LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Colorado
Your skills as a licensed practical nurse have likely introduced you to a career you love, given you the chance to help hundreds or thousands of patients, and helped you become part of one of the largest industries in Colorado. One of the biggest benefits of working in the field of nursing is that there are always ways to take your career further and take on more responsibility. As the state’s need for registered nurses continues to grow, your experience may make you an excellent candidate for LPN to RN programs in Colorado.
As the health care industry changes, the need for passionate and dedicated professionals is on the rise. Health care technology is a rapidly growing specialty in the state, and completing a registered nursing degree may give you experience with new tools and technology. Find out what your community needs by requesting information from LPN to RN programs in Colorado.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Colorado?
Committing to school is a big decision. As you learn more about transitioning from LPN to RN, Colorado may clearly be the place to do it. The Denver Sun Times reports that Colorado is the second best state for nurses in the entire country, thanks to reported salary ranges, job openings, and other metrics. Since you are already an LPN, your professional connections and experience may give you even more opportunities.
It is true that becoming a registered nurse may boost your earning potential quite a bit. O*Net reports that LPNs earn an average of $45,800 per year in Colorado, compared to an average salary of $68,300 per year for RNs.
Curriculum of LPN to BSN Programs in Colorado
To become a registered nurse in Colorado, you must move from your diploma or certificate to an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree. Full-time programs range from one to three years. Over the course of your time spent in school, you should discover advanced nursing theories, learn how to take more responsibility in a variety of health care settings, and develop a deeper knowledge of advanced nursing specialties.
Curriculum requirements vary between many LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN programs Colorado. However, most schools have fairly similar expectations. You may develop your overall knowledge through courses like Nursing Assessment and Skills, Pathophysiology, and Perspectives & Assessments of Nursing. Courses that give you experience in other nursing specialties include Psychiatric Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing Care. While working through these courses, you should go through a number of clinical rotations and practice your skills on real patients. Some schools even allow you to complete your clinical rotations at your current place of employment.
Of course, your school hopes to help you graduate as a skilled, confident registered nurse. However, it is also their goal to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. This exam tests both your practical nursing skills and the new knowledge gained in your bridge program. It is the final step to becoming licensed in Colorado.
Building and maintaining professional relationships can help you as you return to school, particularly when it comes to financial aid. The Colorado Nurses Association funds numerous scholarships every academic year.
Thanks to its mountainous and remote layout, Colorado has unique health care needs that may evolve in coming years. You can make a change by contacting LPN to RN programs in Colorado to learn more. If you’re not ready to pick a program, head on over to our page that contains resources for nurses to help you figure out your next steps.
