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Colorado RN Certification and Schools - CO

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

Education Opportunities for Registered Nurses in Colorado

There are a number of Colorado RN schools offering nursing programs throughout the state.  If you do not yet have 162 credit hours at a college or university and hold Colorado residency for one year, you automatically qualify for the Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF).  This provides a sizeable stipend towards each credit hour earned up to a limit of 162 credit hours.  As opposed to financial aid or a loan, the money provided by the Colorado COF does not need to be repaid.  Colorado offers an additional money saving program called “60 PLUS 60.”  This allows you to take your general education classes at a community college and guarantee their transfer to any Colorado state school to complete the bachelor’s degree.  In addition, a vast majority of the registered nursing programs throughout the state enjoy very high rates of passing the NCLEX-RN, many over 90%. 

Continuing Education Requirements for Registered Nurses in Colorado

Continuing education for registered nurses in Colorado is not a requirement but is a definite plus for those seeking advancement in career and earnings.  All continuing education must be approved by the CNA in advance and meet the requirements for each type of continuing education.

1. Single Education Activity Approval:  These activities include a single work day or seminar or a short program that is repeatedly offered.  The application for approval for these activities must be received three months in advance.  The CNA charges $350.00 for approval for up to ten contact hours. 
2. Full Provider Approval:  If you are taking a longer course or perhaps pursuing your master’s degree in registered nursing, a full provider approval must be submitted.  To be approved for a full provider program you must provide the application three months in advance and provide $1200.00 for up to a three-year term. 

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and Lakewood, Colorado may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Colorado Children's Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center and Colorado Acute Long Term Care Hospital.