Aurora Nursing School

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). All Arizona College of Nursing campuses are also institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurse (RNs) and physicians.

Registered Nurses in Colorado have a median nursing salary of $86,900 per year.

As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Colorado range from a low rate of $70,790 per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $112,800 per year for their nursing salary.

Updated 06/2024. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=CO

In the state of Colorado, the board of nursing allows candidates a maximum of three examination attempts. Attempts made in other U.S. states count toward the total.

Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.

Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our BSN program is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.

You can read more about our nursing college admissions requirements here. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.

Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Aurora is not a 100% online nursing program in Colorado. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person.

Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Aurora and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.

After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling Colorado’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the Denver area.

The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, community settings, specialized units, and leadership positions.

Hospital-Based Roles in Colorado

Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.

Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.

ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.

Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.

OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.

Specialized Care Roles in Colorado

Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.

Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.

Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.

Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.

Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in Colorado

Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.

Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.

Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.

Community & Public Health Roles in Colorado

Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.

School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.

Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3

Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.