The demand for nurses ranging from LPNs to RNs, and even FNPs is quite high. The better your education, the more likely you will be to succeed in the healthcare industry, so be sure to check out the following list of the best nursing schools in Colorado to help you make a better decision about your future in nursing.
You need to pass the NCLEX and become registered for you to become a Nurse. In the past becoming an RN was enough but presently many hospitals are beginning to look for nurses that have a minimum of a BSN.
As a result of this, a nursing degree from Colorado can increase your opportunity of finding a lucrative job across the nation.
While one school may be perfect for one student, an entirely different university may provide the perfect nursing program for you. This is why it’s difficult to rank specific schools in any particular order.
1. Adams State University.
Adams State University School of Health Sciences is known for helping students start their careers quickly with several practical and useful undergraduate degree options.
In some cases, you may be able to pursue part or even all of your education online, as well, making this an incredibly popular nursing school in Colorado.
Tucked between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges is Adams State University. Adams State University offers the benefits of a public school (i.e. in-state tuition), but with the small class sizes, you’d expect to find at a private school.
This means that their BSN program is going to have smaller, more intimate classes than other Colorado schools.
Along with preparing you for the NCLEX, Adams also introduces nurses to the National Student Nurses’ Association, a group that can help launch your career once you graduate.
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,438 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.44
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
2. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado School of Health Sciences provides you with access to several interesting and helpful undergraduate programs that can help you enter the workforce right away while providing you with a solid foundation for further studies down the line.
The University of Colorado system (abbreviated UC) extends to cities across the state, but if you’re interested in nursing, you’ll likely be studying in the state’s capital of Denver.
The UC Denver BSN program is a 24-month degree option that includes summer education, so you can expect to be studying full-time during those two years.
This takes place after your first two years of school, and it isn’t uncommon for students to begin their studies at a University of Colorado (UC) school in a different city. The work can be demanding, but you’ll be set to take the NCELX by the time you graduate!
Annual In-State Tuition: $28,750 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.49%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
3. University of Northern Colorado
University of Northern Colorado is primarily a graduate school. Nursing students in the school can still register for a quality BSN program.
The school is designed to be completed over nine semesters, the BSN adequately prepares students for the NCELX.
Nonetheless, the real aim of the program is to prepare students to continue on with their education and earn a graduate degree in nursing.
While this is not required, any future nurses who know they want to earn their master’s (MSN) or doctorate (DNP) may want to circle this school on their list.
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,918 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.52%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
4. Aspen University
Before you apply to Aspen University’s BSN pre-licensure program, you should know that even though this is a Colorado school, the entire program is offered at the Arizona campus.
Yes, you’ll study in Arizona, and you’ll be connected with some of the best hospitals in the greater Phoenix area. So, you’ll still be getting a quality education, and you’ll be lined up for a potential career right out of school.
Perhaps the only downside is that the cost of the BSN pre-licensure program is much higher than any other undergraduate program at Aspen. However, students are rewarded with a quality education.
Annual Tuition: $37,069 | NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
5. Regis University
Located in Denver is Regis University a small, Jesuit school instituted in Denver. As a private school, it has a higher tuition rate. Notwithstanding, students will get to take advantage of a lower student-to-faculty ratio.
For nursing students pursuing a BSN, that means more individuals pay attention during lectures. Once nursing students reach junior and senior year, they will begin to devote time working in local hospitals to gain clinical experience.
One big part of Regis nursing curriculum is Service Learning, which combines a nursing education with volunteer work.
With lots of degree options and a high NCLEX pass rate, this is a good school for anyone interested in private, Catholic education.
Annual Tuition: $38,990 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.58%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
6. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is the only University of Colorado (UC) school outside of Denver that offers a BSN program.
Apart from getting to earn their degree in beautiful Colorado Springs, Scholars will also get one of the most comprehensive nursing educations available in the state.
Students won’t be in their nursing courses until the second semester when they join either the fall or spring cohort, depending on when they applied. From there, you’ll work toward your degree, complete with clinical throughout your senior year
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Annual In-State Tuition: $10,462 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 87.10%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
7. Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is an affordable School. The school presently prevented raising its tuition, and while in-state students get low tuition, students from the nearby area get access to even lower tuition.
Nevertheless, to finish a BSN completely through Colorado Mountain College, Scholars will require to first complete an associate degree in nursing, take the NCLEX, then register in the online RN to BSN program.
This can be realized in less than the normal four year period, though, and the NCLEX pass rate for the program is impressive.
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,840 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.59%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
8. Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University prides itself on selectivity, something that could be an issue for students looking to get accepted into the BSN program. But there’s a good reason for the tough competition applicants face.
Not only is Colorado Mesa affordable, but they have an impressive NCLEX pass rate for graduates. It’s a quality program, too, and perhaps the best that students can find in Western Colorado. Any current RNs can also take advantage of their online RN to BSN option.
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,243 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
10. University of Northern Colorado
While the University of Northern Colorado is primarily a graduate school, nursing students can still find a quality BSN program. Designed to be completed over nine semesters, the BSN adequately prepares students for the NCELX.
However, the real goal of the program is to set students up to continue with their education and earn a graduate degree in nursing.
While this is not required, any future nurses who know they want to earn their master’s (MSN) or doctorate (DNP) may want to circle this school on their list.
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,918 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.52%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Conclusion
Colorado is one of the all-around top states for nurses. One of the benefits of Studying Nursing in Colorado is that a nursing degree from Colorado can increase your chances of finding a job across the nation.
Also, some of the Nursing Schools are affordable compared with most of the Nursing Schools located in other states.
The 10 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado have been highlighted and communicated to you, to guide you in your choice of school.
Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Admin
