Best nursing schools in Colorado: Largest to smallest

Earning a qualification in the nursing profession can be the first step towards a lifelong career. Not only will you work in one of the most rewarding professions in the world, your breadth of career options will be almost limitless. The nursing profession is growing rapidly as employers hire qualified staff, both in the state of Colorado and across the country. Nursing also opens the door to international employment, since a US nursing qualification is recognized in many other countries.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make up around 14% of the nurses in the state of Colorado. An LPN program is the quickest route to joining the nursing profession at an entry level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that by 2020, LPN jobs will increase by 28% in Colorado alone.

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Registered nurses (RNs) require at least associate's degree-level training. They are in high demand, both in Colorado and the US as a whole, as the countrywide nursing shortage is set to worsen with an aging population. And with the BLS predicting a rapid increase in RN employment, there’s no better time to take up nursing as a profession.

Once qualified as an RN, you can choose to focus on one of several specializations. These include career options such as nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner.

There are many different levels of nursing education available in Colorado, including certificates, associate's degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs. Public schools typically offer larger programs and reduced fees, particularly if you study in your home state. Private colleges often provide prestige and smaller class sizes. Whichever route you choose, you will enter a labor force with steadily increasing demand and embark upon a well paid, rewarding lifetime career.

Get a head start on your search for the perfect Colorado nursing school with our comprehensive list below. This is the first step for aspiring nurses to gain the best education possible.