Best LPN Programs in Colorado 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Colorado with details on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Colorado.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Colorado
Trinidad State College
Trinidad, CO - Public 4-Year - trinidadstate.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trinidad State College offers a one-year Practical Nurse Certificate program spanning 39 credit hours at just $175 per credit, making it one of Colorado's more affordable LPN pathways. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, nutrition, medical-surgical care, maternal-child health, and pharmacology. Hands-on clinical training takes place at local healthcare facilities, building real-world patient care competencies. Available at both the Trinidad and Alamosa (Valley) campuses, the certificate is designed to stack toward an Associate Degree in Nursing for students pursuing RN licensure. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and the program culminates in preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- $175 per credit
- 1-Year program
- 39 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Prerequisite courses required before admission
- Stackable toward Associate Degree in Nursing
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomesa.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (Technical Certificate)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado Mesa University's Practical Nursing Technical Certificate is a standout program, holding the No. 1 national ranking for NCLEX pass rates, with an impressive 94.6% licensure pass rate and a 92.92% job placement rate. Accredited by ACEN, the program runs August through May and accepts cohorts in both Grand Junction and Montrose. The curriculum emphasizes therapeutic communication, legal and ethical nursing practice, critical thinking, and coordinated patient care across hospital, long-term care, and clinic settings. With a 96.7% program completion rate and a selective January 15 application deadline, graduates are well-positioned for licensure and can pursue continued education through an LPN to BSN pathway.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Starts fall
- 94.6% licensure pass rate
- 92.92% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- No. 1 NCLEX pass rate nationally
- Grand Junction and Montrose cohorts
- Pathway to LPN to BSN program
- Selective admission; deadline January 15
- Program completion rate: 96.7%
Front Range Community College
Westminster, CO - Public 4-Year - frontrange.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Front Range Community College offers an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing Certificate that can be completed in as few as two semesters across 43 credit hours. Delivered at the Larimer Campus, the curriculum spans fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, with hands-on training available through modern simulation labs and established clinical partnerships with regional health agencies. Students develop skills in health assessment and patient care across the lifespan, working under RN and physician supervision. The program boasts a remarkable 95.24% NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 100% on-time completion rate. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health settings. Early application is strongly advised due to competitive admission.
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- 43 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- 95.24% NCLEX-PN pass rate
- 100% on-time completion rate
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical partnerships with local agencies
- Careers in long-term care, clinics, hospitals
- Competitive admission process
Lamar Community College
Lamar, CO - Public 4-Year - lamarcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Option (PN) within the Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lamar Community College's Practical Nursing Option is earned through the first year of nursing coursework plus a summer session, positioning graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and obtain their LPN license. Approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, the curriculum blends on-campus theory with simulation lab practice and real-world clinical rotations across local nursing homes, hospitals, and acute care facilities. Applicants must hold a 2.5 GPA minimum, complete prerequisite courses in Anatomy & Physiology, English, and Nutrition, and pass the Kaplan Admission Exam. One cohort begins each fall, with an application deadline of June 30. Small class sizes foster individualized faculty support, and completers may advance into LCC's RN program or pursue BSN partnerships.
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Option to test for LPN license
- Approved by Colorado State Board of Nursing
- Small class sizes
- Full-time campus program starting fall
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO - Public 4-Year - arapahoe.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arapahoe Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate serves as an alternative exit point within the registered nursing program, meaning applicants must first gain acceptance into the RN program before pursuing this credential. Spanning 47 credit hours, the curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology alongside core nursing coursework in medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, fundamentals, and maternal-child nursing. A dedicated summer transition course, NUR 169, helps bridge foundational and clinical content. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, opening doors to LPN roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and financial aid is available.
- 47 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Alternative nursing pathway option
- Requires RN program acceptance
- Summer transition course offered
- Medical-surgical, pharmacology, maternal-child nursing
- Gainful employment data available
Colorado LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To apply for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Colorado, prospective students must meet basic eligibility criteria set by educational institutions and enforced by the state. Minimum requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and applicants often need to pass a basic skills or entrance exam such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Additionally, most programs require applicants to submit immunization records, undergo a criminal background check, and pass a drug screening.
Some schools may have prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology or medical terminology. Prospective students should also be prepared to demonstrate proof of CPR certification before clinical rotations begin.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Colorado are designed to provide both foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. Students receive instruction in areas like pharmacology, patient care across the lifespan, medical-surgical nursing, and nursing ethics. Clinical rotations in healthcare settings are integrated into the curriculum to ensure practical experience.
Accreditation is critical when selecting a program. Accredited LPN programs are reviewed for quality standards by bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). In Colorado, programs must also be approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing, which ensures the program meets state-level education standards necessary for licensure. Attending an accredited and approved program is essential to qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam and obtain licensure.
LPN Schools and Classes
Colorado offers LPN training through a variety of community colleges, technical schools, and private vocational institutions located across urban and rural areas. Most LPN programs are housed within schools that emphasize career-focused education and hands-on learning.
The typical LPN curriculum in Colorado includes core courses such as fundamentals of nursing, human growth and development, medical-surgical nursing, and pharmacology. Additional specialized topics may include geriatrics, maternal-child nursing, and infection control. Students also complete supervised clinical training in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings to develop real-world skills.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado are employed in a variety of healthcare settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies, hospitals, and clinics. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, demand for LPNs is expected to grow steadily due to an aging population and increased need for long-term care services.
LPNs often enjoy a favorable work-life balance with flexible scheduling options such as day, evening, and weekend shifts. While many LPNs find long-term satisfaction in the role, some choose to continue their education and advance to become Registered Nurses (RNs) or pursue specialty certifications in areas like wound care or IV therapy.
LPN Program Length
Program length for LPN training in Colorado varies depending on the format. Full-time programs typically take around 12 months to complete. Part-time programs may extend to 18 to 24 months to accommodate working students. Some schools also offer evening and weekend options that follow a similar extended timeline.
All formats include required classroom instruction and clinical training hours, though part-time and evening options allow students more flexibility to balance education with other responsibilities.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Colorado
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Front Range Community College |
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| Pima Medical Institute-Denver |
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| Pima Medical Institute-Aurora |
|
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Tuition and Costs
The cost of attending an LPN program in Colorado generally ranges from $8,000 to $16,000, depending on whether the institution is public or private. This estimate usually includes tuition, lab fees, and basic supplies. Textbooks, uniforms, background checks, and licensure exam fees are additional costs students should expect.
Housing expenses vary significantly by region. In urban areas like Denver, student housing or shared apartments can cost between $800 and $1,500 per month. Community colleges in smaller towns may have lower associated living costs.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Colorado
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad State College |
|
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| Arapahoe Community College |
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| Concorde Career College-Aurora |
| - |
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Colorado cannot be completed fully online due to the clinical and hands-on skills required for licensure. While some theoretical coursework may be available in hybrid formats, all programs require students to participate in supervised clinical rotations in healthcare facilities. This hands-on experience is essential to meet the training standards set by the Colorado Board of Nursing and qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Colorado
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado, candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam, a standardized test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). After completing a Colorado Board-approved practical nursing program, applicants must submit an application to the Colorado Board of Nursing and register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. The Colorado Board of Nursing uses this exam to assess a graduate’s knowledge and competency for entry-level practical nursing practice.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs who hold an active license in another compact state to practice in Colorado without needing a separate Colorado license. For those coming from non-NLC states, Colorado offers licensure by endorsement. To apply, LPNs must provide verification of a current license in another U.S. state or territory, have completed an equivalent practical nursing program, and have passed the NCLEX-PN or an equivalent exam.
Licensure Requirements
The Colorado Board of Nursing, part of the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), oversees licensing for LPNs in the state. To qualify for initial licensure by examination, candidates must:
- Graduate from an accredited or Board-approved practical nursing program
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
- Pass a Healthcare Professions Profile Program
Submit a completed application with applicable fees to the Board of Nursing
License Renewal
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado must renew their license every two years. The renewal cycle begins on September 1 and ends on August 31 of odd-numbered years. As of 2022, Colorado does not require continuing education (CE) hours for LPN license renewal; however, licensees must comply with the state’s Healthcare Professions Profiling Program and, for their first renewal, complete a one-time 2-hour course on substance use prevention training. Licensed professionals are encouraged to stay informed of updates through the Colorado Board of Nursing website, as requirements may change.
Colorado LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado is $68,570, which is significantly higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage premium is largely influenced by Colorado's higher-than-average cost of living and consistent population growth, which elevates the demand for healthcare professionals. Furthermore, a strong demand within the long-term care sector, coupled with state-specific market dynamics, contributes to the competitive compensation required to attract and retain LPNs in the state.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Colorado LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
Typically 11-15 months of full-time study.
Credential Awarded:
Certificate of Completion or Diploma in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrated curriculum on core clinical nursing skills, patient care, pharmacology, and anatomy required for entry-level practice as an LPN.
Average In-State Tuition in Colorado:
Approximately $12,000 - $20,000 for the entire program (varies by school).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct route to enter the nursing workforce as a licensed practical nurse.
School Types:
Technical colleges (e.g., Emily Griffith Technical College), vocational schools, and community colleges (e.g., Pikes Peak State College, Pueblo Community College).
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
Approximately 2 years (around 24 months) of full-time study.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing (AAS). Note: This is less common in Colorado than the certificate option.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.
Program Focus:
Includes all the core nursing coursework of a certificate program, but adds general education courses such as English, math, psychology, and humanities.
Average In-State Tuition in Colorado:
Approximately $20,000 - $30,000 for the entire program (varies by school).
Best For:
Students who plan to eventually pursue an RN license (ADN or BSN) and want a more robust academic foundation with transferable general education credits.
School Types:
Primarily community colleges and some state colleges.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Entry into the Workforce: The shorter program length (often under a year) allows you to start working and earning an income as an LPN much sooner.
- Lower Overall Cost: With fewer required credit hours, the total tuition and associated fees are significantly less expensive than an associate degree program.
- Focused, Career-Oriented Training: The curriculum is streamlined to teach the essential, hands-on skills needed for the job, avoiding general education courses not directly related to day-to-day nursing tasks.
- High Demand for Graduates: The program directly addresses the need for skilled LPNs, making graduates immediately valuable to employers like long-term care facilities, clinics, and hospitals.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Smoother Transition to an RN Program: The general education credits earned are often required for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), making it easier to bridge to an RN program later.
- Broader Educational Foundation: The inclusion of courses in humanities, social sciences, and communication provides a more well-rounded education that can enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
- Potentially Greater Career Mobility: While both credentials lead to the same LPN license, some employers may view an associate degree more favorably for future leadership or specialized roles within the LPN scope of practice.
- Fulfills Broader Degree Requirements: It provides the satisfaction and credential of a college degree, which can be beneficial for personal and professional development beyond the immediate LPN role.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Colorado
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $59,850 - $76,140 | 11-15 months | NCLEX-PN | 400-750 hours | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| MA | $41,400 - $51,190 | 8-12 months | CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) | 160-220 hours | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| CNA | $38,060 - $47,430 | 4-12 weeks | NNAAP (Colorado) | 16-40 hours | $800 - $2,000 |
| DA | $45,860 - $61,710 | 8-11 months | DANB CDA exam (optional but recommended) | 150-300 hours | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $43,770 - $54,930 | 4-9 months | PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) | 120-300 hours | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $40,170 - $50,560 | 2-4 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 40-120 hours | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| OTA | $60,240 - $79,840 | 16-24 months (Associate Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 640 hours | $25,000 - $45,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Colorado
Aurora, CO
Concorde Career College-Aurora
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Website
- Colorado State Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 10-Month program
- 35.5 total credit hours
- 405 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- IV skills certification offered
Pickens Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- Complete in 1 year of classes
- 98% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Supervised clinical experience
- On-site simulation labs
- Industry-grade equipment
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation accredited
- 12-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Approved by Colorado State Board of Nursing
- Career Services support available
- Hands-on lab exercises
- Careers in long-term care facilities
- Pathways to advanced degrees
Denver, CO
Community College of Denver
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 51 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- CPR certification required
- Background check and drug screen
- Clinical hours in simulation and healthcare settings
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, Colorado State Board of Nursing accredited
- 12-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Hands-on training and lab exercises
- Career in long-term care, clinics, home health
- On-campus delivery in Aurora, CO
- Approximately 12 months to complete
- Learn vital signs, IVs, catheters
Grand Junction, CO
Colorado Mesa University
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (Technical Certificate)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Starts fall
- 94.6% licensure pass rate
- 92.92% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- No. 1 NCLEX pass rate nationally
- Grand Junction and Montrose cohorts
- Pathway to LPN to BSN program
La Junta, CO
Otero College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing LPN (cert)
Campus Based - Website
- Stackable into advanced programs
- Prepares for high-demand careers
Lamar, CO
Lamar Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Option (PN) within the Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Option to test for LPN license
- Approved by Colorado State Board of Nursing
Littleton, CO
Arapahoe Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 47 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Alternative nursing pathway option
- Requires RN program acceptance
- Summer transition course offered
Pueblo, CO
Pueblo Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (LPN Certificate)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- 43 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Selective admissions process required
- Clinical rotations in multiple settings
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Experienced faculty from OB, pediatrics, critical care
Trinidad, CO
Trinidad State College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- $175 per credit
- 1-Year program
- 39 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Prerequisite courses required before admission
Westminster, CO
Front Range Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- 43 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- 95.24% NCLEX-PN pass rate
- 100% on-time completion rate
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical partnerships with local agencies
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