Which Colorado LPN to RN bridge program gives you the strongest NCLEX-RN edge before you pay tuition? Colorado LPNs earn a median of roughly $55,000 per year, while RN wages run substantially higher, and the state's RN workforce demand is climbing.
The list is ordered by NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates. Completion and accreditation break ties, so a strong pass rate is only meaningful if the program moves students through to licensure.
For a working LPN, the decision often comes down to cost, timeline, online flexibility, and salary return. A cheap bridge that leaves graduates stuck at the NCLEX-RN stage is not a shortcut; it is a stall.
Top Colorado LPN to RN/BSN Programs Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
The NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam that stands between a practical nurse and an RN license in Colorado, and first-time pass rates are the most direct evidence of how well a bridge program prepares its students for it. The Colorado programs below are ordered around that outcome, with completion and accreditation filling in the picture. Where bridge-specific pass rates are not published, we say so plainly rather than guess.
How we ranked these
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- Institution-wide graduation rates
- Program completion and accreditation
- In-state tuition and student debt
- Flexibility for working nurses
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Colorado Northwestern Community College serves far northwestern Colorado from Rangely and Craig, where the LPN to ADN bridge is built around a single transition course and a cohort capped at 28 students. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and clinical time covers childbearing families and pediatric patients. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 34 percent, and in-state tuition and fees run near $4,600. The 91.3 percent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate covers 101 candidates.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
- Entrance exam required, TEAS
- One start date per year, fall admission
- Enrollment limited to 28 students
- Transition course covers nursing law and ethics
- Clinicals with childbearing families and pediatric patients
- Offered at the Craig campus
LPN to ADN — On-Campus
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo Community College's LPN to ADN bridge also opens to paramedics, awarding an associate degree after 71 credits of transition and second-year nursing coursework. Students train in learning labs with low- and high-tech manikins and in a simulation center at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, with clinical placements at local hospitals. The college reports a 92 percent licensure pass rate and an 83 percent job placement rate for the program, and its institution-wide graduation rate is about 31 percent. In-state tuition and fees are close to $5,000.
- ACEN accredited AAS degree totaling 71 credit hours
- Open to licensed practical nurses and paramedics
- Reports 92 percent licensure pass rate and 83 percent job placement
- Simulation center at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center
- Clinical placements with local hospitals
- Coursework spans adult, gerontological, obstetric, pediatric and psychiatric nursing
- Stackable credentials let students earn while they learn
- Faculty specialize in obstetrics, pediatrics, critical care and mental health
LPN to ADN Bridge — Hybrid
Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo offers an LPN to BSN option for practical nurses who want the bachelor's credential rather than an associate degree, with 46 prerequisite credits and 74 nursing credits, plus seven escrow credits for the LPN license. Students present an active license before the first nursing course and move through health assessment, pharmacology, public health, leadership and evidence-based practice. About 40 percent of students graduate institution-wide, and in-state tuition and fees are roughly $9,700. The program's 91.1 percent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate covers 380 candidates.
- ACEN accredited
- Seven escrow credits awarded for LPN experience
- 46 prerequisite credits plus 74 nursing credits
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
- Active LPN license presented before the first nursing course
- Spring or summer entry
- Coursework includes public health, informatics, leadership and pharmacology
- Clinical labs and practicums build clinical judgment
LPN to BSN, Associates — On-Campus
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University runs a CCNE-accredited LPN to BSN with separate cohorts in Grand Junction and Montrose, so western Colorado nurses can earn the bachelor's degree without leaving the region. Students attend campus three to four days a week for theory and local clinicals, and the application deadline falls each September 15. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 41 percent, and in-state tuition and fees are near $9,900. First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the program sit at 88.8 percent across 155 candidates.
- CCNE accredited
- Cohorts meet in Grand Junction and Montrose
- On-campus attendance three to four days per week
- Local clinical placements in western Colorado
- Application deadline September 15
- Cohort-based structure with selective admission
- Integrates nursing theory, practice, science and liberal arts
- Builds a foundation for graduate study in nursing
LPN to BSN, Associates — On-Campus
Trinidad State College
Trinidad State College in southern Colorado runs a compact LPN to ADN bridge, with a spring transition course that moves licensed practical nurses straight into the second level of the associate degree. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, clinical rotations happen at regional healthcare facilities, and students apply in January for an August start. Institution-wide, about 55 percent of students graduate, the highest rate on this list, with in-state tuition and fees near $4,600. Bridge-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are not published in the data we reviewed.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
- Entrance exam required, HESI
- Transition course NUR 1089 required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Apply by January for an August start
- Clinical experiences in regional healthcare facilities
- Program fee of $57.95 per credit hour
- Background check and drug screening required
LPN to ADN — On-Campus
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College serves the Denver metro from its Westminster campus, and its LPN to ADN bridge is a three-semester advanced placement sequence that gives block credit for prior LPN education under the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model. Admission requires a current Colorado LPN license in good standing and at least six months of full-time LPN work experience, and students can dual enroll in the college's RN to BSN completion option. About 35 percent of students graduate institution-wide, with in-state tuition and fees near $4,700. Bridge-specific NCLEX-RN pass rates are not published in the data we reviewed.
- ACEN accredited
- Three-semester advanced placement sequence
- Block credit for prior LPN education via the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model
- At least six months of full-time LPN work experience required
- Current Colorado LPN license in good standing required
- Science prerequisites must be completed within seven years
- Dual enrollment in the RN to BSN completion option
- Denver metro clinicals in acute care, home health and community settings
LPN to ADN Bridge — On-Campus
Aims Community College
Aims Community College offers a one-year LPN to RN degree that runs from June through the following May across the Greeley, Fort Lupton and Loveland campuses. A transition course grants 21 credits of block credit for the LPN license, and applicants need at least a year of medical work experience, which keeps the cohort made up of practicing nurses. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 40 percent, and in-state tuition and fees are the lowest on this list at roughly $2,300. Bridge-specific NCLEX-RN pass rates are not published in the data we reviewed.
- ACEN accredited
- Three semesters running June to the following May
- Summer start, applications each March
- Transition course grants 21 credits of block credit for the LPN license
- At least one year of medical work experience required
- Offered at Greeley, Fort Lupton and Loveland campuses
- Small classes with faculty who have real-world healthcare experience
- Program cites regional RN median earnings near $94,079
LPN to RN Nursing Degree, Associates — Hybrid
Otero College
Otero College in La Junta keeps its LPN to RN bridge close to home for southeastern Colorado nurses, with a three-semester sequence that follows the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model. Classes and clinicals run during the week at regional partner facilities, and the program reports a 92.5 percent job placement rate. About 38 percent of students graduate institution-wide, with in-state tuition and fees near $4,600. Bridge-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are not published in the data we reviewed.
- ACEN accredited
- Three-semester program
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Program reports a 92.5 percent job placement rate
- Follows the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model
- In-person classes and clinicals during the week
- Clinical placements at southeastern Colorado partner facilities
LPN to RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
Morgan Community College
Morgan Community College in Fort Morgan runs an ACEN-accredited LPN to RN bridge that starts each summer and moves licensed practical nurses into the second year of the associate degree after a transition course. Competitive admission points favor residents of the college's northeastern Colorado service area, and the college reports an 80 percent licensure pass rate and a 90 percent job placement rate in its program materials. About 45 percent of students graduate institution-wide, with in-state tuition and fees near $4,300. Bridge-specific first-time NCLEX-RN results are not available to us.
- ACEN accredited
- Apply by May 15 for the summer start
- Transition course NUR 2002 leads into the second year of the ADN
- About 24.5 credits and at least 330 clinical hours after transition
- Admission points favor residents of the service area
- Reports 80 percent licensure pass rate and 90 percent job placement
- Simulation lab and clinical rotations at local hospitals
- LPN license required for admission
LPN to RN Bridge Program, Associates — On-Campus
Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College's PN to RN option in Littleton is deliberately small, with 12 seats per cohort and theory and labs split between the Littleton campus and the Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock. A current unrestricted Colorado LPN license is required, and the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model awards credit for the first two semesters so students do not repeat practical nursing coursework. About 29 percent of students graduate institution-wide, with in-state tuition and fees near $4,400, and students can dual enroll in the college's RN to BSN program. Bridge-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are not published in the data we reviewed.
- ACEN accredited
- Apply by April 10 for summer or fall start
- Cohort of 12 seats
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Current unrestricted Colorado LPN license required
- Credit awarded for the first two semesters via the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model
- No LPN work experience required if PN graduation was within three years
- Dual enrollment in the college's RN to BSN program
AAS Nursing PN to RN Option, Associates — On-Campus
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates for Colorado LPN to RN Bridge Programs
The table below compiles the most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates reported by Colorado nursing programs that offer bridge or advancement pathways for LPNs. Keep in mind that not every program listed is exclusively a bridge track; some schools report a combined pass rate across all nursing pathways. The national NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate has hovered around 85% to 88% in recent testing cycles, so programs consistently above that range signal strong exam preparation. Any program falling below the Colorado State Board of Nursing's minimum pass rate threshold (typically around 80%) may face additional oversight or probationary conditions, which is worth investigating before you enroll. Where the number of test takers was not publicly reported, that cell is marked N/A.
| School | NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Test Takers | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing (UCAN Pathway) | 98.51% | N/A | 2025 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (Traditional) | 97% | N/A | 2025 |
| University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing (Overall) | 96.02% | N/A | 2025 |
| University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing (Traditional Pathway) | 93.54% | N/A | 2025 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (Accelerated) | 90% | N/A | 2025 |
| Arapahoe Community College | 86% | 86 | 2025 |
| Colorado Mountain College | 86% | 50 | 2025 |
| Lamar Community College | 73% | N/A | 2025 |
LPN to ADN vs LPN to BSN: Which Bridge Path Fits You?
Colorado LPNs have two main bridge options, and each comes with real tradeoffs. The ADN route gets you to the NCLEX-RN faster and at lower cost, while the BSN path positions you for broader career access from day one. Both earn the same RN license, so the decision hinges on your timeline, budget, and long-term goals.
| Factor | LPN to ADN Bridge | LPN to BSN Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Timeline | 2 to 3 semesters (roughly 12 months at most Colorado community colleges) | 4 to 6 semesters (about 2 to 3 years, depending on prerequisite load) |
| Approximate Tuition (In-State) | $2,200 to $5,100 based on community college rates at programs such as Aims, Arapahoe, and Trinidad State | $9,900 or more at schools like Colorado Mesa University; CCD's LPN to BSN bridge lists roughly $5,000 in nursing coursework but requires 120 total credit hours |
| Credit Transfer Flexibility | Strong: most Colorado community colleges follow the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model, making RN to BSN completion straightforward later | Moderate: you complete all BSN requirements in one continuous program, so fewer transfer decisions but less flexibility to pause |
| Colorado Employer Hiring | ADN graduates can be hired for bedside and clinical roles at major systems including UCHealth and Intermountain (formerly SCL Health); some postings list Diploma, ADN, BSN, or MSN as acceptable credentials | BSN is required for competitive residency programs (UCHealth's nurse residency, for example, requires a BSN) and is increasingly preferred for charge nurse, specialty, and leadership positions |
| Estimated Earnings After Bridging | Survey data suggest ADN-prepared RNs in Colorado earn roughly $37 per hour at the median, though individual results vary by setting and experience | BSN-prepared RNs in Colorado report a median closer to $47 per hour; Denver-area estimates put the BSN pay premium at about 5 to 8 percent above ADN peers |
| Path to Further Education | Not a dead end: dozens of accredited online RN to BSN programs accept ADN graduates, many completable in 12 months while you work as an RN | Already positioned for graduate study (MSN, DNP) without an additional bridge step |
| National Workforce Trend | The AACN reports that nearly 70 percent of employers nationally now require or strongly prefer a BSN for new hires, a figure that has climbed steadily | Aligns directly with this trend, giving graduates an edge in markets where BSN preference is tightening |
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How Much Do Colorado LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs Cost?
Tuition varies widely across Colorado bridge programs, from under $3,000 at community colleges to over $25,000 at four-year universities. The net price figures shown below are institution-wide averages after financial aid, not guaranteed quotes for LPN bridge students specifically. Beyond tuition, budget for clinical fees (typically $200 to $500 per semester), testing fees such as HESI or ATI ($50 to $150), background checks and drug screens ($75 to $150), uniforms and supplies ($150 to $300), and textbooks ($400 to $800 per year). Colorado LPNs can offset costs through the Colorado Nurses Foundation Scholarship (applications open through October 15, 2026, with a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduates), the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence's Nursing Student Success Fund (up to $5,000 for ADN or BSN students), workforce development grants, and employer tuition programs. UCHealth, for example, offers Ascend Career Program tracks that can cover up to 100% of tuition, books, and fees, while its standard tuition reimbursement provides up to $5,250 per year. Columbine Health Systems offers a nursing educational scholarship of up to $10,500 specifically for LPNs pursuing an RN degree. Check with your employer and school financial aid office, because eligibility rules and benefit tiers vary.
| School | City | Program Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aims Community College | Greeley | LPN to ADN (Hybrid) | $3,410 | $11,786 | $11,463 |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs | LPN to ADN | $4,510 | $17,110 | $6,007 |
| Morgan Community College | Fort Morgan | LPN to ADN | $4,252 | $16,852 | $9,266 |
| Arapahoe Community College | Littleton | LPN to ADN | $4,434 | $17,034 | $11,571 |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster | LPN to ADN | $4,663 | $17,263 | $13,031 |
| Trinidad State College | Trinidad | LPN to ADN | $4,608 | $7,318 | $10,772 |
| Otero College | La Junta | LPN to ADN | $4,560 | $7,270 | $11,103 |
| Community College of Denver | Denver | LPN to BSN Bridge | $5,058 | $17,658 | $9,450 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | LPN to BSN | $9,927 | $25,124 | $15,103 |
How Long Does the LPN to RN Bridge Take in Colorado?
The total time from first prerequisite course to RN licensure depends on whether you study full-time or part-time, and whether a waitlist delays your start. Full-time students typically finish bridge coursework in 2 to 3 semesters, while part-time students should plan for 3 to 5 semesters. Factor in prerequisite completion beforehand and the NCLEX-RN testing window afterward, and the realistic door-to-door timeline stretches to roughly 18 to 30 months for most candidates.
Admission Requirements and How Competitive Are These Programs?
Colorado's LPN-to-RN bridge programs share a common core of admission requirements, but many community colleges use a point-based selection system rather than a simple GPA cutoff, meaning how you prepare matters as much as whether you qualify.
- Active, unencumbered Colorado LPN licenseEvery bridge program requires proof of a current LPN license with no disciplinary actions. If you hold an LPN license in another Nurse Licensure Compact state and Colorado is your primary residence, you may already be covered, but confirm with the specific school's nursing admissions office.
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0Most programs set a floor GPA around 2.5 on prerequisite coursework, though competitive applicants generally carry a 3.0 or higher. Several Colorado community colleges rank applicants on a multi-criteria rubric that awards points for prerequisite GPA, healthcare work experience, certifications, and sometimes a pre-admission exam score, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a seat.
- Prerequisite coursesExpect to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and Developmental Psychology before applying. Some programs also require English Composition, college-level math, or a nutrition course. Finishing prerequisites with strong grades is one of the fastest ways to boost your points in a rubric-based selection.
- Current CPR/BLS certificationA valid Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association (or equivalent) is required at admission and must remain current throughout the program.
- Credit transfer for LPN courseworkBridge programs typically award between 6 and 15 credits for prior LPN education and clinical hours, though the exact number varies. Programs at institutions like Pueblo Community College and Aims Community College have historically been among the more generous in recognizing LPN-earned credits, but policies change, always request a credit evaluation before you apply.
- Point-based or multi-criteria selectionRather than admitting purely on GPA, many Colorado community college nursing programs score applicants across several categories. Points may be awarded for prerequisite GPA, TEAS or HESI exam scores, relevant healthcare employment, and residency in the college's service area. Understanding the rubric before you apply lets you strengthen weaker categories well in advance.
- Colorado Board of Nursing licensure after graduationOnce you complete an approved bridge program, you apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing through the online My License Office portal for authorization to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The exam application fee is approximately $88, though the board updates fees periodically, verify the current amount at the time you apply. The NCLEX-RN itself costs $200, payable to Pearson VUE. A CBI and FBI background check is required for every initial RN applicant, even if you already completed one for your LPN license; results are valid for 60 days and cannot be reused. Fingerprinting is handled through approved vendors such as IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting, with combined fingerprint and background check fees running roughly $40 to $51 depending on the vendor.
- Nurse Licensure Compact statusColorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact member in 2026, which means if your primary residence is in Colorado and you meet compact eligibility requirements, you can receive a multistate RN license, allowing you to practice across other NLC states without applying for separate endorsement in each one. This is a significant advantage for bridge graduates near state borders or considering telehealth roles.
Can Working LPNs Study Online or Part-Time in Colorado?
Colorado nursing education has mostly accepted Hybrid LPN Programs, but "online" still does not mean clinical-free. In 2026, the realistic Colorado picture is online or blended didactic coursework paired with supervised patient care hours that must be completed in person.
Hybrid and Online Coursework in Colorado
The clearest in-state hybrid path is Community College of Denver's LPN-BSN Bridge Program, which combines online learning with clinical placements through local healthcare providers. That model gives working LPNs some scheduling flexibility for classes while keeping skills and patient care in Colorado facilities. By contrast, Colorado Mesa University's LPN to BSN remains campus based, with clinical schedules running three to four days per week. Some bridge directories also list hybrid LPN-to-RN delivery, meaning didactic content may be online or blended, but skills labs and direct care still happen at approved sites.
Clinical Hours Never Disappear
Every Colorado bridge program requires in-person clinical hours for graduation and RN licensure. Clinical totals vary, but many bridge tracks include roughly 200 to 400 hours of direct patient care, and some bachelor's pathways require more because the curriculum adds leadership and community health experiences. An online label describes the classroom portion, not the bedside training.
Part-Time and Working Nurse Reality
Formal part-time tracks are limited among LPN programs in Colorado; community college bridge programs tend to use cohort-based schedules that move students through prerequisites, nursing courses, and clinicals as a group. Evening and weekend clinical placements are sometimes available through hospital or long-term care partners, but they are not guaranteed. Working LPNs should confirm scheduling before enrollment rather than assume an online class list equals a flexible clinical calendar.
What About a 6-Month Fully Online LPN to RN?
That specific search promise is extremely rare, and no Colorado program should be treated as a true fully online six-month LPN-to-RN. The clinical component cannot be compressed or fully remote. A closer realistic option is an accelerated hybrid track such as Aims Community College's LPN to RN, which runs from June to the following May, less than a full year. For LPN to BSN, Herzing University offers didactic coursework that is 100 percent online with a precepted clinical model and Colorado clinical site partnerships. Colorado residents should still confirm current enrollment capacity and state authorization, because Herzing has reported full prelicensure capacity for students from Colorado and other states.
Colorado RN Salary and Career Outlook After Bridging
Bridging from LPN to RN in Colorado delivers one of the clearest salary jumps in healthcare. Colorado LPNs earn a median of roughly $55,000 per year, while RNs in the state earn significantly more, with Denver-area RNs reaching a median above $100,000. Statewide RN job growth is projected at roughly 18% from 2022 to 2032, well above the national average of 6%, with especially strong demand in rural hospitals, home health, and long-term care settings where new RNs are needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado LPN to RN Programs
Colorado LPN to RN bridge programs share some common features, but policies vary by school. These answers reflect verified details for the 2026 application cycle and should help you plan your next steps with confidence.
How long does the LPN to RN bridge program take in Colorado?
Most Colorado LPN to RN bridge programs run 12 to 18 months of full-time study, typically structured across three semesters after prerequisites are complete. The fastest advertised option finishes in roughly 11 months. Part-time schedules extend the timeline to 18 to 24 months, and LPN to BSN tracks generally require two to four years total depending on transfer credits.
Can you complete an LPN to RN program entirely online in Colorado?
No Colorado LPN to RN bridge program is currently offered 100 percent online. Most programs use a hybrid format: the didactic portion is online, while skills labs and clinical rotations take place in person at approved sites affiliated with Accredited LPN and RN Programs. Clinical schedules often include weekday, evening, or weekend shifts, so working LPNs should confirm scheduling flexibility directly with each school before applying.
Is Colorado part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, and can I work in other states with my RN license?
Yes. Colorado has been an enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) member since November 1, 2007, and that status remains active in 2026. A Colorado multistate RN license lets you work in any other compact state without a separate license, as long as Colorado remains your primary residence. If you move your primary residence to another compact state, you must obtain that state's license within 60 days to keep compact privileges. Note that compact privileges do not extend to APRN practice.
What GPA do I need to get into a Colorado LPN to RN bridge program?
There is no single statewide GPA cutoff. Each institution sets its own minimum, and some weigh prerequisite course grades (such as anatomy and physiology) more heavily than overall GPA. Admission is competitive at most schools, so contact your target program's admissions office for exact thresholds and find out whether they evaluate overall or prerequisite GPA separately.
Are there scholarships specifically for LPNs bridging to RN in Colorado?
No widely documented Colorado-specific scholarships are restricted exclusively to LPN to RN bridge students. However, standard financial aid applies: federal Pell Grants, stafford loans, and institution-level nursing scholarships. Some hospitals and healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement for bridge students. Check directly with each college's financial aid office and your current employer, because individual schools and local foundations sometimes maintain awards that are not listed in centralized databases.
