Colorado LPN to RN/BSN Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 19, 2025

One of Colorado’s many strengths is its commitment to quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. That’s why the state offers a host of LPN to RN programs designed to further educate its nursing population. RNs are able to complete higher-level nursing tasks and work more independently, along with earning a much higher salary. LPNs in Colorado who are on the fence about becoming an RN should know that the salary difference between the two careers lands at an average of $21,860 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here we have additional information on the LPN to RN educational pathway as well as information on taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Fore more on licensing and available programs and associations in the state, check out Colorado Board of Nursing's site.

2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Colorado

Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in Colorado? practicalnursing.org has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings focus on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're advancing your career or starting fresh, find the right program for you. Check out our detailed rankings and start your journey today. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Trinidad State College

Trinidad, CO - Public 4-Year - trinidadstate.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Trinidad State College offers an LPN to ADN program designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers as registered nurses. This program stands out by allowing LPNs to leverage their prior experience through a specialized bridging course, integrating them into the second-level nursing cohort. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. Unique features include the option for dual enrollment in a BSN program and clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities, providing a comprehensive nursing education. Admission is competitive, based on a point system, and requires completion of prerequisite courses.

  • LPN to ADN transition program
  • Nationally accredited nursing program
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
  • Dual BSN enrollment option
  • Clinical experiences in regional facilities
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Point-based admission criteria
  • Comprehensive nursing skills training
#2

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomesa.edu

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado Mesa University's LPN to BSN program is a rigorous, on-campus pathway designed for LPNs aiming to advance their careers to registered nursing. This program stands out for its blend of nursing theory and hands-on practice, alongside a strong foundation in liberal arts, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare. With campuses in Grand Junction and Montrose, it offers a convenient option for students in Western Colorado. Accreditation by the CCNE underscores its quality, and the selective admission process ensures a committed student body. Graduates leave ready for RN licensure and equipped for further academic pursuits.

  • On-campus, in-person program
  • Selective admission requirements
  • Campus locations: Grand Junction, Montrose
  • Prepares for RN licensure
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Integrates nursing theory, practice
  • Career ladder advancement opportunity
#3

Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO - Public 4-Year - frontrange.edu

Associate - LPN-to-ADN Bridge Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Front Range Community College offers an LPN-to-ADN Bridge Program tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their nursing credentials. Located in Westminster, CO, this campus-based program accelerates students towards earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in just three semesters. The curriculum is meticulously designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences across Denver's healthcare facilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. A standout feature is its emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care, equipping students to address the varied needs of communities. Prospective students must hold a current LPN license and fulfill prerequisite requirements. The program boasts ACEN accreditation, offers financial aid, and provides comprehensive academic advising to support student success.

  • Three-semester advanced placement program.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Holistic, person-centered care focus.
  • Current LPN license required.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Academic advising support.
  • Accredited by ACEN.
  • Located in Westminster, CO.
#4

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO - Public 4-Year - arapahoe.edu

Associate - AAS Nursing PN to RN Option

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arapahoe Community College's AAS Nursing: PN to RN Option is tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking to elevate their careers to Registered Nurses (RNs). This campus-based program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for RN licensure in Colorado, blending advanced nursing coursework with hands-on clinical experience. Admission prerequisites include a current Colorado LPN license and completion of specific science and humanities courses. The curriculum is designed to smoothly transition LPNs into the RN role, culminating in eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. With a focus on both practical skills and theoretical understanding, graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession. The program also offers the flexibility of dual enrollment in an RN to BSN pathway, enhancing career advancement opportunities.

  • For licensed Practical Nurses.
  • Prepares for RN licensure in Colorado.
  • Requires current Colorado LPN license.
  • Includes advanced nursing courses.
  • Clinical compliance required.
  • Transition course for LPNs.
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN post-graduation.
  • Focus on practical and theoretical skills.
  • Admission based on GPA if over capacity.
  • Background check and drug screen required.
  • Work experience may be required.
  • Dual enrollment in RN to BSN possible.
  • Specific prerequisites in science and humanities.
  • Program length varies by student.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Application process includes checklist review.
  • Information sessions available.
  • Professional licensing disclosure provided.
  • State-specific licensure information available.
  • Contact for admissions and inquiries.
#5

Morgan Community College

Fort Morgan, CO - Public 4-Year - morgancc.edu

Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Morgan Community College's LPN to RN Bridge Program in Fort Morgan, CO, is tailored for LPNs seeking to elevate their nursing career to the RN level. With a summer start, this program efficiently transitions students into the second year of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), focusing on enhancing skills in patient-centered, evidence-based care. Admission is competitive, requiring an active LPN license in Colorado or a compact state. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and the application of quality measures in healthcare. Accredited by the ACEN, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare environments, emphasizing safety, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Campus-based program.
  • Requires active LPN license.
  • Competitive admission process.
  • Summer start each year.
  • Completes second ADN year.
  • No minimum student number.
  • Accredited by ACEN.
  • Focuses on patient-centered care.
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
  • Emphasizes critical thinking.
  • Teaches quality measures implementation.
  • Leadership in healthcare settings.
  • Professional, legal, ethical guidelines.
  • Culturally competent care.
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary relationships.
  • Information management principles.
  • Patient care technology.
  • Evidence-based nursing care.
  • Safe nursing practices.
  • Holistic compassionate care.

List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in CO

Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Colorado. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.

Jump to City:

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • Associate - Nursing: LPN Advanced Placement Option, AAS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced placement for LPNs
    • Pathway to Registered Nurse
    • Requires valid Colorado LPN license
    • Associate of Applied Science degree
    • Career advancement opportunity

Denver, CO

Community College of Denver

  • Associate - LPN-BSN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • First LPN-BSN bridge program in Colorado
    • Maximizes transfer credits
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Emphasizes leadership skills
    • Eligible for federal financial aid
    • Projected 6% job growth
    • Median RN salary $86,900
    • Client-centered care approach
  • Bachelor's - LPN-BSN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • First LPN-BSN bridge program in Colorado
    • 120 total credit program
    • Maximizes practical nursing credits
    • Develops leadership skills
    • Supports career advancement
    • Federal financial aid eligible
    • Employment growth projected 6%
    • Median RN salary $86,900 annually

Fort Morgan, CO

Morgan Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • Requires active LPN license.
    • Competitive admission process.
    • Summer start each year.
    • Completes second ADN year.
    • No minimum student number.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Focuses on patient-centered care.

Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • On-campus, in-person program
    • Selective admission requirements
    • Campus locations: Grand Junction, Montrose
    • Prepares for RN licensure
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Integrates nursing theory, practice
    • Career ladder advancement opportunity

La Junta, CO

Otero College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible traditional/non-traditional schedules
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Three semester bridge program
    • Advanced credit for LPN license
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam

Littleton, CO

Arapahoe Community College

  • Associate - AAS Nursing PN to RN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • For licensed Practical Nurses.
    • Prepares for RN licensure in Colorado.
    • Requires current Colorado LPN license.
    • Includes advanced nursing courses.
    • Clinical compliance required.
    • Transition course for LPNs.
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN post-graduation.
    • Focus on practical and theoretical skills.

Trinidad, CO

Trinidad State College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ADN transition program
    • Nationally accredited nursing program
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Dual BSN enrollment option
    • Clinical experiences in regional facilities
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Point-based admission criteria
    • Comprehensive nursing skills training

Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College

  • Associate - LPN-to-ADN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester advanced placement program.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Holistic, person-centered care focus.
    • Current LPN license required.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Academic advising support.

Colorado LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area

Salary Comparison Tool

This tool will allow you to easily search and compare the average salaries of nurses for many cities and locations across the U.S. You can search by city and state. Salary data is provided through the BLS.

Select Career Type

Select State

Select City

The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in Colorado.

On average an RN in Colorado earns $52,254, which is 9% more than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).

City/AreaAvg LPN SalaryAvg RN Salary% Diff
Denver, Aurora, Lakewood - CO$54,270$75,34038.8%
Colorado Springs - CO$49,370$73,51048.9%
Fort Collins - CO$51,250$73,85044.1%
Boulder - CO$53,430$76,30042.8%
Pueblo - CO$49,310$72,32046.7%
Grand Junction - CO$46,970$72,61054.6%
Greeley - CO$48,890$71,72046.7%

Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm