Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.
Jobs (CO)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Colorado
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and submit an application to the Colorado Board of Nursing. The application fee is $88, and a background check with fingerprints is required. While there are no specific continuing education hours, LPNs must demonstrate continuing competency for renewal every two years. Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice in Colorado under their multistate license if Colorado is not their primary state of residence.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Colorado requirements
| Licensing body | Colorado Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $88 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must submit fingerprints for state and federal background checks. While there are no specific continuing education *hours* required for renewal, LPNs must demonstrate continuing competency through various methods, such as 20 contact hours of CE, 400 hours of active practice, completion of a refresher course, or national nursing certification. All LPN licenses expire on September 30th of even or odd-numbered years, depending on issuance. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice without a separate Colorado license, provided Colorado is not their primary state of residence. |
Source: Colorado Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk