to common procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital[/hen-ui-heading] The regions only academic hospital, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital provides patients in the metro Denver area with quality care. U.S. News ranks it among the countrys top hospitals, with nine nationally ranked specialties.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Porter Adventist Hospital[/hen-ui-heading] Porter Adventist Hospital is one of Colorados top full-service, acute care centers, standing in the 6th percentile of hospitals nationwide. Founded in 1930, the facility now employs 940 active medical staff and 1,411 caregivers.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs[/hen-ui-heading] Penrose-St. Francis cares for approximately half a million people each year. The hospital supports around 522 licensed care beds at any given time.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sclhealth.org/locations/saint-joseph-hospital/” target=”_blank”] SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This hospital is a member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, a nonprofit faith-based healthcare system, along with eight other hospitals. Saint Joseph Hospital is Denvers largest private teaching hospital.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://healthonecares.com/locations/sky-ridge/” target=”_blank”] Sky Ridge Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Located in Lone Tree, the 57-acre Sky Ridge Medical Center campus houses some of the states most advanced medical technology. The facility provides Douglas County residents with expert care.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.coloradonurses.org/” target=”_blank”] Colorado Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This professional organization gives nurses across the state a unified voice. The association advocates for cooperation between nurses and other medical professionals to improve healthcare practices.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://scapna.enpnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”] Southern Colorado Advanced Practice Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1997, SCAPNA unites nurses interested in improving nursing practices. The organizations website lets members connect with one another and explore job openings.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.coloradoschoolnurse.org/” target=”_blank”] Colorado Association of School Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] CASN offers a platform for Colorados school nurses to collaborate and improve care practices. Members enjoy exclusive scholarship opportunities and access to publications.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://ccbninc.org/” target=”_blank”] Colorado Council of Black Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] For over 45 years, the Colorado Council of Black Nurses has been a staple nonprofit organization in the states nursing community. Members work to improve underserved communities by increasing health standards and supporting Black healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become an RN in Colorado?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every licensed RN in Colorado must complete an accredited RN program in Colorado before taking the NCLEX-RN. An ADN takes around 2-3 years to complete, while a BSN typically lasts four years. The NCLEX-RN tests nurses’ patient care skills and knowledge.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much do BSN nurses make in Colorado?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary potential varies throughout the state. Higher-density cities offer better pay compared to rural areas due to cities’ larger populations and higher costs of living. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/f8737dd3/Denver-CO” target=”_blank”]According to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], a nurse with a BSN living in Boulder earns around $32.09 per hour as of September 2022.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Colorado a good place for nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colorado offers many benefits for up-and-coming nurses who wish to move to the state or establish themselves in the field. According to the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, increased demand for healthcare workers should lead to more nursing jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I get my Colorado nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before earning a Colorado nursing license, applicants must earn an ADN or a BSN before taking the NCLEX-RN. Colorado participates in the NLC, which allows nurses from other NLC states to relocate and begin practicing without seeking new licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Colorado[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top 5 Colorado RN-to-MSN Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/colorado/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Colorado Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/colorado/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Colorado Medical Assistant Programs and Online Training” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/colorado/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]