Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Nurse practitioner programs in Colorado equip registered nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills to deliver comprehensive care in both urban hospitals and rural clinics. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks are offered by institutions such as the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University, the University of Denver, and Regis University. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams in specialties like family practice and psychiatric‑mental health and receive Colorado licensure with full practice authority. These programs blend evidence‑based theory with extensive hands‑on clinical experience.
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Post-Masters Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification offers specialized advanced nursing training for experienced healthcare professionals. Designed for nurses with graduate degrees, the program prepares students to deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care in acute and emergent settings. With 585 clinical hours and 16 postgraduate credits, students receive individualized preparation for national certification. Admission requires an active nursing license, master's degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensuring comprehensive and targeted professional development.
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Pueblo's Master of Science in Nursing with Adult/Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides comprehensive advanced practice preparation. The campus-based program focuses on evidence-based, patient-centered care across acute and family healthcare settings. Students receive extensive training in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical assessment, preparing for dual certification. With robust practicum experiences and an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, graduates develop skills for diverse healthcare environments. Admission requires a BSN, active RN license, and a 3.0 GPA, ensuring high-quality professional development.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Post-Masters Certification in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to expand clinical expertise. This comprehensive program equips experienced nurses with advanced skills in delivering evidence-based patient care across diverse healthcare environments. With 585 clinical training hours, the program prepares nurses for dual certification in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner specialties. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, active RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, technological integration, and advanced clinical skill development.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Pueblo's Post-Masters Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification transforms experienced nurses into advanced mental health professionals. This specialized program offers an individualized learning path for MS, MSN, or doctorate-prepared nurses, focusing on comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care across patient lifespans. With 585 dedicated clinical hours, graduates gain eligibility for national certification and demonstrate exceptional professional preparation. The program maintains rigorous standards, requiring a 3.0 GPA, active nursing license, and commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric care.
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Post-Masters Certificate provides advanced practice nurses with specialized skills in comprehensive patient care. Targeting experienced nurses, this program focuses specifically on Adult Gerontology Acute Care, preparing professionals to deliver evidence-based treatment across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates become eligible for specialized certification, demonstrating expertise in managing complex patient needs. The curriculum requires a master's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and prerequisite coursework in statistics, chemistry, and microbiology, ensuring a robust and comprehensive educational experience.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Pueblo's Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certification empowers nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across all patient life stages. This specialized program emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered approaches in diverse healthcare environments. With 585 total clinical hours and 47 program credits, students develop advanced clinical skills preparing them for national certification exams. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, active RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensuring a high-quality, targeted educational experience for advanced nursing practice.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an innovative hybrid program transforming advanced nursing professionals into healthcare leaders. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and comprehensive patient-centered care across the lifespan. Students develop advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and systemic healthcare improvement strategies. This program prepares graduates to effectively address complex health challenges, advocate for patient populations, and drive meaningful healthcare transformations through scholarly inquiry and advanced clinical practice.
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an innovative hybrid program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental health care. With 1,320 total practicum hours, students develop extensive clinical expertise in evidence-based psychiatric treatment across patient lifespans. The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, national certification preparation, and flexible learning pathways. Graduates become highly qualified mental health professionals equipped to address complex psychiatric healthcare needs in diverse settings, maintaining a rigorous 3.0 GPA requirement.
Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for complex healthcare environments. The comprehensive 83-credit program combines rigorous academic coursework with 1,320 practicum hours, developing leadership and scholarly expertise. Students receive concurrent master's degree preparation, focusing on evidence-based practice and advanced clinical skills. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams and leadership roles in acute and gerontological care, maintaining high academic standards with a required 3.0 GPA and mandatory B or better grades.
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's BSN-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative hybrid pathway for nursing professionals. This innovative doctorate prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care across patient lifespans. With 540-780 practicum hours and 87 total credits, students develop advanced clinical skills and systemic healthcare transformation capabilities. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for national certification and complex mental health challenge resolution. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive two-year educational pathway designed for ambitious nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. With flexible learning options including on-campus and synchronized online formats, students complete 48 credit hours and 630 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes comprehensive primary care skills spanning pediatric, adult, and women's health contexts. Graduates benefit from high national certification pass rates and are prepared to deliver holistic patient care across all life stages. Clinical experiences and leadership training distinguish this CCNE-accredited program.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Master of Science in Nursing | Family Nurse Practitioner program offers BSN holders a robust pathway to advanced primary care practice. Featuring flexible campus and remote learning options, the 48-credit, two-year program emphasizes holistic care across patient lifespans. Students complete 630 clinical hours, starting rotations in the second year. CCNE-accredited with competitive tuition, the program prepares graduates for comprehensive family healthcare roles. Admission requires an active RN license, with two years of clinical experience preferred.
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Master's program provides advanced practice nurses specialized training in managing high-risk newborn and infant healthcare. Through a hybrid learning format, students complete 630 clinical hours in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units, developing critical expertise in specialized infant care. The comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates for national certification and collaborative roles with neonatologists. Minimum 43 semester hours of advanced coursework equip practitioners with sophisticated assessment, physiological understanding, and professional integration skills.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Regis University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides seasoned nursing professionals an accelerated pathway to advanced specialization. Designed exclusively for nurses holding a master's degree with minimum two years of experience, this 36-credit online program prepares practitioners for expanded clinical roles. The curriculum comprehensively covers health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced patient assessment techniques. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills while maintaining professional flexibility, ultimately positioning themselves for high-demand healthcare opportunities with competitive career trajectories.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Regis University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner addresses critical mental health service gaps through a comprehensive online program. Spanning 26-36 credit hours, the curriculum equips advanced practice nurses with essential skills in psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy, and pharmacological management. Students gain expertise in evidence-based practice, professional integration, and leadership development. The program prepares graduates for national certification and prescriptive authority, offering flexible scheduling and positioning practitioners to make significant contributions in addressing mental health challenges.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Post-BSN to DNP program with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative educational journey for ambitious nurses. This innovative dual-degree pathway enables students to simultaneously earn a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice over four to five years. Combining 74-79 credit hours of intensive study with 1000 clinical hours, the hybrid format supports working professionals' academic advancement. Graduates emerge as healthcare leaders prepared to drive patient care innovation, improve population health outcomes, and pursue advanced clinical and research opportunities.
Concentration: Rural and Underserved Communities (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Post-BSN to DNP program featuring a unique Rural and Underserved Communities concentration provides nurses a specialized pathway to advanced practice. This comprehensive dual-degree program combines Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, focusing on addressing healthcare disparities in remote and resource-limited settings. The flexible hybrid format accommodates working professionals, with part-time study options spanning 4-5 years. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of community-focused healthcare delivery.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's on-campus Post-BSN to DNP program with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a comprehensive advanced nursing education. Integrating master's and doctoral studies, the program prepares nurses for primary care roles across patient lifespans. Students complete 74-79 credit hours and 1000 clinical hours, gaining advanced practice skills through classroom instruction and web-based learning. With competitive tuition and high national certification pass rates, graduates are equipped to provide sophisticated patient care, pursue leadership roles, and obtain prescriptive authority.
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration, focusing on preparing nurses for acute care settings with complex adult and geriatric patients. This program features a flexible hybrid format, competitive tuition of $734 per credit hour, and emphasizes advanced clinical skills, scholarly research, and leadership. It is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for working professionals seeking specialization in acute care nursing.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado provides a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, designed as a part-time, five-year hybrid program. It requires 84 credit hours and 1,125 clinical hours, preparing graduates for primary care roles across diverse populations with a focus on leadership and advocacy. Tuition is $734 per credit hour, and no GRE is required for admission, which also mandates a 3.0 GPA, one year of clinical experience, and a Colorado RN license.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Northern Colorado, the hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is tailored for BSN-prepared nurses, offering a part-time, five-year pathway. It includes 84 credit hours, clinical simulations, and a focus on underserved populations, with tuition at $734 per credit hour. Admission does not require the GRE but needs a BSN, 3.0 GPA, one year of clinical experience, and an RN license, preparing graduates for FNP certification and advanced practice roles.
Grand Junction, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomesa.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado Mesa University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 49-credit hybrid offering designed for RNs seeking to advance into primary care roles across all life stages. It requires a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and includes clinical practicums, with no entrance exam specified. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and offers a pathway to DNP studies, ideal for working professionals aiming for expanded healthcare responsibilities.
Concentration: Primary Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN at Colorado Mesa University focuses on primary care for adult and older adult populations. This 46-credit online program requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and RN licensure, with no entrance exam mentioned. It includes 750 clinical hours, preparing graduates for advanced practice in rural and underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive patient care and potential doctoral pathways.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado Mesa University's DNP-FNP program is a hybrid offering requiring 74 semester hours and 1000 clinical practice hours. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with a 3.0 GPA, it focuses on primary care, leadership, and evidence-based practice, with no entrance exam specified. The program prepares graduates for high-quality clinical expertise and roles in diverse healthcare settings, including rural health experiences.
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty track, ranked among the top 10 graduate nursing programs nationally. This rigorous program includes 630 clinical hours and 42 didactic credits, focusing on holistic, patient-centered primary care across the lifespan. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepares students for national certification. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the campus-based MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner trains nurses to provide comprehensive primary care from adolescence through end-of-life. The program focuses on diagnosing and managing health issues, promoting wellness, and includes clinical experience in diverse settings. It is ranked top 10 and prepares graduates for national certification and state licensure. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a campus-based MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, featuring 49 credit hours and 630 clinical hours. It specializes in training for critical care, emergency departments, and managing acute and chronic illnesses in adult and elderly patients. The program includes extensive clinical practicum and prepares students for national certification. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus provides a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, ranked #33 nationally. This program includes 1,170 clinical hours and focuses on advanced clinical assessment, leadership, and evidence-based practice for complex adult and geriatric patients in acute care settings. It prepares graduates for national certification and interprofessional healthcare leadership. No entrance exam is required for this doctoral level program.
Colorado NP programs often use a hybrid format, delivering lectures and discussions online through asynchronous modules and live webinars. On‑campus intensives provide hands‑on simulation labs and health assessment workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students statewide to meet practicum requirements without relocating to campus.
School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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Regis University
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University of Northern Colorado |
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University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
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Certifying Board | Colorado State Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
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Certification | National NP credential (AANP or ANCC) plus graduation from a Board-approved NP program |
License Renewal Period | Expires September 30 of odd or even years (depending on issue), with a 60-day grace period |
Continuing Education | Maintain whatever CE your national certifier requires, no extra state mandate |
License Application Fee | $132 for APRN registry, plus $264 for prescriptive authority if desired |
Clinical Hours | Submit official graduate transcripts verifying required practicum hours |
Processing Time | Allow about two to four weeks once your complete application is received |
Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold a Colorado RN license (via compact or endorsement) and provide national certification verification |
Nurse practitioners in Colorado earn a mean annual salary of about $116,440, slightly below the national average. Urban centers like Denver see NP wages near $118,700, while areas such as Colorado Springs average around $114,200. Employers often enhance compensation with sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and benefits packages that include health insurance and retirement plans. Advanced certifications and leadership positions can further elevate earning potential.
Salary & Career Outlook | Colorado | USA |
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Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $119,170 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $58.00 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$133,372 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $119,170 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$104,477 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~910 | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Indeed.com
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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University of Northern Colorado |
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Regis University
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University of Colorado Colorado Springs |
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Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership or faculty roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs allow practitioners to add specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or academia may enroll in PhD programs, while others move into administrative, informatics, or policy‑making roles within healthcare organizations.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Colorado
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Rural and Underserved Communities (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website