Becoming a licensed nurse in Colorado leads to a profession in high demand across the state. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the requirements for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The healthcare sector faces ongoing workforce challenges, making this an opportune time to enter the field. Successfully navigating the educational and administrative procedures is the foundation for a rewarding career.
Choosing Your Nursing Education Path
Aspiring nurses must select the educational pathway that aligns with their career goals and time availability. Each track prepares an individual for a different scope of practice and license type.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The Licensed Practical Nurse path is the fastest route to licensure, typically requiring one year of study for a certificate or diploma. LPN programs focus on foundational nursing skills, preparing graduates to provide basic patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician. LPNs perform tasks such as monitoring patient health, administering medication, and reporting changes in condition, primarily in long-term care facilities or clinics.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing is a two-year program offered through community colleges, leading to eligibility for the RN license. ADN programs provide a comprehensive clinical and theoretical foundation, preparing graduates for direct patient care in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals. While the ADN qualifies a candidate for RN licensure, many Colorado employers increasingly prefer the BSN for new hires.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year degree that offers comprehensive education in nursing theory, leadership, research, and public health. This degree is the preferred qualification by major hospital systems in Colorado and provides the broadest range of career advancement opportunities. The BSN provides the necessary education for the Registered Nurse license and is considered the standard for entry into the field.
Meeting Colorado Program Requirements
The educational institution you choose must be formally approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing or meet comparable standards if located out-of-state. This approval ensures the program’s curriculum and clinical experiences meet the state’s regulatory guidelines for safe and competent nursing practice.
Accreditation by a national body is an indicator of program quality and is required for licensure eligibility. Recognized accreditation bodies include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Programs must provide sufficient clinical hours, involving supervised patient care, to prepare students for the profession. Before a graduate can submit their licensure application, the nursing program must send official transcripts directly to the Board of Nursing confirming the completion of the required education.
Applying for Licensure with the Colorado Board of Nursing
The process of applying for licensure begins by submitting an application to the Colorado Board of Nursing (BON), which operates under the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO).
All initial applicants must complete a mandatory criminal background check. This requires submitting fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a state and national check against FBI records. Fingerprint transmission is managed through the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program, using approved vendors like IdentoGO or American BioIdentity.
The application packet must include the required fees, the online application, and official transcripts. Once the BON confirms eligibility, including a clean background check and verified education, they grant an “Authorization to Test” (ATT). The ATT is the permission required to register for the national licensing exam and is not issued until all preceding steps are complete.
Passing the NCLEX Examination
The final examination for all nursing candidates is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which assesses the competency required to begin practice. The two versions are the NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurse candidates and the NCLEX-PN for Licensed Practical Nurse candidates.
Candidates must register for the examination through Pearson VUE and receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Colorado Board of Nursing before scheduling an appointment. This adaptive examination evaluates a candidate’s ability to make safe and effective clinical judgments. Upon successful completion, Pearson VUE transmits the official passing results directly to the Board. The Board uses these results, alongside the completed application, background check, and transcripts, to issue the state nursing license.
Understanding Colorado’s Nurse Licensure Compact Status
Colorado is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which offers practice mobility to its licensees. The NLC is an agreement among member states that allows a nurse to hold one multi-state license (MSL) and practice physically or electronically in any other compact state.
To hold a Colorado multi-state license, the nurse must declare Colorado as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR). The PSOR is the state where the nurse legally resides, typically evidenced by a driver’s license and voter registration. The MSL provides an advantage for nurses seeking employment in neighboring compact states without needing additional licenses. If a nurse does not meet the requirements for a multi-state license, the Board may still issue a single-state license, which permits practice only within Colorado.
Maintaining Your Colorado Nursing License
Once initial licensure is granted, a Colorado nursing license must be maintained through a renewal process. Both Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are required to renew their licenses every two years.
The renewal process is completed online through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and requires payment of the renewal fee. The Colorado Board of Nursing does not mandate continuing education units (CEUs) for RNs or LPNs for renewal. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with prescriptive authority, however, have specific continuing education requirements.