Licensing Agency

Colorado issues nursing licenses through the Board of Nursing and requires accredited education and passage of the national licensing examination for registered nurses. Employers expect state licensure and documented clinical competency for hospital outpatient and community settings. Advanced practice nurses require graduate education national certification and state recognition for prescriptive authority.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is required for license renewal and often includes specialty credits for areas such as emergency nursing and behavioral health. Many nurses participate in employer sponsored quality improvement and peer review activities. Rural mountain communities rely on cross trained staff and telehealth support for specialty services.

Sources: Colorado Board of Nursing | National Council of State Boards of Nursing