--- title: "Become an RN in Colorado: FAQs at our Aurora Campus" url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/" type: campus-location date_published: 2025-10-07 date_modified: 2026-04-22 schema: @type: WebPage language: en-US word_count: 2978 reading_time: 15 min canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/" featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/b61c5a24960a0017cc817c3aaad2f22b.webp" --- # Become an RN in Colorado: FAQs at our Aurora Campus ![BSN at a Nursing College](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/b61c5a24960a0017cc817c3aaad2f22b.webp) Aurora ![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg) # Become an RN in Colorado: FAQs at our Denver Campus Start your path to an RN with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions that future Registered Nurses often ask our campus faculty and staff. [EXplore Program Details ](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/) Classes begin June 29th ![RN Bachelor Degree from Best Nursing Schools](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/icon-health_metrics.svg?w=1024) [Campus Overview](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/) ![Icon for a Nursing Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/dist/svg/icon-shield-user.svg?w=1024) [Campus Life](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/location/) ![Icon for Nursing School Scholarships Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/dist/svg/icon-hat.svg?w=1024) [Admissions](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/) [ ![How much do nurses make in Denver?](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-much-do-nurses-make.jpg?w=960)![How much do nurses make in Denver?](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-much-do-nurses-make.jpg?w=960) [ [Nursing Careers FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/#salary) [ ![Colorado Nursing program for you](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-program-For-You.webp?w=1024)![Colorado Nursing program for you](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-program-For-You.webp?w=1024) [ [Nursing Program FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/#npfaq) [ ![Faculty at a Colorado Nursing Program Near You](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-Long-is-Nursing-Program-Blog.webp?w=1024)![Faculty at a Colorado Nursing Program Near You](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-Long-is-Nursing-Program-Blog.webp?w=1024) [ [General Nursing College FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/faq/#gnursing) ## What Aspiring Nurses at Our Aurora Campus in Denver Are Asking From program requirements and transfer credits to job outlook and financial aid, choosing an RN school comes with a lot of considerations. Our BSN program is designed to be your pathway to becoming an RN, and we’ve gathered the questions our admissions team hears most. Browse answers by topic below and reach out to our Aurora campus when you’re ready. ## Nursing Career Frequently Asked Questions The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years. If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field, qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Colorado, contact an admissions representative at our Aurora campus. Registered Nurses in Colorado have a median nursing salary of $86,900 per year. As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience. To view our Aurora nursing market outlook  [click here](https://arizonacollege.edu/aurora-colorado-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-colorado/) . The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Colorado range from a low rate of $70,790, per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $112,800 per year for their nursing salary. _Updated 06/2024._ Source:  [https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=CO](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=CO)   One of the great benefits about working as an RN is that you have many different options for work environments. As of 2023, registered nurses held about 3.3 million nursing jobs. The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows: – Hospitals (58%) – Ambulatory healthcare services (19%)– Nursing and residential care facilities (6%)– Government (5%)– Educational services; state, local, and private (3%) Updated 2024. Source:  [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3) As of 2022, there were 53,720 RNs employed in Colorado. Registered Nurses jobs in Colorado are projected to grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032. RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, creating 189,100 projected annual new nursing jobs. _Updated August 2025: Data Source:_  [https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CO](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CO) Yes, nurses can work in other states after graduation, though the process depends on where you’re licensed and where you want to practice. Some states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses to practice across member states without obtaining additional licenses. Other states require nurses to apply for licensure by endorsement, which involves submitting documentation and fees to the new state’s board of nursing. Graduating from a CCNE-accredited BSN program like Arizona College of Nursing  prepares you to apply to sit for the national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, in the state in which you live. Once you pass, you’ll have options for where and how you build your nursing career. Our admissions team can help you understand how licensure works in Colorado and what to expect if you’re planning to relocate after graduation. ## Nursing Program Questions at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora Students can progress through our BSN program in three years or less with qualifying gen ed transfer credits. Transfer credits could be a way to help you graduate in less time and at a lower cost. For questions about transfer credits, including credits associated with college-level credit test scores, visit our Campus Locations page (https://www.arizonacollege.edu/campus-locations/) for details to contact your local campus. Our admissions team will review your current transcripts and give you specific feedback on how past education might be eligible to be applied towards a BSN degree. Read more about  [Arizona College of Nursing’s credit transfer requirements](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/credit-transfer-info/) . Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs and payment options including: - Federal student loans - Federal PELL and SEOG grants - Eligible State-based grant programs - Private educational loans - Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®) In addition to financial aid, Arizona College of Nursing does offer scholarship opportunities. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, visit  [https://www.arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/) Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to prior academic experience, you’ll start your BSN degree program with evening general education courses. In addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient on-campus/online hybrid format. We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting Nursing school. Once you begin your core nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime classes. Getting into AZCN’s three-year BSN program in Denver comes down to two core criteria: a 2.75 cumulative GPA from your high school or college coursework and a qualifying score on the HESI A2. Your HESI A2 score may also factor into whether a GPA waiver applies to your application. If you’re researching how to apply to nursing school in Colorado, our admissions team can answer questions about transcripts and entrance testing. For anything related to financial aid, our finance team can help determine your eligibility. Learn more about our admissions requirements on our [admissions page](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/). Start dates vary at AZCN – Aurora and new students are welcomed each semester as enrollment capacity becomes available. With multiple sessions throughout the year, there are a number of opportunities to begin your nursing journey. Applying early is the best way to position yourself to get started as soon as a spot opens. Find out more about our admissions process on our [Admissions page](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/). Our BSN curriculum covers important topics like clinical-thinking, community health, critical care, gerontology, leadership, surgical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric care. Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora does not offer an LPN to BSN or an LPN to RN bridge program. However, you still have the ability to enroll in our program and earn your BSN degree in just three years! Your prior LPN nursing experience will serve you well as you complete the coursework, and it will be especially helpful during the clinical training portion of the program. We encourage you to contact our admissions team and mention your prior nursing experience. They’ll tell you more about how your LPN experience can help you in the BSN program. Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Aurora is not a 100% online nursing program in Colorado. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person. Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Aurora and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years. Comparing nursing schools can feel overwhelming, but there are a few key factors that can help you narrow down your options. Look at program length and format to make sure it fits your schedule, especially if you’re working or managing family responsibilities. Check whether the schools you’re considering have clear admissions processes or long waitlists that could delay your start. Ask about clinical partnerships and hands-on training, since the quality of your real-world experience matters for your confidence and career readiness. Finally, consider the support you’ll receive as a student, from academic resources to assistance with financial aid. At Arizona College of Nursing in Denver, we offer a three-year BSN program with flexible scheduling, a streamlined admissions process, and clinical rotations with healthcare partners across Colorado. If you’re comparing nursing schools in Colorado, our admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step. ## General Nursing College FAQs Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. LPN / LVN programs prepare you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (also known as Licensed Vocational Nurse in certain states). BSN programs prepare you to become a registered nurse (RN). An LPN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. BSN programs typically take three to four years to complete and are built to prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. The programs provide a comprehensive nursing education that enables you to work in a variety of nursing areas. While BSN programs take more time, they put you on a path towards more career advancement opportunities as an RN. See a more detailed comparison between an LPN and a BSN at  [https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/) RN candidates in Colorado should enroll in board approved programs in professional nursing. Visit the  [Colorado nursing board site](https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/RNApplications)  for a full list of approved programs.  After graduation, candidates will need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. It is necessary to apply to the Colorado Board to take the exam. Application packets can be found on the Board site. The candidate must attach official transcripts to their application. The candidate must also include a non-refundable $88 application fee.   Source:  [https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/)   There are a few different costs to become a nurse in the state of Colorado. First, you must complete an accredited nursing program. The cost for an accredited nursing program can vary widely depending upon what type of nursing program you are pursuing, and the specific educational institution you choose.   Next, RNs in Colorado must pay an Application Fee ($88) when applying to become a registered nurse. There is also a $200 fee to take the NCLEX-RN exam.   Source:  [https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/)   In the state of Colorado, the board of nursing allows candidates a maximum of three examination attempts. Attempts made in other U.S. states count toward the total.  Source:  [https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-colorado/)   The length of nursing school can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. A typical Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes 4 years to complete if you are starting from scratch. But at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora, you can earn your BSN degree in just 3 years. If you’ve completed prior college courses, you may be able to use transfer credits and complete your degree even faster. Our admissions team can give you a more specific answer on how long our BSN program would take for you, given your education background. Contact us to get started. Source:  [https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/) To become an RN, you need to complete an accredited nursing program, such as our BSN program at Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora, which includes coursework, clinical experience, and NCLEX-RN exam preparation integrated into the curriculum. After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license. For detailed steps and specific requirements, please contact our admissions office. To become a nurse, you first need to choose the type of nursing role you want to pursue, such as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nurse practitioner (NP). Generally, you will need to complete the relevant nursing education program and obtain the necessary certification for licensure. For example, RNs typically need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Each type of nurse has specific educational and licensing requirements, so it’s important to know what applies to your chosen nursing path. The comparison of an LPN vs. RN primarily comes down to education and scope of practice. An LPN typically focuses on providing basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician. On the other hand, an RN typically requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). RNs have a wider scope of practice, including patient care planning and diagnostic testing. Choosing between these roles depends on your career goals, with RNs generally having more opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential. Contact our admissions team to learn more about how our three-year BSN program in Aurora can help prepare you for a career as an RN. [Read our blog post comparing an LPN Program with a BSN Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/lpn-program-vs-bsn-program-what-is-the-difference/) A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful career in nursing. The BSN curriculum includes both general education and advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in your state and city of choice, you should consider earning a bachelor’s in nursing science (BSN). The primary difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the level of training and education. Earning a BSN offers a more extensive educational foundation and practical clinical exposure compared to an ADN. Key benefits of the BSN are its appeal to employers and access to additional job growth opportunities such as employment with Magnet-designated hospitals. Magnet hospitals, which earn their designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center ( [ANCC](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)), are highly sought after for their excellence in nursing, patient care, and professional development. These prestigious healthcare institutions only hire nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher as part of their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and achieving better patient outcomes. To learn more about the difference between these nursing degrees visit our page “ [What’s the Difference Between an ADN and a BSN?](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-adn-and-a-bsn/) “ A nurse manager is a registered nurse who has moved into a leadership role after gaining clinical experience. In this position, you can work in various healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient care centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care services. The nurse manager position represents an exciting career advancement opportunity for registered nurses who want to move into leadership roles. To become a nurse manager in Colorado, you’ll first need to work as a registered nurse to gain the clinical experience needed for management responsibilities. Nurse manager positions require a BSN degree as the minimum educational requirement. Before becoming a nurse manager in Colorado, you must first become a licensed registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure. You’ll need to gain clinical experience working as a registered nurse before you can apply for nurse manager positions. Many healthcare facilities require at least five years of experience for nurse manager roles.