2026 Colorado Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

# 2026 Colorado Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

**Author:** NP Degrees Editorial Team
**Published:** May 26, 2026
**Updated:** May 27, 2026

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Colorado offers a strong mix of NP education pathways through public universities, private institutions, and academic medical centers, with options available at the MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate levels. Programs across the state vary by specialization, online flexibility, clinical placement structure, and leadership focus, so this guide can help prospective students compare Colorado NP options more effectively and identify pathways that align with their career goals, geographic preferences, and scheduling needs. 
  
 ## **Featured NP Programs in Colorado**  
  
 Colorado’s NP education landscape includes a mix of public universities, private institutions, and health sciences campuses offering MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificate, and leadership-focused pathways. The featured programs below highlight some of the more visible and established NP options in the state, but they represent only part of Colorado’s broader market. Comparing these schools can help students better understand differences in specialization availability, hybrid and online delivery models, clinical training expectations, and long-term academic flexibility before exploring the more comprehensive directory in the next section. 
  
 **University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus** 
Nursing School [College of Nursing] (https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/) 
Selected Programs BS-DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery; MS – Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology NP, PMHNP, Midwifery, Women’s Health NP; Post-Graduate NP Certificates
Program Format The College of Nursing offers master’s, BS-to-DNP, doctoral and post-graduate certificate pathways across multiple advanced practice nursing specialties. Programs combine simulation-based training, classroom instruction and clinical experiences through healthcare partnerships.
NP Specializations Advanced practice specialty options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Primary Care Pediatric NP, Acute Care Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP and Nurse-Midwifery.
Clinical and Simulation Training Students train in more than 20,000 square feet of simulation space, described as the largest simulation environment in the Rocky Mountain region. Clinical placements are completed through affiliated hospitals and healthcare systems.
Rankings and Outcomes The college reports top 7% national rankings for its BS, MS and DNP programs according to U.S. News & World Report, along with a 96.02% NCLEX pass rate for bachelor’s students.
Educational Focus Programs emphasize hands-on clinical preparation, evidence-based practice, leadership development, interdisciplinary collaboration and healthcare innovation across diverse patient populations and care settings.
Student Support Environment The College of Nursing highlights supportive faculty mentorship, inclusive learning environments and individualized student support designed to help learners succeed academically and professionally.
Overview The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral nursing pathways across a broad range of nurse practitioner and advanced practice specialties. Students can pursue MSN, BS-to-DNP and post-graduate certificate options in family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, women’s health and nurse-midwifery practice areas. Programs emphasize simulation-based education, clinical immersion, leadership development and evidence-based healthcare delivery supported by extensive healthcare partnerships and advanced training facilities.
About the School The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public academic health sciences campus located in Aurora, Colorado. The College of Nursing has educated nurses for more than 125 years and is known for advanced simulation training, interdisciplinary healthcare education and strong clinical partnerships throughout the Rocky Mountain region. 
  
 **Regis University** 
Nursing School [Loretto Heights School of Nursing] (https://www.regis.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/rueckert-hartman/nursing/) 
Selected Programs MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Leadership in Health Care Systems; DNP; Post-BSN to DNP; Post-Graduate Certificates – Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Format The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN is offered in both campus-based and remote synchronous formats. The DNP program is delivered 100% online with two-year and three-year completion options available.
NP and Advanced Practice Options Graduate nursing specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways, along with post-graduate certificate options in these specialties.
Clinical Learning and Capstone Experience The FNP program includes 630 clinical hours across pediatric, adult, women’s and family care settings. DNP students complete capstone projects, often within their current workplace, focusing on vulnerable, underserved and diverse populations.
Educational Focus Programs emphasize leadership, health policy, epidemiology, collaborative care models, evidence-based practice and service to vulnerable and underserved communities through a Jesuit educational framework.
Accreditation and Recognition Regis University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Loretto Heights School of Nursing highlights national and regional recognition for nursing education quality and online graduate nursing programs.
Overview Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing offers graduate, doctoral and post-graduate nursing pathways focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership and service-oriented healthcare education. Students can pursue nurse practitioner specialties in family, neonatal and psychiatric mental health nursing through online, hybrid and campus-based formats. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership development, clinical immersion and healthcare advocacy rooted in Jesuit values and service to diverse populations.
About the School Regis University is a private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado. The Loretto Heights School of Nursing has educated nursing professionals since 1948 and is known for values-centered nursing education, community service and preparation of nurses for leadership and advanced practice roles. 
  
 **University of Northern Colorado** 
Nursing School [Nursing Department] (https://www.unco.edu/nhs/nursing/) 
Selected Programs DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Bachelor’s), Post-Master’s DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate, Emergency Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate, Nursing Education PhD
Program Format The post-bachelor’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is offered in a hybrid format combining online and in-person activities. The post-master’s DNP concentration is delivered fully online and part-time.
NP and Graduate Specializations UNC offers Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner graduate certificates, along with DNP pathways for post-bachelor’s and post-master’s nurses and a PhD in Nursing Education.
Clinical and Experiential Learning Students complete hands-on clinical experiences and simulation-based training through state-of-the-art simulation centers and partner healthcare facilities across Colorado. The FNP pathway prepares students for primary care practice across the lifespan and emphasizes service to underserved populations.
Tuition and Admission Information The DNP tuition rate is listed at $771 per credit for the 2025-26 academic year. Applicants to the post-bachelor’s FNP concentration must hold a BSN from an accredited institution, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and hold or be eligible for Colorado RN licensure.
Accreditation The BSN, MSN, DNP and post-graduate APRN programs at UNC are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Programs are also approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Overview The University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral nursing pathways designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership and education roles. Programs include hybrid and online DNP options, Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificates and a Nursing Education PhD. Students benefit from simulation-based learning, regional clinical partnerships and faculty with clinical expertise, while coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership and care for diverse populations.
About the School The University of Northern Colorado is a public university located in Greeley, Colorado. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and focuses on student-centered nursing education, clinical preparation and community impact through healthcare partnerships across the region. 
  
 **University of Colorado - Colorado Springs** 
Nursing School [Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences] (https://johnsonbethel.uccs.edu/) 
Selected Programs MSN – Nurse Practitioner; RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner; Post-BSN to DNP; Post-Master’s DNP; Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Program Format The Department of Nursing offers online options for several graduate nursing programs, including RN to BSN and graduate degree pathways.
NP and Advanced Practice Pathways Graduate nursing education includes MSN Nurse Practitioner preparation, RN to MSN pathways for ADN-prepared nurses, post-master’s NP certificate programs and both post-BSN and post-master’s DNP options.
Educational Focus Programs emphasize advanced nursing practice, leadership preparation, evidence-based care and specialty-focused nurse practitioner education using advanced learning methods and state-of-the-art technology.
Rural Health Opportunities The Rural Health Workforce Initiative provides scholarship opportunities for RN to BSN and graduate nursing students who commit to practicing in rural and frontier Colorado communities after graduation.
Certification and Continuing Education Additional nursing-related certificate programs include healthcare administration, RN refresher training and Spanish-English medical interpreter preparation.
Overview The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Nursing offers graduate, doctoral and certificate pathways designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. Students can pursue nurse practitioner education through MSN, RN to MSN, post-master’s certificate and DNP pathways that integrate technology-enhanced learning and clinical preparation. Programs also emphasize workforce development and rural healthcare access through scholarship-supported initiatives and flexible graduate study options.
About the School The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for healthcare-focused education, technology-enhanced instruction and community-centered nursing preparation across undergraduate and graduate levels. 
  
 ## **Colorado NP Program Directory**  
  
 **Institution** **Pathway Options** **Selected Specializations** **NP Certificates** 
**Colorado Christian University** 
Lakewood, CO Master’s, Master’s to DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner 
**Colorado Mesa University** 
Grand Junction, CO Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP Adult-Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner 
**Colorado State University-Pueblo** 
Pueblo, CO RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Y
**Colorado Technical University** 
Colorado Springs, CO Master’s, Master’s to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Y
**Regis University** 
Denver, CO RN to Master’s, Master’s, Master’s to DNP Family Nurse PractitionerNeonatal Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 
**University of Colorado-Anschutz** 
Aurora, CO Master’s, Master’s to DNP Acute Care Pediatric Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerNurse-MidwiferyPrimary Care Pediatric Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerWomen’s Health Nurse Practitioner Y
**University of Colorado-Colorado Springs** 
Colorado Springs, CO Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP Adult-Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Y
**University of Northern Colorado** 
Greeley, CO Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Y 
  
 ## **How to Choose an NP Program in Colorado**  
  
 Colorado offers a strong mix of NP pathways across public universities, private institutions, and academic health systems. As you compare programs, focus on specialization availability, delivery format, clinical placement support, and how each school’s structure aligns with your long-term professional goals. 
  
 ### **Match your specialization to your goals**  
  
 Colorado schools offer a broad range of NP specialties, but the available pathways vary by institution. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has one of the most extensive selections in the state, with Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP, and Nurse-Midwifery pathways available across MSN, BS-to-DNP, and certificate formats. Regis University offers Family NP, Neonatal NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP options, while the University of Northern Colorado focuses more heavily on Family Nurse Practitioner preparation and Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate pathways. Students comparing Colorado schools with other[ best NP programs online] (https://npdegrees.org/degrees/best-online-np-programs/)  should think carefully about the patient populations and care settings they ultimately want to serve. 
  
 ### **Consider how the program is delivered**  
  
 Program delivery models differ substantially across Colorado universities. Regis University offers its Family Nurse Practitioner MSN in both campus-based and remote synchronous formats, while its DNP pathway is fully online with two- and three-year completion options. The University of Northern Colorado uses a hybrid format for its post-bachelor’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, combining online coursework with in-person learning activities. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs also offers online graduate nursing pathways, including RN-to-MSN and DNP options. Students still exploring the process of[ becoming a nurse practitioner] (https://npdegrees.org/careers/how-to-become-a-np/)  should compare scheduling flexibility, campus visit expectations, and clinical requirements before selecting a program format. 
  
 ### **Think about your geographic context**  
  
 Location can significantly affect clinical opportunities and travel expectations in Colorado. Students in the Denver-Aurora region may have greater access to large hospital systems, specialty care environments, and academic medical centers connected to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Students in smaller or rural communities may encounter fewer specialty preceptors nearby but stronger access to community-based primary care settings. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs specifically highlights rural workforce initiatives tied to healthcare access in frontier and underserved Colorado communities, while UNC emphasizes service to underserved populations throughout its FNP training model. 
  
 ### **Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility**  
  
 Colorado universities offer several graduate entry and advancement pathways, including MSN, BSN-to-DNP, post-master’s DNP, graduate certificates, and leadership-focused doctoral options. Regis University offers post-graduate NP certificates alongside MSN and DNP pathways, while UNC includes post-master’s DNP and Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate options. UCCS also offers RN-to-MSN pathways for ADN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice education. Before selecting a pathway, students should review the[ nurse practitioner accreditation guide] (https://npdegrees.org/accreditation/nurse-practitioner-guide/)  and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Colorado[ NP license requirements] (https://npdegrees.org/licensure/nurse-practitioner/)  and national certification standards. 
  
 ### **Evaluate clinical placement support**  
  
 Clinical training structures vary across Colorado NP programs. The University of Colorado Anschutz emphasizes simulation-based education and clinical experiences completed through affiliated hospitals and healthcare systems, including more than 20,000 square feet of simulation space. Regis University’s Family NP program includes 630 clinical hours across pediatric, adult, women’s, and family care settings, while UNC highlights simulation-based learning and partner healthcare facilities throughout Colorado. Before enrolling, students should ask whether placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel is required for specialty rotations, and how preceptor shortages are handled in competitive clinical markets. 
  
 ## **Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Colorado**  
  
 Colorado NP students may complete clinical rotations through academic medical centers, regional hospital systems, community clinics, rural health organizations, and specialty practices throughout the state. Clinical experiences can vary significantly depending on specialty track, geographic location, and program structure. 
  
 ### **Major Clinical Training Environments**  
  
 Several Colorado universities emphasize simulation training and partnerships with healthcare systems across the region. 
    
- **University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus**  highlights clinical placements through affiliated hospitals and healthcare systems alongside more than 20,000 square feet of simulation training space.    
- **Regis University**  includes 630 clinical hours in its Family Nurse Practitioner program across pediatric, adult, women’s, and family care settings.    
- **University of Northern Colorado**  emphasizes simulation-based learning and hands-on clinical experiences through partner healthcare facilities across Colorado.    
 ### **How Geography Can Affect Placements**  
  
 Location can shape both access to preceptors and travel expectations. 
  
 Students in the Denver-Aurora and Colorado Springs regions may have greater access to: 
    
- large healthcare systems    
- specialty hospitals    
- academic medical centers    
- subspecialty clinical rotations    
 Students in smaller or rural communities may find: 
    
- stronger access to primary care and community health settings    
- fewer specialty preceptors nearby    
- additional travel requirements for some clinical rotations    
 Some programs also emphasize care for underserved or frontier populations as part of their training models. 
  
 ### **Rural and Community Health Opportunities**  
  
 Colorado programs may include additional opportunities tied to rural healthcare access and workforce development. 
    
- The University of Colorado Colorado Springs highlights its Rural Health Workforce Initiative, which provides scholarship opportunities for students who commit to practicing in rural and frontier Colorado communities after graduation.    
- UNC’s Family Nurse Practitioner pathway also emphasizes service to underserved populations throughout Colorado.    
 ### **Questions to Ask About Placement Support**  
  
 Before enrolling, students should ask: 
    
- whether the school coordinates placements    
- if students are expected to identify preceptors independently    
- whether travel is required for specialty rotations    
- how competitive placement shortages are handled    
- whether clinical hours can be completed near a student’s home community    
 These questions can be especially important for hybrid and online NP pathways. 
  
 ### **Professional Networking Resources**  
  
 Professional organizations can help students build relationships with potential preceptors, healthcare systems, and future employers. Relevant Colorado groups include: 
    
- [Colorado Nurses Association] (https://coloradonurses.org/)     
- [Colorado Rural Health Center] (https://coruralhealth.org/)     
 ## **NP Programs in Colorado FAQ**  
  
 ### **Do NP programs in Colorado require the GRE?**  
  
 GRE requirements vary by school and pathway. Many Colorado NP programs have reduced or eliminated GRE requirements for graduate nursing applicants, but students should always confirm current admissions policies directly with each university. 
  
 ### **Can I complete an NP program online in Colorado?**  
  
 Yes. Colorado includes several online and hybrid NP pathways. Regis University offers a fully online DNP program, while schools like UNC and UCCS combine online coursework with in-person or hybrid learning components. Programs may still require campus intensives, simulation sessions, or clinical travel depending on the specialty. 
  
 ### **How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Colorado?**  
  
 Preceptor availability can vary by specialty and geographic region. Students in larger metro areas may have more access to hospital systems and specialty care environments, while rural students may need to travel for certain rotations. Some Colorado programs provide clinical placement support or maintain healthcare partnerships, while others expect students to participate more actively in identifying preceptors. 
  
 ### **Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Colorado?**  
  
 Colorado allows nurse practitioners to practice independently after meeting state transition-to-practice requirements. NPs must complete additional supervised prescribing experience before obtaining full prescriptive authority under Colorado law. AANP categorizes Colorado as a [full practice environment] (https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment) . Students should review current Colorado regulatory requirements and licensing standards before entering practice.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Nursing School	[College of Nursing] (https://nursing.cuanschutz.edu/)
Selected Programs	BS-DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery; MS – Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology NP, PMHNP, Midwifery, Women’s Health NP; Post-Graduate NP Certificates
Program Format	The College of Nursing offers master’s, BS-to-DNP, doctoral and post-graduate certificate pathways across multiple advanced practice nursing specialties. Programs combine simulation-based training, classroom instruction and clinical experiences through healthcare partnerships.
NP Specializations	Advanced practice specialty options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Primary Care Pediatric NP, Acute Care Pediatric NP, Women’s Health NP and Nurse-Midwifery.
Clinical and Simulation Training	Students train in more than 20,000 square feet of simulation space, described as the largest simulation environment in the Rocky Mountain region. Clinical placements are completed through affiliated hospitals and healthcare systems.
Rankings and Outcomes	The college reports top 7% national rankings for its BS, MS and DNP programs according to U.S. News & World Report, along with a 96.02% NCLEX pass rate for bachelor’s students.
Educational Focus	Programs emphasize hands-on clinical preparation, evidence-based practice, leadership development, interdisciplinary collaboration and healthcare innovation across diverse patient populations and care settings.
Student Support Environment	The College of Nursing highlights supportive faculty mentorship, inclusive learning environments and individualized student support designed to help learners succeed academically and professionally.
Overview	The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral nursing pathways across a broad range of nurse practitioner and advanced practice specialties. Students can pursue MSN, BS-to-DNP and post-graduate certificate options in family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, women’s health and nurse-midwifery practice areas. Programs emphasize simulation-based education, clinical immersion, leadership development and evidence-based healthcare delivery supported by extensive healthcare partnerships and advanced training facilities.
About the School	The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public academic health sciences campus located in Aurora, Colorado. The College of Nursing has educated nurses for more than 125 years and is known for advanced simulation training, interdisciplinary healthcare education and strong clinical partnerships throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Regis University
Nursing School	[Loretto Heights School of Nursing] (https://www.regis.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/rueckert-hartman/nursing/)
Selected Programs	MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Leadership in Health Care Systems; DNP; Post-BSN to DNP; Post-Graduate Certificates – Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Format	The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN is offered in both campus-based and remote synchronous formats. The DNP program is delivered 100% online with two-year and three-year completion options available.
NP and Advanced Practice Options	Graduate nursing specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways, along with post-graduate certificate options in these specialties.
Clinical Learning and Capstone Experience	The FNP program includes 630 clinical hours across pediatric, adult, women’s and family care settings. DNP students complete capstone projects, often within their current workplace, focusing on vulnerable, underserved and diverse populations.
Educational Focus	Programs emphasize leadership, health policy, epidemiology, collaborative care models, evidence-based practice and service to vulnerable and underserved communities through a Jesuit educational framework.
Accreditation and Recognition	Regis University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Loretto Heights School of Nursing highlights national and regional recognition for nursing education quality and online graduate nursing programs.
Overview	Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing offers graduate, doctoral and post-graduate nursing pathways focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership and service-oriented healthcare education. Students can pursue nurse practitioner specialties in family, neonatal and psychiatric mental health nursing through online, hybrid and campus-based formats. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership development, clinical immersion and healthcare advocacy rooted in Jesuit values and service to diverse populations.
About the School	Regis University is a private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado. The Loretto Heights School of Nursing has educated nursing professionals since 1948 and is known for values-centered nursing education, community service and preparation of nurses for leadership and advanced practice roles.

University of Northern Colorado
Nursing School	[Nursing Department] (https://www.unco.edu/nhs/nursing/)
Selected Programs	DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Bachelor’s), Post-Master’s DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate, Emergency Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate, Nursing Education PhD
Program Format	The post-bachelor’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is offered in a hybrid format combining online and in-person activities. The post-master’s DNP concentration is delivered fully online and part-time.
NP and Graduate Specializations	UNC offers Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner graduate certificates, along with DNP pathways for post-bachelor’s and post-master’s nurses and a PhD in Nursing Education.
Clinical and Experiential Learning	Students complete hands-on clinical experiences and simulation-based training through state-of-the-art simulation centers and partner healthcare facilities across Colorado. The FNP pathway prepares students for primary care practice across the lifespan and emphasizes service to underserved populations.
Tuition and Admission Information	The DNP tuition rate is listed at $771 per credit for the 2025-26 academic year. Applicants to the post-bachelor’s FNP concentration must hold a BSN from an accredited institution, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and hold or be eligible for Colorado RN licensure.
Accreditation	The BSN, MSN, DNP and post-graduate APRN programs at UNC are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Programs are also approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Overview	The University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral nursing pathways designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership and education roles. Programs include hybrid and online DNP options, Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificates and a Nursing Education PhD. Students benefit from simulation-based learning, regional clinical partnerships and faculty with clinical expertise, while coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership and care for diverse populations.
About the School	The University of Northern Colorado is a public university located in Greeley, Colorado. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and focuses on student-centered nursing education, clinical preparation and community impact through healthcare partnerships across the region.

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Nursing School	[Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences] (https://johnsonbethel.uccs.edu/)
Selected Programs	MSN – Nurse Practitioner; RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner; Post-BSN to DNP; Post-Master’s DNP; Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Program Format	The Department of Nursing offers online options for several graduate nursing programs, including RN to BSN and graduate degree pathways.
NP and Advanced Practice Pathways	Graduate nursing education includes MSN Nurse Practitioner preparation, RN to MSN pathways for ADN-prepared nurses, post-master’s NP certificate programs and both post-BSN and post-master’s DNP options.
Educational Focus	Programs emphasize advanced nursing practice, leadership preparation, evidence-based care and specialty-focused nurse practitioner education using advanced learning methods and state-of-the-art technology.
Rural Health Opportunities	The Rural Health Workforce Initiative provides scholarship opportunities for RN to BSN and graduate nursing students who commit to practicing in rural and frontier Colorado communities after graduation.
Certification and Continuing Education	Additional nursing-related certificate programs include healthcare administration, RN refresher training and Spanish-English medical interpreter preparation.
Overview	The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Nursing offers graduate, doctoral and certificate pathways designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. Students can pursue nurse practitioner education through MSN, RN to MSN, post-master’s certificate and DNP pathways that integrate technology-enhanced learning and clinical preparation. Programs also emphasize workforce development and rural healthcare access through scholarship-supported initiatives and flexible graduate study options.
About the School	The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for healthcare-focused education, technology-enhanced instruction and community-centered nursing preparation across undergraduate and graduate levels.

Institution	Pathway Options	Selected Specializations	NP Certificates
Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO	Master’s, Master’s to DNP	Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO	Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP	Adult-Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner
Colorado State University-Pueblo Pueblo, CO	RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP	Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner	Y
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO	Master’s, Master’s to DNP	Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)	Y
Regis University Denver, CO	RN to Master’s, Master’s, Master’s to DNP	Family Nurse PractitionerNeonatal Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Colorado-Anschutz Aurora, CO	Master’s, Master’s to DNP	Acute Care Pediatric Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerNurse-MidwiferyPrimary Care Pediatric Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerWomen’s Health Nurse Practitioner	Y
University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO	Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP	Adult-Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner	Y
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO	Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP	Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)	Y