Overview
With 54 Rocky mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any state. The scenic views and mountain slopes make Colorado a prime destination for skiers and tourists alike. While tourism is a large part of the state’s economy, hospitals and health care organizations are also among its top 50 employers, making Colorado a great option for nurses. Unfortunately, the state is experiencing a shortage of nursing instructors.
Nursing Education in Colorado
The state offers nearly 40 nursing programs. Opportunities to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees abound, but those seeking graduate degrees will find a limited number of programs. A shortage of clinical placements for students and nursing educators has hampered the state’s ability to produce nurses. Colorado residents can access many nursing scholarships. The Virginia Leyda Roberst Nursing Scholarship is one of the largest..
Outlook for Nursing in Colorado
With a nursing shortage nearly twice the national average, Denver and Colorado have many opportunities for nurses. Nursing instructors are also in high demand. The mean hourly wage for an RN in Colorado is $38.44 and has steadily increased since 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Colorado include University of Colorado Hospital, Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, North Colorado Medical Center, Memorial Hospital Central, and Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital.
Nursing Degree Programs in Colorado
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in CO
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in CO
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in CO
Entry level nursing programs:
