AGNP Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Want to be at the top of every Colorado healthcare employer's "Must Hire!" list? Enroll in one of the AGNP programs in Colorado! The Centennial State's senior citizen population is expanding rapidly, and acute care nurse practitioners have the training and skills to provide them with the highly specialized healthcare they need. The demand for adult gerontology nurse practitioners is rising so fast that in 10 years, it will be 56 percent higher than it is today. And Colorado's AGNPs are paid well, too, with salaries averaging $126,450 a year. The catalog below of the best AGNP programs in Colorado has all the info you need to get started.
FOLLOWING ARE THE AGNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online AGNP programs in Colorado.)
1. Colorado State University - Pueblo
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner
RN to MSN Program Details: Registered nurses with an associate degree can earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing and choose one of the AGNP specialties at Colorado State University. The program has two components: the RN-to-BSN and the BSN-to-MSN.
The RN to BSN component of the program takes one to two years to complete, based on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. In this part of the program, courses are offered in an online format. This unique program provides a pathway for registered nurses to obtain 33 credits through an articulation agreement and 57 credits from prerequisite and corequisite courses, and then complete 30 additional credit hours of nursing courses to earn the BSN.
After the BSN is conferred, you will continue with MSN coursework and complete the traditional MSN and specialty course curriculum. The post-BSN to MSN component of this program takes seven semesters to complete and requires 53 or 59 credits, based on which specialty you choose to pursue. The MSN portion of the RN-to-MSN program takes an additional seven months to complete.
RN to MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the RN-to-MSN program must submit an online application and copies of official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A current RN license in Colorado or a Compact State is required. Letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, and a professional resume or CV are also required.
MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a passion for providing adult and geriatric care? Have you considered taking your career to the next level by becoming an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner? If so, there are some excellent programs worth considering, like the MSN AGNP programs in Colorado at CSU. At Colorado State University, you can pursue the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practitioner pathway or the Dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care & Family Nurse Practitioner pathway.
The program admits students each year in the fall semester and takes seven semesters to complete. Online classes and campus-based intensives are complemented by in-person clinicals in a variety of settings.
The MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP pathway requires you to complete between 53 and 59 credits. Students in this pathway also complete a minimum of 900 clinical hours, including 780 AGACNP clinical hours and 120 lab hours. The Dual Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP/Family Nurse Practitioner pathway requires 74 to 80 credits. The dual degree program includes a minimum of 1,680 clinical hours. Clinical hours in this pathway include 780 FNP clinical hours, 780 AGACNP clinical hours, and additional lab hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students must apply to both CSU Pueblo and the School of Nursing. Candidates must have an active, unrestricted Colorado or Compact State RN license by the end of the first semester. You are required to provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and a Letter of Intent. Your Letter of Intent should include a brief professional history, your reason for pursuing an advanced nursing degree, and how you will manage work, home and study. Preference is given to applicants with one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Colorado State University also offers a BSN-to-DNP program with two AGNP pathway options. If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree who wants to earn a doctorate and specialize in adult and geriatric care, this could be the perfect program for you! The program admits students in the fall annually and takes four years to complete.
A hybrid learning format combines both online and in-class participation. The AGNP Acute Care DNP program is an 83-credit pathway. In this program, you will complete a total of 1,320 practicum hours. If you want to broaden your scope by earning dual certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Acute Care AGNP, the dual degree pathway is an excellent choice. The dual degree program requires the completion of 104 credits and 2,100 clinical hours. In this program, you will complete lab and DNP hours as well as FNP and AGACNP practicum hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in the BSN-to-DNP program must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university and have an unrestricted Colorado or Compact State RN license. Candidates are required to provide a copy of current immunizations, three letters of recommendation, a Letter of Intent, a curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. Your transcripts should demonstrate an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and show completion of an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants must show proof of having an active and unrestricted Colorado or Colorado Nursing Compact State RN license.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree, you can pursue a certification as an AGACNP or Dual AGACNP/FNP through the Post-Master’s Certificate program. New classes are admitted each fall. The time it takes to earn the certificate depends on the number of credits and clinical hours you need, as determined by the GAP analysis. Once accepted into this program, your previous nursing transcripts will be evaluated to determine an individual plan of study.
All students in the program must complete a minimum of 16 credit hours at CSU to be eligible to earn the Post-Master’s Certificate. Each PMC pathway requires a total of 585 clinical hours for each nurse practitioner emphasis.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree or higher and have an active, unencumbered RN license in Colorado or a Compact State. Candidates are required to provide a copy of their current CPR certification, current immunizations, and official college transcripts. Additionally, three letters of reference, a current CV, and a Letter of Intent must be provided. A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Preference is given to candidates with at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a student in the AGNP program at Colorado State University, you will learn from highly experienced, dedicated faculty and preceptors. Their years of clinical experience and firsthand knowledge of adult, gerontology, and family care allows them to bring valuable insight to the classroom and clinical settings.• Colorado State University graduates boast an outstanding first-time pass rate on national certification exams. As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to research student performance on these exams, as they are a good indicator of whether the program is high quality and able to prepare you for your chosen role.
• CSU was founded in 1933 and continues to carry on a long tradition of providing high-quality education, including offering some of the best AGNP programs in Colorado!
2. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Are you an RN planning on earning your master’s degree and specializing as an Adult Gerontology NP? The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers one of the best online AGNP programs in Colorado. The program is designed to help enhance the knowledge and skills you already have and prepare for advanced practice specializing in adult and geriatric care.
The MSN curriculum consists of MSN core courses and nurse practitioner specialization courses. You will complete 47 credits, taking classes such as Primary Care of Acute Care Conditions, Gender Health Primary Care, Primary Care of Geriatric Patients & Families, and Advanced Nursing Practice in Healthcare.
The program includes 495 precepted clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged collaboratively with program faculty and at completed in a variety of clinical settings.
MSN Admission Requirements: Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed each month. New cohorts are admitted to the program each fall, spring, and summer term. Admission to the MSN program at the University of Colorado requires a bachelor’s degree with an upper division in nursing major from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution and a current, unrestricted RN license in Colorado or an approved state listed on the program’s website.
Eligible applicants for this program must submit a curriculum vitae or resume and answers to essay questions, which are included in the application. Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended are required and must reflect a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the baccalaureate level.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a bachelor’s-prepared RN and wish to earn a clinical doctorate and specialize as an AGNP, the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Colorado is an excellent choice! The program will prepare you with the highest level of nursing knowledge and skills based on nursing science and evidence-based practices, preparing you to be a leader in nursing practice and patient care.
The BSN-to-DNP program offers a mixture of online classes and a few on-campus intensives combined with in-person clinical practicums and residencies. The curriculum requires you to complete a minimum of 70 credits. In this program, you will take classes including Population-Based Healthcare for Improving the Nation’s Health, Clinical Nursing Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice, and Primary Care of Adults & Families with Chronic Health Conditions. All students in the DNP program are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. This program includes direct patient contact hours and DNP Project hours, which satisfy that requirement.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, you must have a BSN from a nationally-accredited nursing program and a current, unrestricted RN license. Candidates are required to submit a professional resume or CV, a copy of their nursing license, and an online application, including answers to essay questions.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master’s degree in nursing, you can advance your healthcare career with the Post-Master’s Certificate program at the University of Colorado. The program is 100% online, and clinicals are arranged where you reside, making this the perfect option for working nurses.
The program features a 25-credit curriculum. You will take classes such as Primary Care of Acute Health Conditions, Primary Care of Chronic Health Conditions, Primary Care of Geriatric Patients & Families, and Gender Health in Primary Care. 360 hours of clinical practicum are integrated into the curriculum. However, an analysis of transcripts from your master’s program will determine if you need additional clinical hours to be eligible to sit for national certification. If additional hours are needed, your academic advisor will work with you to develop an individualized plan of study.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program must have a Master’s degree in nursing, an unrestricted RN license, and a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition to submitting an online application, you must provide a curriculum vitae or resume, an admission essay, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Colorado reports high retention and graduation rates for its AGNP program. These factors are important to consider when choosing a school as they indicate student satisfaction and success.• At the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, you will learn from dynamic staff with a broad range of nursing experience and insight. Each faculty member brings a unique perspective to the classroom and is dedicated to helping you succeed!
• The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado has a legacy of educating highly qualified nursing professionals. The nursing school was founded in 1904 and since that time has continued to add new, highly ranked programs!
• U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in two categories: Best Online Programs: Veterans Grad Nursing and Best Online Programs: Grad Nursing! This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of the program and the type of education you can expect as a student there.
3. Post University - Waterbury
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you want to pursue your degree but need flexibility with your learning schedule, the online AGNP program in Colorado at Post University could be a good choice! American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree with the option to specialize as an Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN AGNP program is designed to be completed in just 28 months on a full-time basis. Classes start monthly, which means you can begin your studies at a time that is convenient for you.
The curriculum requires the completion of 42-45 credits, which are earned through nurse practitioner core courses and AGPCNP specialization courses. In this program, you will take classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology, Complex Concepts of Aging, Diagnostic Reasoning, and Women’s Health. There are four Preceptorship Experiences included in the curriculum. Through these experiences, you will achieve at least 540 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Post University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. In addition to submitting an admission application, you are required to provide a copy of your driver’s license or state-issued identification, a copy of your active, unencumbered RN license, and official transcripts from each post-secondary school you have attended. Candidates must have one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse. Additionally, completion of the 3P courses and satisfactory completion of an APEA 3P exam are required before final acceptance into the NP specialty.
Applicants with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 are preferred. However, if your GPA is less than 3.0, with the Dean or Dean’s designee’s permission, you may apply for conditional admission. In this case, you must also provide a resume, curriculum vitae, or list of professional accomplishments and a 300-word personal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Graduate nursing school can be challenging, especially if you have a heavy caseload. One of the things I like about the AGNP program at Post University is that you take courses one at a time. Courses are eight weeks in length, giving you time to master each subject and its associated competencies before moving on to the next component of the program.• At Post University, you will be assigned an academic advisor who works with you throughout the program. Your advisor will be a go-to for support and resources to help promote your success.
• Post University reports that graduates of its AGNP program have a 100% first-attempt pass rate on national certification exams!
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN COLORADO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.73 |
| Weekly | $1,789 |
| Monthly | $7,750 |
| Annual | $93,030 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.73 | $1,789 | $7,750 | $93,030 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.61 | $2,024 | $8,770 | $105,260 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.74 | $2,390 | $10,360 | $124,260 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.53 | $2,661 | $11,530 | $138,380 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.50 | $3,180 | $13,780 | $165,360 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO?
| Hourly | $60.79 |
| Weekly | $2,432 |
| Monthly | $10,540 |
| Annual | $126,450 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF COLORADO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boulder | $66.89 | $2,676 | $11,600 | $139,140 |
| Colorado Springs | $60.32 | $2,413 | $10,460 | $125,470 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $61.46 | $2,458 | $10,650 | $127,830 |
| Fort Collins | $59.28 | $2,371 | $10,280 | $123,310 |
| Grand Junction | $57.45 | $2,298 | $9,960 | $119,500 |
| Greeley | $55.28 | $2,211 | $9,580 | $114,980 |
| Pueblo | $57.41 | $2,297 | $9,950 | $119,420 |
AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Colorado AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $126,450 | $133,190 | -$6,740 | -5.06% |
AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$41,000 | -24.48% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$27,660 | -17.95% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$24,270 | -16.10% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$23,890 | -15.89% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$23,800 | -15.84% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$22,830 | -15.29% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$21,600 | -14.59% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$15,540 | -10.94% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$15,320 | -10.81% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$13,500 | -9.65% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$13,330 | -9.54% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$11,890 | -8.59% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$11,010 | -8.01% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$10,960 | -7.98% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$9,460 | -6.96% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | -$9,160 | -6.75% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | -$9,070 | -6.69% |
| Texas | $134,770 | -$8,320 | -6.17% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | -$6,570 | -4.94% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | -$6,220 | -4.69% |
| Utah | $132,500 | -$6,050 | -4.57% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | -$5,980 | -4.52% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | -$5,660 | -4.28% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | -$5,090 | -3.87% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | -$4,340 | -3.32% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | -$4,260 | -3.26% |
| Montana | $129,200 | -$2,750 | -2.13% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | -$2,660 | -2.06% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | -$2,430 | -1.89% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | -$1,630 | -1.27% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | -$1,380 | -1.08% |
| Maine | $127,440 | -$990 | -0.78% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | -$910 | -0.71% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | +$320 | +0.25% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | +$410 | +0.33% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | +$870 | +0.69% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | +$1,040 | +0.83% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | +$1,160 | +0.93% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | +$1,360 | +1.09% |
| Florida | $124,090 | +$2,360 | +1.90% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | +$2,820 | +2.28% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | +$3,440 | +2.80% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | +$4,660 | +3.83% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | +$5,230 | +4.31% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | +$5,500 | +4.55% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | +$8,850 | +7.53% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | +$8,890 | +7.56% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$12,040 | +10.52% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$12,410 | +10.88% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$18,940 | +17.62% |
AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN COLORADO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $215,870 | -$89,420 | -41.42% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $126,450 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $126,100 | +$350 | +0.28% |
| Registered Nurse | $91,730 | +$34,720 | +37.85% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $83,270 | +$43,180 | +51.86% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,710 | +$61,740 | +95.41% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,580 | +$82,870 | +190.16% |
AGNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN COLORADO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $179,980 | -$53,530 | -29.74% |
| Dentist | $149,810 | -$23,360 | -15.59% |
| Optometrist | $143,910 | -$17,460 | -12.13% |
| Pharmacist | $141,670 | -$15,220 | -10.74% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 | -$3,570 | -2.75% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $126,450 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $110,510 | +$15,940 | +14.42% |
| Radiation Therapist | $109,470 | +$16,980 | +15.51% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $107,780 | +$18,670 | +17.32% |
| Occupational Therapist | $104,950 | +$21,500 | +20.49% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,790 | +$24,660 | +24.23% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,000 | +$28,450 | +29.03% |
| Chiropractor | $76,720 | +$49,730 | +64.82% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In Colorado?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited AGNP Schools Are There In Colorado?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Colorado?
| $60.79 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Colorado?
| $2,432 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Colorado?
| $10,540 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Colorado?
| $126,450 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In Colorado?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +56.22% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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