Requirements for Licensure

The Colorado State Board of Nursing shall issue a license to engage in the practice of professional nursing to any applicant who: 

1. Submits an application containing the information the board may prescribe;
2. Submits proof satisfactory to the board in the manner and upon the forms the board may require to show that the applicant has completed a professional nursing education program that meets the standards of the board;
3. Pass an examination as provided as described in the Nurse Practice Act section 12-255-109;
4. Pays the required fee.

The board has designed a questionnaire as part of the application and includes certain information related to having a previous criminal record or having a chemical dependency problem (drugs or alcohol) or any condition that significantly disturbs your ability to practice as a professional nurse safely and competently. 

 The State Board of Nursing will consider whether a person can be licensed if s/he has had a criminal record or chemical dependency problem or a health condition that may interfere with safe practice on an individual basis. Having had the problem does not necessarily mean that licensure will be denied.  However, the Board is very strict about individuals being truthful about past problems.  If an individual is not truthful on the application form and the Board finds out, licensure is denied. 

The Board has the following information on the application form: 

Please be advised that in Colorado, supplying false information in application for licensure is punishable by law. 

• I state under penalty of perjury in the second degree, as defined in 18-8-503, Colorado Revised Statutes, that the information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.  I understand that under the Nurse Practice Act, providing false information is grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of a Nursing License and may be punishable by law.  You may not practice as a Nurse as defined in CRS, 1985, 12-38-111(112), until you have completed the requirements for licensure. 

The Colorado State Board of Nursing maintains a web site where more information about licensure is available.  Go to: Nursing HOME | Division of Professions and Occupations (colorado.gov). 

NJC’s nursing program is approved by the state board of nursing in Colorado. Nursing students who wish to obtain a license to practice nursing in a state other than Colorado need to research other state requirements and can obtain assistance with this process from the director of nursing. Colorado state board of nursing participates in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.