6 Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Colorado | 2024

Whether you're a practicing nurse seeking to advance your career or generally curious about the role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), you've come to the right place. Discover the best NP programs in Colorado as we explore their nuances, costs, salary expectations, and more.

What Is an NP Program?

An NP Program in Colorado is a graduate-level educational track tailored for registered nurses aiming to progress to the role of nurse practitioners. These programs delve into advanced clinical practices and theoretical knowledge, preparing nurses to provide a broader and more specialized range of healthcare services.

NP Specializations

There are many NP specializations available in Colorado, with some of the most common being:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Provides comprehensive care from pediatrics to geriatrics, focusing on disease prevention and chronic condition management in various healthcare settings.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Specializes in mental health care, offering services like therapy and medication management in psychiatric settings.
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Focuses on adult and elderly care, addressing both acute and chronic illnesses in diverse healthcare environments.
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Delivers specialized care in women's health, covering gynecological and reproductive health in various clinical settings.

Other specializations include areas like oncology, neonatal, emergency, and acute care.

NP Coursework

The coursework in Colorado's NP programs includes a wide array of subjects, integrating advanced nursing theory, research methodologies, and specialized clinical practice areas. While the specific courses may vary based on the chosen program and specialty, typical coursework includes:

• Advanced Techniques in Health Assessment
• Principles of Advanced Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology at an Advanced Level
• Primary Care Best Practices
• Healthcare Policy and Ethical Issues
• Clinical Decision-Making Strategies
• Specialized courses tailored to specific focus areas such as Family Practice, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology, etc.

NP Clinical Training

Clinical training is a key component of NP programs in Colorado, offering practical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The specifics of this training can differ based on the chosen program and specialty, but generally, it includes:

• A required number of clinical hours, typically around 630 hours, varying with the program's focus.
• Clinical rotations across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
• Supervised clinical practice under the mentorship of experienced nurse practitioners and physicians.
• Specialized training in areas like acute care, primary care, pediatrics, or gerontology, depending on the program's specialization.

Best NP Programs in Colorado - Online & Campus

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Regis University

Regis University in Denver, Colorado, stands as a beacon of excellence for those pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner. At the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, students are drawn to a suite of Nurse Practitioner programs recognized for their robust clinical focus and comprehensive curriculum. Emphasizing Jesuit values, the programs foster not only clinical expertise but also a commitment to social justice and compassionate care. With state-of-the-art simulation labs and dedicated faculty who bring real-world experiences into the classroom, Regis University creates an immersive learning environment. The university's scenic Denver location, coupled with its strong community connections, offers a vibrant backdrop for students seeking a transformative education that prepares them for leadership in diverse healthcare settings.

RU's NP Program Details

• Concentrations: 
  • Family NP
  • Family NP for Rural and Underserved Communities; 48 credit hours 
  • Neonatal NP 
  • Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Duration: Approximately 2 years, with slight variation dependent on specialty.  
• Credit Hours: 44-48 NP concentration dependent
• Clinical Hours: 630-680 
• Cost: $965 per credit hour 
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. Colorado State University-Pueblo 

At Colorado State University-Pueblo, the Master of Science with a Major in Nursing program is crafted to merge the pillars of advanced nursing practice: evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and modern technology. Designed to enhance patient care, the program hones in on the power of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals.

CSU's NP Program Details

• Concentrations: 
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP; 52 credit hours & 585 clinical hours
  • AGAC/Family NP; 73 credit hours & 1,170 clinical hours
  • Psychiatric Mental Health NP; 55 credit hours & 585 clinical hours
• Format: Hybrid 
• Duration: Seven semesters or approximately 2 years and 4 months of full-time studies.
• Cost: $562 per credit hour (CO residents) or $915 per credit hour (non-residents)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in direct and indirect care. Graduates are equipped to make clinical, administrative, or policy decisions to promote health in diverse settings, including wellness and acute or chronic illness situations. The program offers pathways such as MS - FNP, BS-DNP, and post-graduate certificate options for all NP concentrations, providing a foundation for future leaders in nursing. Graduates of the APRN track are eligible for national certification by examination, a requirement for licensure in states like Colorado. This program ensures that CU graduates are ready to formulate clinical, administrative, or policy decisions to promote health in various healthcare settings.

UC's NP Program Details

• Concentrations: 
  • AG-ACNP, AG-PCNP 
  • FNP 
  • AC/PC PNP 
  • PMHNP
  • WHNP 
• Format: Hybrid 
• Cost: $562 per credit hour (CO residents) or $915 per credit hour (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction

Colorado Mesa University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, located in Grand Junction, CO, is designed to advance nurses into specialized roles through two key tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). This program prepares nurses with a bachelor's degree to make impactful clinical, administrative, or policy decisions promoting health across diverse settings and patient populations.

The FNP track focuses on primary care for patients of all ages, particularly those in rural and vulnerable communities, while the AGNP track is tailored for those specializing in adult and older adult care. Both pathways emphasize advanced nursing knowledge and include significant clinical hours, with 700 for FNP and 600 for AGNP students. The program primarily delivers coursework online, allowing nurses to balance their studies with work and life commitments. Intensive sessions provide occasional in-person interactions. Graduates emerge fully prepared for advanced practice roles, ready to provide expert care and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field.

MSN-prepared nurses have the option to enter the MS-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program pathway. 

CMU's NP Program Details

• Concentrations: 
  • AGNP
  • FNP 
• Format: Hybrid 
• Cost: $10,148 per year (CO residents) or $19,596 per year (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of Northern Colorado - Greely

The MSN FNP or BSN-DNP/FNP program at the University of Northern Colorado, located in Greeley, Colorado, is tailored for nurses holding a bachelor's degree. This clinical doctorate program integrates a robust curriculum to prepare graduates for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role and positions them as leaders in clinical research. The program's overarching goal is to empower graduates to influence health outcomes, not only for individual patients and families but also on a broader global scale.

With a special focus on underserved and rural populations, the program nurtures advocates for reform in primary healthcare. The curriculum is comprehensive, encompassing leadership, business, finance, policy, informatics, and clinical expertise crucial for a family provider. Additionally, students undertake a clinical research project aimed at enhancing patient care and implementing evidence-based practices in real-world settings. This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact in healthcare, particularly in areas where access to quality care is limited.

UNC's FNP Program Details

• Format: Hybrid 
• Credit Hours: 58 (MSN); 102 (DNP) 
• Cost: $10,148 per year (CO residents) or $19,596 per year (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE

For master's prepared nurses, the university offers graduate certificates in the Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner concentrations.

6. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers an enriching Master of Science in Nursing Practice (MSN) program, specifically tailored for baccalaureate-prepared nurses aiming to excel in primary or behavioral healthcare settings. The online program enriches nurses' skills and knowledge with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, ethical decision-making, and culturally attuned care. It's comprehensive curriculum spans specialty courses, research, healthcare policy, nursing theory, and advanced clinical problem-solving, all engineered to foster critical thinking.

With a rolling admission cycle, UCCS ensures a flexible and timely application process for prospective students looking to commence their studies in Spring, Summer, or Fall. The MSN program at UCCS stands out for its commitment to developing proficient nurses equipped with the competencies required for contemporary healthcare challenges, thereby paving the way for professional advancement and leadership opportunities.

UNC's NP Program Details

• Concentrations:
  • PC AGNP
  • PC FNP
  • PMHNP
• Format: Online
• Credit Hours: 47-48
• Cost: $846 per credit hour 
• Accreditation: CCNE

NP Prerequisites & Requirements in Colorado

In Colorado, like in many other states, individuals interested in enrolling in NP programs must meet certain prerequisites and requirements.

NP Prerequisites in Colorado

The prerequisites for NP programs in Colorado typically include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Most NP programs require applicants to have completed a BSN from an accredited nursing program.
• Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Applicants must hold a current and unrestricted RN license in the state of Colorado.
• Clinical Experience: A specified amount of clinical experience as a registered nurse is often required. This can vary by program but usually involves one to two years of full-time nursing experience.
• Academic Performance: A minimum GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, in undergraduate coursework is usually required.
• Prerequisite Courses: Certain undergraduate courses may be required, such as anatomy, physiology, Microbiology, and statistics.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require letters of recommendation, often from academic and professional references.
• Personal Statement: A written statement of career goals and reasons for pursuing an NP degree is typically required.
• Resume or CV: A current resume or CV detailing educational and professional experiences is usually needed.

NP Requirements in Colorado

Once admitted into an NP Program in Colorado, students must fulfill the following requirements to graduate:

• Coursework: Completion of all required coursework, which typically includes advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and specialty-focused courses.
• Clinical Hours: Completion of a set number of supervised clinical hours in appropriate settings. This number can vary but is often around 500-700 hours.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: Some programs may require a capstone project or thesis demonstrating the application of learned skills and knowledge.
• Certification Exam: Upon completion of the program, graduates are usually required to pass a national certification exam in their specialty area to practice as an NP.
• State Licensure: Graduates must apply for and obtain NP licensure in Colorado, which may have additional state-specific requirements.

NP Program Costs in Colorado

Pursuing a Nurse Practitioner (NP) education entails a diverse array of expenses, reflecting the program's specialty, duration, and degree level. Critical cost elements consist of:

• Tuition Fees: This is the principal cost for NP programs and varies by institution type, residency status, and may be charged per credit or by term.
• Supplementary Fees: Students encounter additional charges for applications and use of university facilities, significantly impacting overall expenses.
• Study Materials: Notable costs arise from required textbooks and medical equipment such as stethoscopes and lab coats.
• Clinical Costs: Clinical rotations may necessitate travel, incurring further expenses.
• Certification and Licensing: Post-graduation, certification exams and licensure fees are essential expenditures.
• Living Costs: Full-time students must budget for significant living expenses, often without the ability to maintain full employment.

Financial Aid Overview

Available aid spans grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships specifically for NP students. To maximize potential funding, early application is critical. Scholarships and grants, which need not be repaid, are vital for reducing costs and require proactive application efforts. When considering loans, prioritize federal options for their typically more favorable conditions. Early financial planning and understanding of these elements empower NP students to manage their educational investment effectively.

NP Salary Expectations in Colorado

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median salary for an NP in Colorado is $116,440, which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $126,680.

The highest-paying states for NPs are:

• California: $158,130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

It's important to note that NP salary expectations can vary based on many factors including level of education (MSN vs DNP), years of experience, employer, and more. Prospective students need to consider the context when developing their expectations.

NP Salary by State

Compare several specializations by state with our comprehensive nursing salary guide.

Are NP Programs in Colorado Worth It?

Deciding whether an NP Program is worth it in Colorado requires considering various pros and cons.

Pros of NP Programs in Colorado

1. Growing Healthcare Demand: With a rising need for healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas, Colorado offers increasing opportunities for NPs, ensuring job security and availability.
2. Competitive Salary Prospects: NPs in Colorado often earn competitive salaries, which can be higher than the national average for nurse practitioners, making the financial investment in education more justifiable.
3. Full Practice Authority: Colorado is one of the states that grant full practice authority to NPs, allowing them to practice independently, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and autonomy in patient care.
4. Diverse Specializations: NP programs in Colorado offer a range of specializations, enabling nurses to pursue careers in fields that align with their interests, such as family health, psychiatry, or pediatrics.
5. Career Advancement: An NP degree can open doors to advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and opportunities in healthcare policy and education, offering a significant career growth trajectory.

Cons of NP Programs in Colorado

1. High Educational Costs: The cost of NP programs can be substantial, leading to financial considerations and potential student debt, which is a significant factor for many.
2. Intensive Time Commitment: Completing an NP Program requires a significant time investment, often several years, which can be challenging for those balancing work and personal responsibilities.
3. Competitive Admission: NP programs can be competitive, with stringent admission criteria, making it challenging for some applicants to secure a spot.
4. Increased Responsibility: NPs carry a higher level of responsibility, including diagnosing and treating patients, which can be stressful and demanding.
5. Continuing Education Requirements: Maintaining licensure as an NP in Colorado requires ongoing education and recertification, necessitating a commitment to continuous professional development.

Pursuing an NP Program in Colorado can be a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking to advance in the nursing field, especially considering the state's favorable practice environment and growing healthcare needs. However, it's important to carefully consider the financial and time investments, as well as the long-term career benefits and personal fulfillment that this path offers.

Colorado NP Scope of Practice

Colorado affords Nurse Practitioners (NPs) Full Practice status, enabling them to independently perform patient evaluations, diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage treatments, including the prescription of medications and controlled substances. This autonomy aligns with the recommendations of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

NP training in Colorado is designed to be comprehensive, equipping nurses to practice in any state, regardless of the scope of practice status. Education in a full-practice state like Colorado emphasizes the full range of an NP's competencies. Aspiring NPs must be mindful of the nuances in state-specific licensure laws. With eleven states enforcing restricted NP practice and fifteen with reduced practice, these regulations may necessitate some level of physician oversight.

NP students are tasked with confirming that their program aligns with the licensure needs of the state where they intend to practice, as well as any other states they may move to in the future. Resources such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provide insights into state regulations, while the respective state's board of nursing offers detailed state-specific requirements.

National NP Certification

NP certification transcends state lines, offering nationally recognized credentials across specialties. NPs are encouraged to pursue certification through boards such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Board (AANPCB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the National Certification Corporation (NCC), details of which are available on the AANP's website.

Importance of Attending an Accredited NP Program

Attending an accredited NP Program in Colorado is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality of Education: Accreditation ensures the program meets high educational standards, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum.
• Eligibility for Certification: Graduates from accredited programs are typically eligible to sit for national certification exams, which are required for practice as an NP.
• State Licensure: Most state nursing boards require completion of an accredited program for NP licensure.
• Career Opportunities: Employers often prefer or require candidates who have graduated from accredited programs, ensuring a higher standard of training.
• Further Education and Transferability: Credits from an accredited program are more likely to be recognized if you decide to pursue further education or transfer to another institution.

Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

NP Programs Near Me

Discover NP programs in a state near you:

• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I complete an NP Program in Colorado through online courses?

Many universities in Colorado offer online NP programs, providing flexibility for students who may be working or have other commitments. These programs typically include both online coursework and in-person clinical practicums.

Q: What is the role of informatics in NP graduate programs?

Informatics is increasingly integrated into NP graduate programs, focusing on how to use data and technology to improve patient care. It covers topics like electronic health records, data analysis, and telehealth, which are essential in modern healthcare.

Q: How many credit hours are typically required for NP programs in Colorado?

The number of credit hours required for NP programs in Colorado varies by specialization and degree level. Generally, master's level programs require around 40-70 credit hours, while Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs may require more.

Q: What is the importance of evidence-based practice in NP education?

Evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of NP education, emphasizing the use of current research and clinical expertise in making patient care decisions. It ensures that NPs provide the most effective and up-to-date treatments.

Q: Are there part-time NP programs available in Colorado, and do they include on-campus requirements?

Many institutions in Colorado offer part-time NP programs to accommodate students who need a more flexible schedule. While part-time programs take longer to complete, they often include on-campus components, especially for clinical competencies and practicums, alongside online coursework.