~$7K
Avg. Program Cost
10–12
Months (Fastest)
$68K+
Avg. CO LPN Salary
NCLEX-PN
Licensure Exam
How Community College LPN Programs Work in Colorado
Colorado's community college LPN programs run 10–14 months depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. Here's what to expect:
- Accelerated full-time: Classes and clinicals 4–5 days/week, 10–12 month completion
- Hybrid/online theory: Study lectures at home, attend clinicals on set days — still 11–14 months
- Evening/weekend tracks: Designed for working adults, typically 14–18 months
Community colleges in Colorado offer some of the most affordable paths — often under $8,000 total tuition for in-district students. Private nursing schools cost more but sometimes offer faster schedules and more flexible clinical placement.
Accredited LPN Schools in Colorado
All schools listed are accredited and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Verify current enrollment status directly with each school.
Emily Griffith Technical College
📍 Denver
Length: 12 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$7,800
Clinical: Denver metro partners
Pikes Peak State College
📍 Colorado Springs
Length: 12 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$6,900
Clinical: El Paso County
Pueblo Community College
📍 Pueblo
Length: 12 months
Format: Online theory + local clinicals
Cost: ~$6,500
Clinical: Southern CO hospitals
Colorado LPN Licensure Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Colorado State Board of Nursing |
| Program Accreditation | Must be state board-approved |
| Minimum Clinical Hours | 400 hours |
| Licensure Exam | NCLEX-PN (Pearson VUE) |
| Background Check | Required prior to clinical placement |
| CPR Certification | Required before clinical start |
| Drug Screening | Required by most clinical partner facilities |
| Immunizations | Per program/facility requirements |
LPN Salary in Colorado
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado earn an average of $68,570/year ($32.97/hour) according to the BLS. Salaries vary by city, experience, and work setting.
- Denver: $71,200/year
- Colorado Springs: $66,800/year
- Fort Collins: $67,500/year
- Top employers: Skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospitals, physician offices
After gaining experience, many Colorado LPNs advance through bridge programs. Explore Colorado LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →
Frequently Asked Questions
Community colleges cost a fraction of private programs, deliver the same Board-approved curriculum and clinical hours, and often have equal or better NCLEX-PN pass rates. They also place you at local hospitals where you'll likely work after graduation. The only downside: waitlists and limited start dates. If you can get a seat, a community college is almost always the best choice.
The fastest accredited programs run about 10–12 months for full-time students. Some accelerated tracks at technical colleges can get close to 10 months, but you'll be in class and clinicals nearly every day. Part-time or hybrid programs typically take 14–18 months.
Community college programs often run $4,000–$12,000 for in-district students. Private and nationally accredited programs can range from $18,000–$35,000. Financial aid, grants, and employer tuition assistance may be available.
After graduating from an approved program and applying through the Colorado State Board of Nursing, you schedule your NCLEX-PN exam through Pearson VUE. Testing centers are located in major Colorado cities.
Hybrid programs that combine online theory with in-person clinicals are legitimate and approved by state boards. However, any program claiming to be 100% online with no clinical requirement is not accredited and will not qualify you for NCLEX-PN or licensure.
⚠️ Data Disclaimer: Salary figures, tuition costs, program lengths, and school information are gathered from publicly available sources and intended as general guidance. Program availability, accreditation, and tuition are subject to change — verify details with the school and Colorado State Board of Nursing before enrolling. This page may contain affiliate links.