Individuals who are interested in becoming LPNs in Colorado can complete certificate programs that last about two to three semesters. Programs are available at schools such as Community College of Denver in Denver, Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and Pueblo Community College in Pueblo. Following LPN training in Colorado, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which is required to be officially licensed and able to practice in this field.
LPN training programs in Colorado usually require students to have completed prerequisite courses such as anatomy/physiology, dietary nutrition, psychology and English. To get into these programs, students must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, programs might require students to pass an admission test such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Programs also consider applicants' past health-care experience. Before completing clinical experiences at medical facilities while in the program, aspiring LPNs additionally might have to complete drug tests, background checks and immunizations along with cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
Courses in an LPN training program in Colorado cover topics such as pharmacology and basic health assessment. Students also learn how to perform skills in obstetric nursing, pediatric nursing, gerontological nursing and mental health nursing. In addition, students practice in simulated laboratory settings. They also study leadership for supervising and directing other nursing staff such as certified nursing assistants.
Individuals who have graduated from LPN training programs in Colorado can find employment in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, physicians' offices and nursing care facilities. Many LPNs in Colorado tend to migrate toward Pueblo, Grand Junction and Fort Collins, where jobs in this field are more common relative to the population, according to CityTownInfo.com. However, LPNs can find many opportunities in large cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs as well.
Employment of LPNs is projected to increase by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a growing population and a rising demand for health-care services. The outlook for LPNs is especially positive in Colorado, where health care is a top industry in cities such as the capital Denver, according to City-Data.com. Average LPN salaries in Colorado in 2010 were $42,000, reports SimplyHired.com.