Care for Colorado communities through nursing, medicine, therapy, and health administration. Growing demand for healthcare professionals across the state.
Median Salary
$67,163
Statewide industry median
10-Year Growth
+18%
Statewide projection
Pathway Roles
16
Pathway roles
Required Education
BSN
Nursing Science
Explore Colorado Healthcare
One of Colorado's largest industries, healthcare offers fast-track entry paths from high school straight into earning roles and continuous credential stacking.
From EMT certification to nursing leadership, healthcare in Colorado rewards people who start fast and stack credentials:
DIRECT HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES
239,630
OEDIT reports Colorado's health and wellness sector directly employed 239,630 people.
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMPANIES
35,120
Colorado's health ecosystem includes hospitals, clinics, behavioral health centers, long-term care and wellness providers.
REGISTERED NURSE MEDIAN SALARY
$91,730
Colorado OEWS wage data for a representative nursing pathway role in the state.
MAJOR HEALTH SYSTEM ANCHORS
4
Children's Hospital Colorado, CU Anschutz, Banner Health, and HealthONE are major employers and education anchors.
LARGEST JOB GROWTH IN STATE
With 239,630 direct employees and 35,120 companies, healthcare is one of Colorado's largest sectors and consistently hiring. Unlike some industries, this growth is steady and not tied to boom-bust cycles.
START FAST, EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Colorado's Health Science pathway includes medical/clinical assistant, EMT, nurse assistant, and phlebotomy tech routes. Many students start earning at 16 or 17 while still working toward college.
FIVE ENTRY GATES, NOT ONE
Medical assistant, EMT, CNA, phlebotomy tech—pick one, earn money, then stack a certificate, LPN, or RN. No single "right" entry point means you can choose based on what's available locally.
COLORADO'S TEACHING HOSPITALS ARE REAL
Educational facilities like CU Anschutz, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Banner Health systems partner directly with Colorado colleges to train the next generation of clinical staff and leaders.
PICK YOUR PACE, KEEP EARNING
Start as an MA, get your certification, work full-time while taking evening LPN classes, then bridge to RN. Colorado's community colleges and health systems explicitly support this earn-as-you-go model.
EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK IN COLORADO
From rural health clinics to metro hospitals, healthcare roles exist in every Colorado county. Front Range density is highest, but rural communities also have pathways through critical-access hospitals and regional medical centers.
Career paths · where you fit in
Customer care, documentation, empathy, time management, BLS/CPR and comfort with routine all move you forward. Healthcare often rewards people who start with a short certificate and keep stacking credentials.
Essential resources for your educational journey
Compare college costs, graduation rates & outcomes
Find registered earn-while-you-learn programs
Individual Career & Academic Planning tools
Discover careers that match your interests
