Become an RN in Colorado:
FAQs at our Aurora Campus
Become a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions that future RN’s often ask our campus faculty and staff.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.
If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field, qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Colorado, contact an admissions representative at our Aurora campus.
Preparing Future RNs at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This is because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
Click here to read our blog post comparing a LPN Program with a BSN Program.
RN candidates in Colorado should enroll in board approved programs in professional nursing. Visit the Colorado nursing board site for a full list of approved programs. After graduation, candidates will need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. It is necessary to apply to the Colorado Board to take the exam. Application packets can be found on the Board site. The candidate must attach official transcripts to their application. The candidate must also include a non-refundable $88 application fee.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/
Registered Nurses in Colorado have a median 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.
Updated 06/2024. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=CO
Registered nurses held about 3.2 million jobs in 2022.
Updated 2024. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
Transferring credits can get you on track to complete your program in less time and at a lower cost. Students can progress through our BSN program of study in 3-years or less with qualifying transfer credits, if the courses apply to the program of study. For questions about transfer credits, including credits associated with college level credit test scores, visit our Campus Locations page for details to contact your local campus.
Read more about Arizona College of Nursing’s credit transfer requirements.
Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs and payment options including:
- Federal student loans
- Federal PELL and SEOG grants
- Eligible State-based grant programs
- Private educational loans
- Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®)*
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The Falls Church, Hartford, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, Greenville, Melbourne, and Chesapeake Arizona College of Nursing campuses are not approved to train eligible Veterans and their dependents.
Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to previous academic experience (transfer credits), you’ll start your BSN degree program with evening general education courses. In addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient on-campus/online hybrid format.
We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting Nursing school.
Once you begin your Core Nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime classes.
As of 2020, there were 53,100 RNs employed in Colorado.
Registered Nurses jobs in Colorado are projected to grow by 29% between 2020 and 2030.
RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, creating 203,200 new nursing jobs.
Updated June 2024: Data Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CO
There are a few different costs to become a nurse in the state of Colorado. First, you must complete an accredited nursing program. The cost for an accredited nursing program can vary widely depending upon what type of nursing program you are pursuing, and the specific educational institution you choose.
Next, RNs in Colorado must pay an Application Fee ($88) when applying to become a registered nurse. There is also a $200 fee to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/
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/