[header] How to become a nurse in colorado [title] Pursue a position as a licensed practical nurse, or lpn. [step] Licensed practical nurses provide basic, direct care for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Lpns are generalists but can work in specialized health-care facilities. 
Lpn programs are offered at accredited junior and community colleges and some vocational schools. They usually take 2 years to complete and blend classroom instruction with clinical practice.