Online ADN Programs in Colorado: Top Schools Compared

Program Profile: A Popular ADN Program in Colorado

Some Colorado colleges and universities offer nursing programs with assignments, lectures, and instructor communication facilitated online. All of these online programs will still require theironline students to complete in-person clinicals to develop necessary hands-on skills. It’s important to note, however, that there are no online or hybrid ADN programs in Colorado.

Though the school profiled below is an in-person course, it can give you an idea of what to expect from typical ADN programs in Colorado.

Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions

There’s a lot to consider when determining which ADN program is right for you, and you probably have many questions about these programs, their duration, cost, and aid as well as those related to your employment and salary prospects. This section answers frequently asked questions about online formats and ADN programs in Colorado by students like you.

What are the key features to look for in online nursing programs? What about ADN programs?

Whether you’re looking at online nursing programs and/or ADN programs, the first key feature to consider when looking for any nursing program is accreditation since it shows that a program provides quality education and training. You also want to look at a school’s clinical placement opportunities to make sure you have the variety of interactions with patients and healthcare providers you need to practice your skills.

Graduation and job placement rates are also important to consider when looking at an ADN program, as is a program’s licensure approval and NCLEX-RN success rate. A program’s website should give you most of this information, but you can also get it from the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBN).

What are ADN licensure requirements in Colorado?

After selecting and completing an ADN program in Colorado, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN to earn your license (be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX and our essential study skills guide for allied health students to help you ace it on your first try). You must also submit to a criminal background check and apply for your license through the CBN. Also, Colorado does participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that nurses with valid Colorado nursing licenses can apply for a multistate license. While Colorado doesn’t require continuing education (CE) requirements for nurses, check with your prospective employer to see if it requires them as a condition of employment. If you plan to work as an RN in another state, be sure to check that state’s requirements for CEs.

Do ADN programs in Colorado qualify for financial aid?

Regardless of the program you attend, you can take advantage of any number of Colorado’s many financial assistance programs. This includes Career Advance Colorado, a program that covers tuition, fees, and course materials for students enrolled in programs that train them for in-demand professions. These assistant programs also often help students locate online resources and scholarships if they aren’t sure where to begin. Colorado’s commitment to helping ease the nursing shortage means more organizations and ADN nursing programs offer financial aid, like the Colorado Department of Higher Education. As you can see, students can access a variety of ways to save money on college tuition.

How long do Colorado ADN programs take to complete, and how do I choose a program length that’s best for me?

Typically, you can expect an ADN program to take four semesters to complete; however, there are accelerated ADN programs for nursing students eager and able to take on a more intense course load in the interest of starting their careers more quickly. Traditional ADN programs typically take full-time students two years to complete. When choosing a program length, look at your current commitments and learning style to make sure its format is a fit for you. Also consider your financial capability since shorter programs often have higher upfront costs. Finally, consider a program’s flexibility and how it will work with your availability.

What resources are available in Colorado to support me as an ADN student?

There is an abundance of healthcare and medical student resources available to future Colorado ADNs. Those include the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, the largest nursing workforce center in the U.S. It advocates for diversity and inclusion and actively combats employment disparities. Also consider the Colorado Nurses Association for answers to licensing questions, help finding new career opportunities, and the chance to connect with other nurses. The Colorado Student Nurses Association (CSNA) is another resource dedicated to promoting nursing leadership and education. Finally, look to the Nursing Student Success Fund for financial aid and support to nursing students that may otherwise not be able to attend nursing school.

Colorado Overview: Salary & Career Details for ADN Nurses

The job market is incredibly strong for RNs in the state, especially since Colorado is facing a nursing shortage. The state’s population is growing and aging, causing a higher-than-expected demand for nurses. Colorado is expected to have a 17.8% job growth rate for nurses. Nurses who complete an ADN program in Colorado can expect a myriad of job opportunities following graduation and an average new graduate RN salary of $72,843. Metropolitan areas like Denver or Colorado Springs may offer higher wages compared to rural areas of Colorado. Also, as with most professions, nurses with more experience or specialized skills typically command higher wages. BNS nurses also tend to make more than ADN nurses.

When considering which nursing degree is right for you, remember that while a BSN nurse has access to more nursing positions, including leadership and specialty roles, the degree takes longer than an ADN degree and costs more. Since ADNs can still access some of the same positions, it’s an ideal approach for anyone wanting a quicker path to becoming an RN. Medical career paths for ADNs in Colorado include positions as staff nurses, clinical associates, patient coordinators, and home care nurses. An ADN also sets you up for advancement through nursing bridge programs, and many of these have significant online learning options to allow you to keep working as a nurse while earning your degree.

Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Colorado