A dozen-week wait for a clinical rotation seat at one Aurora-area campus versus open enrollment at another: that gap shapes the practical nursing decision here more than curriculum ever does. UCHealth, Children's Hospital Colorado, and the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System all sit within a 40-mile radius of central Aurora, and each facility rotates practical nursing students through med-surg, pediatric, and long-term care units on a near-constant basis, which keeps demand for licensed practical nurses steady even as enrollment cycles tighten.
Most residents end up weighing two or three nearby campus programs , including the Best LPN Programs in Denver , against hybrid tracks built to serve students across Colorado, since seat availability and clinical placement timing vary more than tuition or coursework.
Program costs, NCLEX pass rates, schedule formats, admissions requirements, and local wage data all factor into that comparison before any final decision gets made.
Why Aurora Is a Smart Place to Start an LPN Career
Why does Aurora keep showing up when nursing students search for clinical sites and entry-level job openings in Colorado? The answer is geography. Aurora sits inside one of the densest healthcare corridors in the state, and that density translates directly into training slots, hiring pipelines, and access to the Best LPN Programs in Colorado 2026.
Major Employers Within a Short Drive
Within about 20 minutes of most Aurora neighborhoods are UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado, both on the Anschutz Medical Campus, along with the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center and HCA HealthONE's Aurora Medical Center. UCHealth has posted LPN roles at its Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion, and the system's Aurora-area job board regularly lists hundreds of openings across its facilities, a signal of steady clinical hiring even when specific LPN postings ebb and flow month to month.
A Regional, Not Just Local, Job Market
Clinical placements and job openings don't stop at city limits. Denver, Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton, and Colorado Springs all sit within reasonable commuting range and add long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies to the mix, so an LPN based in Aurora has a genuinely regional job market, not just a local one.
Scope of Practice Widens Your Options
Colorado's LPN scope of practice adds to that flexibility. LPNs here can administer prescribed medications, monitor IV fluids under an RN's direction, and in some settings give pre-mixed antibiotics or first-dose IV antibiotics under direct observation. That range of duties lets LPNs work across long-term care, clinics, and home health rather than being boxed into a single setting.
Finally, the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area's ongoing population growth keeps demand for bedside nursing steady, which matters when you're choosing where to invest in a nursing education , or whether to later pursue LPN to RN in Colorado.
Online and Hybrid LPN Options for Colorado Students
Flexibility and hands-on training pull in opposite directions for LPN students, and that tension shapes what "online" actually means in Colorado. A fully remote LPN program isn't realistic anywhere in the state because practical nursing requires supervised clinical hours in a real care setting. Instead, Colorado programs use hybrid LPN programs: online lectures and coursework paired with in-person labs and clinical rotations at a local hospital or long-term care facility.
What's Actually Available Near Aurora
Among Aurora-area and nearby programs, schedule flexibility varies more than delivery format. Community College of Denver lists part-time study available on evenings and weekends, which can work for students holding down a job during the day. Pickens Technical College builds clinical shifts (8 to 12 hours, two to three days a week) that may land on evenings or weekends, though its classroom instruction still runs primarily in person. Pima Medical Institute and Emily Griffith Technical College are structured as in-person, 12-month programs without a published hybrid track. None of the programs in this comparison currently advertise a true online-plus-local-clinical model, so if that's what you need, call the LPN/LVN Program Admissions office directly and ask.
Clinical Hours You'll Still Have to Complete
Colorado sets a minimum of 400 clinical hours and 300 theory hours for approved practical nursing programs, though simulation can cover up to half of certain clinical requirements. Actual programs often run higher, with figures reported anywhere from 405 to 600-plus hours depending on the school. Hybrid students typically complete these hours at approved clinical sites arranged through the school, not on their own.
Confirm Approval First
Before enrolling in any program marketed as online or hybrid, verify it holds current Colorado Board of Nursing approval. That step protects your ability to take the NCLEX-PN and work as an LPN in the state.
LPN Programs Within Commuting Distance of Aurora
Seven accredited LPN programs sit within roughly 60 miles of central Aurora (80011), giving students real choices without relocating. Below is a quick geography guide grouped by drive time. A full ranked comparison follows these geography summaries.
In Aurora Proper (Under 15 Minutes)
Three programs operate right inside the city limits.
- Pickens Technical College runs a two-semester practical nursing program in the 80011 zip code itself. Cohorts start each fall (August) and spring (January), with application packets due the first Monday of April and the first Monday of October, respectively. Available documentation points to daytime schedules only, with no separate evening or weekend cohorts currently listed.
- Pima Medical Institute, Aurora campus (80012) offers a 12-month certificate with rolling cohort starts. A summer cohort beginning April 29, 2026 runs through April 2027, and a fall cohort starting October 21, 2026 extends to October 2027. Published schedules appear to follow weekday formats; prospective students should confirm directly whether any evening sections are available.
- Concorde Career College (80010) offers a 10-month diploma program. The school's admissions process is generally open-enrollment style, which can mean more frequent start dates. Schedule details for evening or weekend sections are not confirmed in current program materials.
Denver and Lakewood Corridor (15 to 25 Minutes)
- For LPN programs in Denver, Community College of Denver in the Auraria campus area (80204) accepts applications with registration opening February 1, 2026 for upcoming cohorts. Evening or weekend availability has not been published for the practical nursing track specifically.
- Pima Medical Institute, Denver campus (80221) does not host the practical nursing program; LPN training is centralized at the Aurora campus at 13750 E. Mississippi Ave.
- Emily Griffith Technical College in downtown Denver posts its next full-time start date as January 12, 2027, and accepts applications year-round. A part-time option has existed in the past, though future part-time cohort dates are pending.
Farther Out but Still Reachable (30 to 40 Minutes)
- Arapahoe Community College in Littleton (80160) sits about 30 minutes south and requires a 3.0 prerequisite GPA for admission.
- Front Range Community College runs its practical nursing certificate at the Larimer Campus in Fort Collins, a two-semester program with a competitive admissions process.
Galen College of Nursing also operates an Aurora campus with quarterly start dates up to four times per year, though its practical nursing schedule should be verified directly with the school.
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What LPN Programs Near Aurora Actually Cost
Tuition is the first number most students look at, but the real bottom line depends on financial aid, program length, and post-graduation debt. The table below lines up published tuition, the institution-wide average net price after aid, and median debt figures reported to the U.S. Department of Education (2024 data). Net price is an institution-wide average that reflects grants and scholarships across all students; your actual out-of-pocket cost may differ based on your individual aid package. Beyond what appears in this table, budget for books and supplies, uniforms, clinical equipment, background checks, drug screenings, liability insurance, and the NCLEX-PN examination fee (currently $200). Those extras can add $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the program.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt | Median Monthly Debt Payment (10 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickens Technical College | Aurora | $5,140 | $6,600 | N/A | N/A |
| Arapahoe Community College | Littleton | $4,434 | $11,571 | N/A | N/A |
| Community College of Denver | Denver | $5,058 | $9,450 | N/A | N/A |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster | $4,663 | $13,031 | N/A | N/A |
| Concorde Career College, Aurora | Aurora | N/A | $16,666 | $9,500 | N/A |
| Pima Medical Institute, Denver | Denver | N/A | $22,034 | $9,500 | N/A |
| Pima Medical Institute, Aurora | Aurora | N/A | $23,255 | $8,521 | N/A |
LPN Pay in the Denver-Aurora Metro
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes detailed wage data for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061) in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, including median annual pay and percentile breakdowns. As of September 2026, the most recent published figures come from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. Because program-level and metro-specific LPN wage figures are not yet available for 2026, we encourage you to look up the latest numbers directly. Visit BLS.gov/OES, select Colorado, then choose the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area and SOC 29-2061 to view the median annual wage along with 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentile pay. Compare those metro figures with the Colorado statewide LPN median on the same page, or check the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's labor market information resources for additional context. For salary surveys and career outlook details specific to the region, consult local LPN program websites and professional associations such as NALPN and the Colorado Nurses Association. Finally, verify current Denver-area LPN pay by searching active job postings on hospital career sites, Indeed, and LinkedIn, or by contacting local employers and staffing agencies directly. Keep in mind that wages vary by clinical setting, years of experience, and shift differentials.
Admissions Checklist for Aurora-Area LPN Programs
Admissions requirements across Aurora-area LPN programs share a common core but diverge in important ways, especially around entrance exams, prerequisite coursework, and whether the school is a technical college or a community college. Review each item below and confirm current requirements directly with the program, since details can shift between application cycles.
- High school diploma or GEDEvery program in the Aurora area requires proof of high school completion or an equivalent credential. Pickens Technical College also requires applicants to be at least 18 years old.
- Entrance exam scoresThis is where programs differ most. Pickens Technical College accepts either a TEAS score of 58.7 percent or an HESI A2 score of 77.3 percent (or a prior accredited U.S. degree in lieu of testing). Community College of Denver requires the TEAS at roughly 58 percent and may also use the ATI Critical Thinking assessment. Pima Medical Institute uses a three-part testing process: a Wonderlic minimum of 20, a math test at 80 percent, and an HESI at 70 percent, no TEAS at all. Galen College of Nursing accepts any one of several exams, including the TEAS at 55 percent, ACT at 19, SAT at 1030, PAX, or HESI A2. Budget around $75 per attempt for exam fees.
- Prerequisite courseworkRequirements vary sharply by school type. CCD's practical nursing certificate lists anatomy and physiology sequences (BIO 2101 and BIO 2102), a math course, and a health-professional course among its prerequisites. Emily Griffith Technical College requires a human anatomy and physiology course and active CNA or medical assistant certification before enrollment. Pima Medical Institute and Galen College of Nursing bundle science content into the program itself, so no standalone prerequisite courses are needed.
- Minimum GPAEmily Griffith applies a 2.5 minimum unweighted cumulative GPA for its health-science programs. CCD requires at least a C-plus in prerequisite courses. Pickens Technical College does not publish a minimum GPA in its practical nursing admissions packet, instead weighting entrance-exam performance through a points-based ranking system.
- CPR/BLS certificationAll clinical programs require current CPR or BLS certification before you enter clinical rotations. Some programs, such as Emily Griffith, list it as an admissions requirement; others treat it as a post-acceptance clearance. Either way, plan to complete an American Heart Association BLS course before your first clinical day.
- Background check and drug screeningCriminal background checks and drug screens are universal across Aurora-area programs. Community colleges like CCD and technical colleges like Pickens and Emily Griffith each require them, though the timing differs, some run checks at application, others after conditional acceptance. A flagged result can disqualify you from clinical placements and, by extension, the program.
- Immunization records and health clearancesExpect to document MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis screening. Emily Griffith specifies a TB test or chest x-ray within the prior five years and requires an annual flu vaccine. Most programs also require a physical exam and proof of current health insurance or liability coverage before clinical rotations begin.
- Admissions interviewNot every program requires one, but Pima Medical Institute conducts a formal interview after applicants clear its testing thresholds. Technical colleges like Pickens and Emily Griffith may use information sessions or orientation meetings instead of traditional interviews, so confirm the format with each school's admissions office.
Aurora-Area LPN Programs Ranked for 2027
Below are the top LPN programs serving Aurora students, ranked by net price, institutional graduation rates, and program-level outcomes from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data. All seven sit within commuting range of Aurora, from on-campus diplomas inside the city to certificate and bridge pathways across the Denver metro. Each entry notes what the school is known for, how long the practical nursing credential takes, and how it fits an Aurora-based student's schedule.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt loads
- Institutional graduation rates
- Net price after grant aid
- Practical nursing program outcomes
- Commute distance from Aurora
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Concorde Career College-Aurora
Concorde's Aurora practical nursing diploma is a 10-month, 35.5-credit route to NCLEX-PN eligibility, with 405 clinical hours, 120 lab hours, IV skills certification, and built-in exam review. Net price after aid runs about $16,666, and roughly 64% of students at the institution graduate. The campus relocated within the metro in 2026, so confirm the current site before applying. Articulation agreements give graduates a route into RN and BSN programs without leaving Colorado.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
- 10-month diploma, 35.5 total credit hours
- 405 clinical hours plus 120 lab hours
- IV skills certification included
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation built into the curriculum
- Clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Articulation agreements support transfer into RN and BSN programs
Practical Nursing Diploma Program — On-Campus
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College delivers its practical nursing certificate at the Larimer Campus in Fort Collins, roughly an hour north of Aurora along I-25. The program is a two-semester, 43-credit exit option from the first year of the college's ADN pathway, and it reports a 95.24% NCLEX-PN pass rate with 100% on-time completion. Net price after aid is about $13,031, while the institution-wide graduation rate sits near 35%. Admission is competitive, with a limited cohort ranked on prerequisite GPA and entrance exam scores, so Aurora applicants should plan for both the commute and an early application.
- ACEN accredited practical nursing certificate
- Two-semester, 43-credit program
- 95.24% NCLEX-PN pass rate reported
- 100% on-time completion rate reported
- Exit option from year one of the ADN program
- Competitive admission ranked on prerequisite GPA and HESI A-2 scores
- Simulation labs and clinical placements with local health agencies
- Offered at the Larimer Campus in Fort Collins
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, about 30 minutes from Aurora, offers a practical nursing certificate as an early exit point inside its associate degree nursing program. Students must first be accepted into the RN track and complete 47 credits, including prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology at a combined 3.0 GPA. The college reports an institution-wide graduation rate near 29% and a net price after aid of about $11,571. An LPN-to-ADN bridge at the same college lets licensed nurses return for the RN credential.
- 47 total credit hours
- Available only to students accepted into the RN program
- Early exit point within the associate degree nursing pathway
- Prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology
- Combined prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0 required
- Summer transition course (NUR 169) bridges into the certificate
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN
- LPN-to-ADN bridge offered at the same college
Practical Nursing Certificate — On-Campus
Pickens Technical College
Pickens Technical College is the only ranked program physically inside Aurora, part of Aurora Public Schools and based on Airport Boulevard. Classes run Monday through Friday from roughly 7:50 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. across two semesters, totaling 38.5 credits. The program reports an 84.4% NCLEX-PN pass rate, a 91.2% completion rate, and a 98% employment response rate, against a net price after aid of about $6,600, the lowest in this group. Institution-wide graduation rates run near 76%, and admission requires the TEAS along with prerequisite coursework.
- ACEN accredited practical nursing program
- One-year, two-semester daytime schedule, Monday through Friday
- 38.5 college credits
- 84.4% NCLEX-PN pass rate reported
- 91.2% program completion rate reported
- 98% employment response rate reported
- TEAS entrance exam required, with minimum reading score
- On-site simulation labs plus off-site clinical rotations
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
Pima Medical Institute's Aurora campus sits on East Mississippi Avenue near I-225, one of the closest options for students living inside the city. The 12-month practical nursing certificate combines classroom and lab work with about 400 clinical hours and carries initial NLN CNEA accreditation plus Colorado State Board of Nursing approval. Net price after aid is about $9,500 and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 72%. Career services support is built in, and this campus focuses on practical nursing rather than CNA training.
- Initial NLN CNEA accreditation through 2029
- Approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
- 12-month on-campus certificate
- About 400 clinical hours
- Hands-on lab and simulation training
- Dedicated career services support
- CNA training is offered at the Denver campus, not here
Practical Nursing Certificate Program — On-Campus
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
This entry carries the Denver campus name, but practical nursing for the metro is delivered at Pima's Aurora location, so students should confirm where they will actually train. The 12-month certificate covers vital signs, medication administration, IV starts, and catheterization, with about 400 clinical hours and coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Net price after aid is about $9,500, with an institution-wide graduation rate near 73%. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN and Colorado licensure.
- 12-month on-campus certificate
- NLN CNEA accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing
- About 400 clinical hours in acute and long-term care
- Practical nursing training is delivered at the Aurora campus
- Labs cover vital signs, medication administration, IV starts, catheterization
- Coursework includes medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology
- Eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN after completion
Practical Nursing Certificate Program — On-Campus
Community College of Denver
The Community College of Denver offers a practical nursing certificate through its health sciences sites at Lowry and Auraria, both within a normal commute from Aurora. The 51-credit program includes prerequisites and is one of the few in the metro with part-time evening and weekend scheduling. Clinical placements are arranged with Denver-area providers, and the college runs an LPN-to-BSN bridge inside the Colorado Community College System. Net price after aid is about $9,450, while the institution-wide graduation rate is near 20%, so ask about completion and NCLEX-PN outcomes for the nursing cohort specifically.
- 51 credit hours including prerequisites
- Full-time and part-time evening and weekend options
- TEAS score of at least 58% in each tested subject
- Prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, math, English, and medical terminology
- Clinical hours split between simulation and partner healthcare sites
- LPN-to-BSN bridge within the Colorado Community College System
