According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming an RN is the most popular career choice for LPNs. There are about 42,000 RNs working in Colorado who earn an annual mean salary of over $67,000. About 60 percent work in hospitals, 20 percent in ambulatory care, and 6 percent in nursing homes or residential care facilities. According to a report by the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence (CCNE), over 30 percent of RNs are over 55 - that coupled with an aging population means that demand for RNs in Colorado is set to grow.
The CCNE report called for more educational initiatives to meet the projected need, and there are several LPN to RN programs in the state. Most confer an ADN, but there are a few LPN to BSN options. Hybrid courses are offered in most institutions, and some have flexible weekend or evening schedules to accommodate working nurses.
Even with the help of federal loans or grants, paying for your education can be a challenge. You may be able to get tuition reimbursement from your employer, and both the Colorado Student Nurses' Association and the Colorado Nurses Association have current scholarship information. These associations along with the Colorado Board of Nursing are great places to get more information about being an RN.
Some LPN to RN programs to consider:
Colorado State University (Pueblo, CO). CSU started as a junior college in 1933 and became a four-year university in 1965. LPNs can choose to enter either the basic BSN program or the LPN to BSN, in which some credit hours may be transferred or waived.
Denver School of Nursing (Denver, CO). This private institution is located in the "Lodo" section of Denver and offers an LPN to ADN program and also a basic BSN.
Pike's Peak Community College (Colorado Springs, CO). For working LPNs with kids, it's nice to know that PPCC has nationally accredited child care centers available on campus. LPNs can transfer up to 27 credits for advanced placement to the LPN to ADN program.
