LPN to ADN Programs in Colorado

Thinking about leveling up your nursing career in Colorado? If you are already an LPN, a "bridge" program is like a shortcut to becoming a RN.

Basically, these programs take the training you already have and help you earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Once you have that degree, you can take the NCLEX-RN and officially become an RN.

There are 15 schools across Colorado that offer this path. Most of them are near Denver or Colorado Springs, but there are a few in more rural areas, too. We’ve rounded up the details on locations, pass rates, and how they rank so you can find the best fit for your life.

Front Range Community College (Westminster): If you’re looking for the top of the class, this is it. They are ranked #1 for 2025 and have a massive 98.1% pass rate on the RN exam. That’s pretty much an A+.

They are planning to start their next bridge program in Fall 2026. Just remember, you have to keep your LPN license active the whole time you’re in class. You’ll also need to finish a few pre-req classes first... like Anatomy, Microbiology, and Nutrition, with at least a B average.

Arapahoe Community College (Littleton) is another great choice, ranked #3 in the state. They have a solid 95.6% pass rate. However, getting in is a bit like trying to get front-row concert tickets ... it’s competitive! They only take 12 students at a time. Because the seats are so limited, they look closely at your GPA. If you want to start in 2026, you’ll need to get your application in during a tiny window between late March and early April.

For those living near the Springs, Pikes Peak at Colorado Springs is a heavy hitter. They actually have a 98.2% pass rate, which is incredible. Their application window for the Fall 2026 semester is open during the last two weeks of May. Just make sure your Colorado LPN license is in "good standing" (meaning you haven't gotten into any professional trouble) before you apply.

Colorado is part of the "Nurse Licensure Compact." This is a fancy way of saying that once you get your license here, it’s much easier to work in many other states without having to start the whole process over again!

Check out the list below to compare all 15 schools and see which one matches your commute and your goals. Good luck!