RN Programs in Grand Junction, Colorado

Get your RN degree in Grand Junction, Colorado - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Grand Junction, Colorado

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Grand Junction, Colorado? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN in this beautiful city. From understanding what an RN does to finding the right training programs, we’ve got you covered.

Why Become an RN in Grand Junction

Grand Junction, located in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a growing healthcare industry. Known for its stunning landscapes, including the Colorado National Monument, and vibrant neighborhoods like Redlands and Orchard Mesa, Grand Junction is an excellent place to start your nursing career.

In Grand Junction, the average salary for an RN is around $70,000 per year. The job market is promising, with a projected job growth of 7% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prerequisites for RN programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites. Typically, these include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Passing scores on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
• Background checks and drug screenings

Some programs might also require prerequisite courses in subjects like biology and chemistry.

Typical program curriculum

RN programs are designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You can expect to take courses in:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Pharmacology
• Mental Health Nursing

In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll complete clinical training in healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience.

RN Training Programs in Grand Junction, Colorado

Here are some local schools offering RN programs in Grand Junction:

1. Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
   • Address: 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
   • Program Description: CMU offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The programs focus on providing a strong foundation in nursing practice and theory.
   • Program Page: CMU Nursing Program
2. Western Colorado Community College (WCCC)
   • Address: 2508 Blichmann Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81505
   • Program Description: WCCC provides an ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
   • Program Page: WCCC Nursing Program
3. IntelliTec College
   • Address: 772 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506
   • Program Description: IntelliTec offers a Practical Nursing program, which can be a stepping stone to becoming an RN through bridge programs.
   • Program Page: IntelliTec Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Grand Junction

Grand Junction is home to several major healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment:

1. St. Mary’s Medical Center
   • Address: 2635 N 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
   • Description: As the largest medical center between Denver and Salt Lake City, St. Mary’s offers a wide range of services and specialties.
   • Employment Page: St. Mary’s Careers
2. Community Hospital
   • Address: 2351 G Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
   • Description: Community Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services with a focus on patient-centered care.
   • Employment Page: Community Hospital Careers
3. VA Western Colorado Health Care System
   • Address: 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
   • Description: This facility serves veterans with a variety of healthcare needs, offering rewarding opportunities for RNs.
   • Employment Page: VA Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To practice as an RN in Colorado, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet state-specific requirements set by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Additionally, national certifications in specialties can enhance your career prospects.

Cost and financial aid

The cost of RN programs in Grand Junction varies. On average, tuition can range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the program and institution. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, are available to help manage costs. Be sure to explore opportunities through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Licensure reciprocity

Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in other compact states to practice in Colorado without additional licensure. If you’re moving from a non-compact state, you’ll need to meet Colorado’s licensure requirements.

Get Started Today

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming an RN in Grand Junction, Colorado? Take the first step by researching local schools and contacting them through their program pages. Your rewarding career in nursing awaits!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Grand Junction RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Grand Junction?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Colorado. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Colorado. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Colorado.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.