Nursing Schools in Denver: Top Online & Campus Programs
Learn about the best online and in-person nursing programs in the Denver area and see how they can help you start or move ahead in your RN nursing career.
If you live in the Denver, Colorado area you may already know about the current critical shortage of qualified nurses in the state. This shortage is partially due to the Covid crisis and will increase because of the expected retirement of at least 2,000 nurses a year over the next ten years, according to the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence. The high demand is leading to steep increases in both nurse salaries and signing bonuses, meaning there’s never been a better time to enter the nursing field.
This guide highlights the best nursing schools in Denver and details their many program offerings. It also overviews the different types of degree options and includes information on funding your degree, obtaining your nursing license, and salary and employment expectations. Read on to discover which schools made our list.
Best Nursing Schools and Programs in Denver
We’ve surveyed all the nursing schools in Denver and came up with a list of the best programs. Below are the top schools overall, as these schools were chosen based on factors like accreditation, affordability, study convenience, curriculum quality, availability of support services, and more. These top-tier schools will help you get started in your search for the right nursing program in Denver for your needs.
Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Private
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado
Public
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Denver
The above spotlights show the range of degree and certificate programs available from Denver nursing schools. To help you know which program is right for you, below are descriptions of the most common types of programs available from nursing schools in Denver. We’ve also included program examples for each.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Denver
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is one of the quickest and most cost-effective routes to qualifying for the NCLEX-RN. ADN programs combine general education and lower-division courses with clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. They typically require two years of full-time study and are available at community colleges.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs qualify graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Traditional BSNs are for students with little or no previous college and nursing experience. Many employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSNs because of the additional education and skills provided by a four-year degree.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSNs allow students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to save time earning their BSNs and becoming RNs by applying the general education credits from bachelor’s degrees to their BSN programs. Some accelerated BSN programs require healthcare experience, such as working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and certain prerequisite coursework.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Denver for Current Nurses
LPN to RN Programs
LPN to RN (ADN to RN) programs are designed for current LPNs seeking career advancement by becoming RNs. Typically available on community college campuses, LPN to RN programs normally require three to four semesters to complete.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Current RNs with nursing diplomas or ADNs can expand their knowledge base and become more attractive in the job market by earning their BSNs through a time-saving and cost-efficient RN to BSN program. Designed with working RNs in mind, these programs often feature 100% online curriculums and both full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) options.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Current RNs with nursing diplomas or ADNs interested in taking on leadership positions in management and advanced practice should consider an MSN through an RN to MSN program. These programs combine undergraduate and graduate nursing coursework into a single curriculum that is usually completed in three years of full-time study with part-time options also available. Some programs also award BSNs.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Denver
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
BSNs seeking to move into advanced nursing practice and leadership roles can opt for traditional MSN programs, typically offered with specialization tracks. Many are fully or partially online, and program lengths vary based on specialization and study pace. Most students complete their degrees in around two years.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
Nursing doctoral degrees are for highly-experienced nurses intent on filling senior leadership roles. The DNP is designed for students seeking top-level positions in advanced nursing practice and healthcare administration while the PhD in Nursing prepares graduates for post-secondary academic and advanced research careers. Program lengths are typically one to three years for DNP programs and three to six years (or more) for PhD programs.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate certificates are for current nursing master’s and doctoral degree holders who wish to expand their professional knowledge base by adding a specialization. Areas of specialization often include nurse educator, nurse leadership and administration, family nurse practitioner, and any number of acute and primary care nurse practitioner fields. Many post-grad certificate programs are fully or partially online.
Examples of Denver Nursing Schools with this Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Denver
Getting help paying for college is essential for most nursing students in Denver. Fortunately, many funding opportunities are available, including scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships (primarily for grad students), employer tuition assistance, and the Veterans Administration (for active-duty military and veterans). The most accessible financial aid resource, though, is the student loan. There are many loan programs available, both public and private, but the biggest by far is the federal student loan.
Student loan repayment programs are also great options for many students at Denver nursing schools. The federal government, through its Health Resources & Services Administration, and the State of Colorado both offer such programs.
Find out more about funding your nursing degree through EduMed’s nursing scholarships, financial aid, and nursing student loan forgiveness guides.
How to Become an RN in Denver: Licensing Requirements
Working as a registered nurse in Denver requires an RN license issued by the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBN) or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state or U.S. territory. The two methods for obtaining a Colorado RN license are endorsement and examination. The endorsement method is for current RNs with licenses issued by a non-NLC state or territory. If you’re be seeking your first RN license, though, you’ll use the examination method that includes taking and passing the NCLEX-RN. Visit EduMed’s guide to the best nursing schools in Colorado for a detailed look at the steps you’ll take to obtain your Colorado RN license via examination.
Earnings for RNs in Denver
If you're considering becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area, this data offers a clear view of earning potential and job prospects. In Denver, entry-level RNs (10th percentile) earn about $71,560 annually, while the median salary is around $87,330. Experienced nurses in the top 10% of earnings (90th percentile) can make up to $116,680 per year, slightly above the statewide high of $112,800. These salaries are competitive and reflect Denver’s demand for healthcare professionals and the area’s higher cost of living.
Denver’s robust healthcare sector also provides excellent job stability and growth. Colorado is projected to see a 17.8% growth in RN jobs, significantly above the national average, leading to thousands of new positions over the coming years. With promising salary prospects and a steady increase in demand, pursuing a nursing career in Denver offers both financial security and ample opportunity for advancement.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $70,790 | $86,900 | $112,800 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $71,560 | $87,330 | $116,680 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
