Colorado LPN Programs

Find approved LPN courses to earn your Colorado practical nurse certificate

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado requires taking the following steps: attending a nursing school with an LPN program that is approved by the state, taking the necessary exams, and applying for licensure to practice in the state.The entire LPN certification process can be completed in about one year.

The Colorado Board of Nursing is responsible for oversight of all approved LPN programs in the state. They will be able to verify a school’s legitimacy, graduation rates, NCLEX pass rates and current approval/accreditation standing. Information can also be obtained directly from the school or training institution regarding program offerings, start dates, class schedules and specific curriculum. There are online schools that offer LPN training programs as well, but students should be aware that all states require some portion of LPN training to be performed in a clinical setting. Therefore an online LPN program must include an on-site segment in order to fully prepare the student and satisfy the education requirement. After graduation, students must pass the NCLEX-PN certification examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). If you fail the NCLEX-PN exam in Colorado, the test can be retaken twice within three years of the original attempt. Fees will apply for additional testing.

After passing the NCLEX-PN exam the practical nurse candidate can apply for licensure with the state of Colorado and have their name include don the state nurse registry list. The salary range for an LPN in Colorado is around $35,000 per year. This amount can differ based on current economic conditions, employment circumstances and individual qualifications. Practical nurses work under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse or Doctor. Most LPNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or provide private in-home care to sick, injured or elderly individuals.

For an LPN in Colorado to advance within the field of nursing, the next logical step is to become a Registered nurse (RN). Somewhere between 1-2 more years of education are required, depending on the current level of education the candidate holds and what type of program they attend (full-time, part-time, accelerated, etc). RN salaries vary according to number of years of experience, degree level, employer and geographic location, but in a populated city like Denver, RNs earn a median salary of $67,455 per year. While RNs enjoy higher average salaries they also take on a greater level of responsibility. This can be an excellent career option for some LPNs.

List of LPN Programs in Colorado

Colorado LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Colorado schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Colorado state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Colorado

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Colorado

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Colorado as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.