Colorado is full of mountains – namely the Rockies – and plains; Denver also calls Colorado its home. If you call Colorado your home, too, and have been searching for basic information on LPN licensing in Colorado, continue reading. You may find answers to questions you have about licensing and the LPN profession, such as, “What are some of the job tasks of an LPN? What does a typical LPN schooling program look like? Is Colorado a Licensure Compact State?”

The first section of information provided talks about some general aspects of LPN schooling, followed by another section that covers some of the basic things that LPNs may do while working with patients. After that, you’ll find a section that has some general licensing information for Practical Nurses in Colorado, and finally a section that contains some basic information about Colorado schools that might have various LPN schooling programs and various courses and options.

LPN Schooling Information: Basic Details

In Colorado, LPN students may participate in an LPN program that consists of a variety of courses. Some programs may require general coursework in fundamental classes that help build a foundation in science, math, and English and other subjects. With that said, nursing-specific classes may make up the majority of the required coursework. Examples of nursing classes that students may take include a variety of medical topics such as basic anatomy, first aid, how to read and understand medical measurements and units, and other medical classes. Some of these classes may require labs, which would give students the opportunity to refine some of the physical skills associated with Practical Nursing under the guidance of an instructor. LPN schooling programs in Colorado may give students the chance to practice their skills in clinicals, which students may be required to attend once a week or more. Students attending clinicals essentially begin taking on LPN duties, learning job skills in a real world setting and working with patients and other medical professionals. Usually clinicals start out offering a small amount of responsibility to students and then they may be allowed to take on more involved responsibilities as they become more skilled.

Typical Job Duties of Colorado Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado (and many other states) have a very wide range of duties and job functions. Some of their specific job functions are dictated to some degree by the place that they work and the needs of their patients. Take for instance an LPN who has chosen to work in a hospital; they may have to spend a considerable amount of time caring for wounds and changing bandages because people are often admitted to hospitals because of an injury (which often requires bandages) or surgery (which typically requires some type of bandages). In contrast, an LPN who has chosen to work in a local doctor’s office may spend more time doing other things like collecting information from patients once they get into a room, such as an initial body temperature and blood pressure reading, as well as information about the reason for their visit and some health history information. In a local doctor’s office, an LPN may be tasked with collecting this information so that doctors have a clear picture of the patient’s health status when they enter the room to see the patient. There are things that LPNs might do that may be relatively common across the field, such as helping patients with mobility issues, and helping to calm down patients who may be nervous. Some LPNs may also perform a certain special tasks that might require them to first undergo special schooling or obtain a special license, credentials, or certification beyond a normal Practical Nursing license.

Colorado LPN Licensing: Basic Information

Colorado, like many other states, requires that Practical Nurses are licensed. Colorado residents need to obtain their license from the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CBON); since Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, out-of-state LPNs wishing to work in Colorado must be licensed by their own state board and do not need to obtain a Colorado license, unless they are from a state that is not part of the Compact. In the next paragraph, you’ll see some information regarding basic requirements for being licensed as an Practical Nurse in Colorado; because regulations may change at any time regarding requirements, visit the CBON website for the most comprehensive and up-to-date details and information regarding any requirements.

Applicants must complete the application for licensing and pay appropriate fees. They must have graduated from an approved program and must provide an official transcript from the program in a school-sealed envelope. Applicants must also fill out a Healthcare Professions Profile that is maintained by the state. Finally, applicants need to pass the NCLEX nursing exam. If you’re looking for additional information regarding licensing and LPN licensing for unique situations, visit the CBON website at www.cdn.colorado.gov (linked in the previous paragraph).

Various Colleges & Schools in Colorado

Here are a variety of Colorado colleges and schools that may potentially have practical nursing programs and schooling.

Aims Community College
5401 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
(970) 330-8008

Arapahoe Community College
5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 797-4222

Colorado Community College of Aurora
16000 E Centretech Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80010
(303) 360-4700

Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs
831 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-8691

Community College of Denver
1111 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204
(303) 556-2600

Delta Montrose Technical College
1765 US-50, Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-7671

Emily Griffith Opportunity School
1250 Welton Street, Denver, CO 80210
(720) 423-4757

Front Range Community College
3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 404-5000

Lamar Community College
2401 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052
(719) 336-2248

Morgan Community College
920 Barlow Road, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
(970) 542-3100

Northeastern Community College
100 College Ave, Sterling, CO 80751
(970) 521-6600

Otero Community College
1802 Colorado Ave, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-6831

Pikes Peak Community College
5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 502-2000

Pueblo Community College
900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81004
(719) 549-3200

Trinidad State Junior College
600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-5011

Red Rocks Community College
5420 Miller St, Arvada, CO 80002
(303) 914-6010

Southwest Colorado Community College
701 Camino Del Rio # 201, Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-2929

Trinidad State Community College
600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-5011

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