If you’re a CNA looking to advance your career to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Denver offers several programs tailored to help you achieve your goals. These programs are designed to build on your existing CNA skills, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare you for the next step in your nursing career.
- Community College of Denver offers a Practical Nursing Program that provides both full-time and part-time options, combining classroom learning with clinical rotations, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a flexible path to becoming an LPN.
- Emily Griffith Technical College provides a Practical Nursing program that includes both hands-on practice and clinical internships, available in both full-time and part-time formats, making it accessible for CNAs looking to advance quickly or at their own pace.
- Arapahoe Community College offers a Practical Nursing Certificate as part of its AAS-Nursing program, allowing students to take an alternative pathway into the workforce as LPNs, with a curriculum designed to ensure success on the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Pima Medical Institute offers a structured and accelerated Practical Nursing Certificate program that can be completed in 12 months, focusing on comprehensive nursing education through a mix of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.
- Pickens Technical College provides a one-year Practical Nursing program with a strong focus on various nursing specialties, combining lecture-based learning with hands-on training and clinical practice, making it a well-rounded option for CNAs aspiring to become LPNs.
Each of these programs has unique strengths and structures, so it’s important to explore the detailed summaries of each to find the one that best fits your needs.
Community College of Denver
If you’re currently a CNA and are looking to advance your career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the Practical Nursing Program at the Community College of Denver (CCD) could be an excellent option. This program is designed to build on the foundational skills you’ve already acquired as a CNA, offering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to prepare you for the next step in your nursing career.
Program Overview
CCD’s Practical Nursing Program offers two flexible formats: a full-time day program that can be completed in three semesters and a part-time evening and weekend program that spans five semesters. Both options provide a blend of classroom instruction, inpatient simulation labs, and clinical rotations totaling 405 hours at local healthcare facilities. Throughout the program, you will learn to provide essential patient care, administer medications, and document medical records, while also developing leadership skills necessary for the LPN role.
The program prepares you to take the NCLEX-PN national licensing exam, which is required to become a licensed practical nurse. As an LPN, you will have opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, home healthcare, and hospitals. The program is currently approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and CCD is seeking national accreditation to further enhance the credibility of its graduates.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Practical Nursing Program at CCD, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- CPR (Basic Life Support) Certification
- Negative Background Check and Drug Screen
- Completion of Medical Requirements
- Completion of Prerequisite Courses:
- BIO 1006: Basic Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
- ENG 1021: English Composition I (3 credits)
- HPR 1039: Medical Terminology (2 credits)
The program offers a structured pathway for CNAs to transition into the role of an LPN, providing the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in this rewarding profession.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Not specified (varies based on tuition and fees) |
| Program Duration | 3 semesters (Full-Time Day) or 5 semesters (Part-Time Evening & Weekend) |
| Class Schedules | Full-Time Day: Starts in August; Part-Time Evening & Weekend: Starts in January |
| Website | CCD Practical Nursing Program |
| Location | Cherry Creek Building, 1111 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204 |
| Phone | 303.556.2600 |
| Not specified | |
| Online Classes | No |
Emily Griffith Technical College
If you’re a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) looking to advance your career and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the Practical Nursing program at Emily Griffith Technical College might be the right fit for you. This program is designed to prepare you for hands-on patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians, focusing on practical skills such as taking vital signs, administering injections, and managing patient care in various healthcare settings.
The program offers both full-time and part-time options, with full-time students completing the course in 12 months and part-time students in 18 months. The curriculum includes immediate hands-on practice in a nursing skills lab, followed by 400 hours of clinical internships at local healthcare facilities. You’ll engage in a variety of courses covering adult health, mental health, maternal-newborn care, pediatric nursing, and more, ensuring a well-rounded education. Additionally, the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination and pursue IV certification.
Admission Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Proof of high school completion (credential evaluation required if education was outside the U.S.).
- Active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license or completion of a Medical Assistant (MA) program.
- Completion of HPR 1040: Comprehensive Medical Terminology (within the previous 2 years).
- Completion of BIO 1006: Basic Anatomy & Physiology (within the previous 7 years).
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
- Pass a criminal background check and drug test.
- Proof of vaccinations including MMR, Hepatitis B, TDap, TB, Varicella, Influenza, and COVID-19.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | $13,129 (eligible for financial aid) |
| Program Duration | Full-time: 12 months, Part-time: 18 months |
| Class Schedules | Full-time and Part-time, In-person |
| Website | Emily Griffith Practical Nursing Program |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Phone | (720) 423-3485, (720) 423-4873 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Arapahoe Community College
The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Arapahoe Community College is designed for students who are already on the path to becoming Registered Nurses but are considering an alternative pathway to enter the workforce more quickly as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This program is a bridge for CNA-certified individuals who want to advance their careers in nursing.
Program Overview
The Practical Nursing Certificate is available only to students who have already been accepted into the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing program at Arapahoe Community College and have completed the first two semesters of nursing coursework, along with NUR 169. The program is specifically structured to prepare students to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) and work as LPNs. This certificate is not a standalone program but rather an alternative pathway within the broader AAS-Nursing program.
The curriculum includes both general education and major nursing courses, totaling 47 credit hours. Key courses include Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts, Fundamentals of Nursing, and Maternal-Child Nursing, alongside specialized courses like Transition into Practical Nursing, which is essential for those pursuing the Practical Nursing Certificate.
Program Structure
The program is rigorous and requires students to complete prerequisite courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition, and Human Growth and Development before applying. These courses must be completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with no grade lower than a “C.” Once admitted, students will engage in both theoretical and practical learning experiences, including hands-on practice in clinical settings.
Upon completing the required coursework and meeting all graduation requirements, students will receive their Practical Nursing Certificate, making them eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and become licensed practical nurses. This certification opens up a range of employment opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College.
- Acceptance into the AAS-Nursing program.
- Completion of specific prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all required coursework with a grade of “C” or better.
- Apply for graduation online through the Arapahoe Community College website.
For more detailed information or guidance, contact the Nursing Department at Arapahoe Community College.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Not specified |
| Program Duration | Varies, dependent on the pace (47 credits total) |
| Class Schedules | Dependent on the course availability |
| Website | Arapahoe Community College Practical Nursing Program |
| Location | Littleton Campus, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120 |
| Phone | 303.797.4222 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Pima Medical Institute
The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Pima Medical Institute is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This program focuses on hands-on patient care and equips students with the professional traits needed to thrive in healthcare environments. With a combination of classroom learning, lab work, and clinical experiences, students are prepared to meet the demands of the nursing profession.
Program Structure and Content
The program is structured into six sequences, each focusing on different aspects of nursing education. These sequences cover a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, elder care, nursing theory, and pharmacology. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-prepared to provide patient care, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and manage patient records.
Accelerated Learning
The Practical Nursing Certificate program can be completed in approximately 12 months on a full-time basis. This accelerated timeline is ideal for students who wish to enter the workforce quickly. The program is delivered on-campus, allowing for direct interaction with instructors and peers, which enhances the learning experience.
Clinical Experience
A significant component of the program is the clinical foundation, where students gain practical experience in various healthcare settings. This includes 405 hours of clinical rotations, providing students with real-world experience in patient care.
Employment Outlook
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to enter the healthcare field as Licensed Practical Nurses. The demand for LPNs is expected to grow, particularly in long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health care settings.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Proof of high school completion (credential evaluation required if education was outside the U.S.)
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide a current Basic Life Support (BLS) card
- Pass a drug test
- Proof of vaccinations (MMR, Hepatitis B, TDap, TB, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19)
- Completion of prerequisite courses:
- Medical Terminology (HPR 1040) within the past two years
- Basic Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 1006) within the past seven years
- Active CNA license or completion of a Medical Assistant (MA) program
This program is an excellent option for CNAs looking to advance their careers and become Licensed Practical Nurses, providing a thorough and accelerated pathway into the nursing profession.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost: | $13,129 (Eligible for financial aid) |
| Program Duration: | 12 months (full-time), 18 months (part-time) |
| Class Schedules: | Full-time and Part-time |
| Website: | Pima Medical Institute Practical Nursing |
| Location: | 13750 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 |
| Phone: | 1-800-477-PIMA |
| Online Classes: | No |
Practical Nursing Program at Pickens Technical College
If you’re a CNA looking to advance your career and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the Practical Nursing program at Pickens Technical College could be a strong option to consider. This program offers comprehensive training in various nursing specialties, including medical-surgical, maternal-infant, pediatric, and geriatric nursing. The curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills through a blend of lecture-based learning, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experiences.
The program spans one year and includes a series of accredited courses that cover critical aspects of practical nursing, such as pharmacology calculations, patient assessment, and mental health nursing. The curriculum is enriched with off-site clinical experiences and on-site simulation labs, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This practical approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, which is necessary to practice as an LPN.
Pickens Technical College has a solid track record of student success. Between 2020 and 2023, the program achieved an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 81.3%, a program completion rate of 97%, and an employment response rate of 87%. These outcomes reflect the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the healthcare field.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers various nursing areas, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and geriatric nursing.
- Hands-On Training: Includes supervised clinical experiences and industry-standard simulation labs.
- Accredited: The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Strong Outcomes: High pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam and strong employment rates post-graduation.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum Age: Must be 18 years or older.
- Educational Background: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisites: Completion of specific courses such as Pharmacology Calculations and Basic Assessment for PN.
- Clinical Requirements: Must meet health and safety standards, including proof of vaccinations.
- Licensure: Active CNA license is required for enrollment.
For more detailed information about this program, including specific enrollment dates and additional requirements, it’s advisable to contact Pickens Technical College directly or visit their official website.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost: | Not specified |
| Program Duration: | 1 year |
| Class Schedules: | Not specified |
| Website: | Pickens Technical College Practical Nursing Program |
| Location: | 500 Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011 |
| Phone: | 303-835-4225 |
| Online Classes: | No |