Colorado Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

The Centennial State is home to nearly 6 million people, and with four national parks and 58 “14ers,” there’s plenty of room to work and play. Being employed as a registered nurse is among the three most common occupations in Colorado. From Burlington to Fruita, nurses are an essential part of this western state.

But don’t get too wrapped up in the natural beauty and forget to renew your Colorado nursing license. Here’s what to know about nursing in the state and the Colorado nursing license renewal process.

To learn more about the state’s general nursing regulations, explore our article on the Colorado Nurse Practice Act.

Colorado Nursing Facts

Is Colorado part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes, Colorado is a compact state.

How much do nurses in Colorado earn?

• The average CNA salary in Colorado is $43,580 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Colorado is $64,710 per year.
• The average RN salary in Colorado is $91,730 per year.
• The average NP salary in Colorado is $121,990 per year.

How can I contact the Colorado Board of Nursing?

Colorado Nurse License Renewal Email: dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us

Colorado Board of Nursing Phone Number: (303) 894-7800

Website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing

Colorado Board of Nursing Address:

1560 Broadway, Suite 1350

Denver, CO 80202

Colorado BON License Renewal Process

Complete the steps below to renew a nursing license in Colorado. If you’re looking for a license by endorsement or examination, see the applicable RN applications and forms. If your license is lapsed, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

Nursing license renewal in Colorado comes around every two years, and you can begin renewals four to six weeks before the expiration date. See the renewal deadline that corresponds with your Colorado nursing license renewal:

• Registered Nurse (RN): September 30 of even or odd years, depending on the year your license was issued.
• Advanced Practice Nurse (APN): September 30 of even or odd years, depending on when your license was issued. You’ll need to renew your RN license as well.
• Compact APN (C-APN): September 30 of even or odd years, depending on when it was issued. You’ll need to renew your compact license in your home state.
• Nurse Aide (NA): January 31 of odd-numbered years.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): August 31 of even-numbered years.

To view your renewal deadline, log in to your online account with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. You can also use the license verification portal to check the status of your license.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Colorado nursing license renewal requirements do not include continuing education for RNs, LPNs, or NAs, although your facility may have its own requirements. If you’re an APN, you’ll need to maintain your national certification, which may require continuing education depending on your certification.

You will need to demonstrate use of your nursing skills in a clinical setting during the previous two years to follow the typical renewal process. If your license has been inactive or expired for more than two years, you’ll need to complete a board-approved refresher course.

Step 3: File Your Colorado Board of Nursing License Renewal Online

If you have an active RN, APN, NA, or LPN license, you can complete your Colorado nursing license renewal online with the Colorado Board of Nursing. You’ll need to log in to your account to access renewal forms.

The Colorado nursing license renewal fee changes often, but you can expect to pay more than $100. You can view the list of fees to renew in your online account.

Great Areas in Colorado for Nursing Jobs

When your renewals are complete, you can start looking for jobs in Colorado for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nurse practitioners. Or, consider working in some of the biggest metropolitan areas:

• Denver
• Colorado Springs
• Aurora
• Fort Collins
• Lakewood

Find Nursing Jobs in Colorado

Now that your Colorado nursing license renewal is done, you might be curious about new nursing opportunities in the Centennial State. IntelyCare’s job board has opportunities from the mountains to the plains. Check out our nursing Jobs in Colorado.