Geographically known for its significant share of the Rocky Mountains range in western North America, Colorado became the 38th state of the United States of America on August 1, 1876. This occurred less than a month after the U.S. celebrated the centennial year of the signing of its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Thus Colorado is nicknamed the “Centennial State.” The significant presence of the Rocky Mountains—as well as plains, desert, mesas, canyons and rivers—make Colorado a major tourist and skiing state in the Union.
Nursing Education in Colorado
Colorado’s economy not only receives a boost from tourists and visitors, but its health care system as well. However, the state is in need of more nursing educators. Of the estimated 39 nursing schools in Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver (UCD)—with campuses in Aurora and the state capital Denver—offers the Ph.D in Nursing necessary for teaching at educational institutions. The doctorate program can be completed within two years. UCD also offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for aspiring registered nurses (RNs).
The University of Colorado system comprises the main nursing schools in Colorado. Joining UCD is University of Colorado Colorado Springs in offering the BSN. The minimum educational requirement for RNs—the Associate of Science degree in Nursing—can be obtained from any of a number of community colleges or two-year universities in the state. Such Colorado Nursing Schools include Community College of Denver, Pueblo Community College, Front Range Community College and Colorado Technical University, some of which have multiple campuses across the state. Colorado Nursing Schools like Pueblo also have diplomas to enable entrance into nursing by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN.
Career Outlook for Nursing in Colorado
Colorado has an employment rate of 7.6 percent, according to a December 2012 report from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics; nineteen of the 50 continental states have a higher unemployment rate. Despite the comparatively high statistic, Colorado’s median household income is consistently among the 20 highest in the nation, which makes the state attractive to job seekers. Additionally, its shortage of nurses—particularly nursing instructors—creates demand for more of such health professionals. According to the DOL, Colorado RNs made a median annual salary of $67,300 in 2011, which is slightly higher than the national median of $66,000. The Department is expecting 1,900 more jobs in Colorado—a 30 percent increase—between 2008 and 2018.
UCD’s principal teaching hospital, the University of Colorado Hospital, is one of the major employers of nurses in Colorado. Others include Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Memorial Hospital Central and North Colorado Medical Center.
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