Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
In Colorado, neonatal nurse practitioners are essential members of the team that manages care for newborns with complex medical issues. As preterm birth rates in the Centennial State rise, so does the need for graduates of neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Colorado—in fact, within 10 years, employment opportunities for NNPs are predicted to increase by 56 percent. In exchange for their unique blend of critical thinking, specialized clinical skills, and excellent communication abilities, neonatal nurse practitioners earn salaries of $131,310 a year on average. Could the neonatal nurse practitioner specialty be the right career path for you? This list of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Colorado can help you decide.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Colorado.)
1. Regis University - Denver
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a passion for caring for neonatal patients? Do you want to advance your career, have more autonomy, and earn a specialty certification? If so, becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner could be an excellent career path to choose. In this article, I will share some information about the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Colorado. For example, Regis University is home to the Loretto Heights School of Nursing, which offers nationally recognized options for earning a graduate degree or post-graduate certificate and specializing as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN program begins in the fall semester each year. The program's first year includes a summer semester. In the second year, you will take classes only in the fall and spring semesters. Didactic coursework is presented in a web-based format. The second and fourth semesters of the program require two campus visits to complete intensives. Intensives are typically two to three days in duration.
The Master of Science in Nursing Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is a 43-credit pathway. The curriculum includes classes such as Genetics & Embryology for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Management of the High-Risk Newborn, Advanced Practice Procedures for High Risk Infants, and Care of the Child to Age Two. The program also includes 630 hours of precepted clinical practicums. Clinicals are completed in Level III and Level IV neonatal intensive care units.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates who wish to pursue the MSN program at Regis University need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program, an active, unrestricted RN license, and two years of clinical practice as a Registered Nurse in a Level III or Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. To begin the process, you must complete an online application through NursingCAS. You must provide three professional letters of recommendation (from a Neonatologist, NNP, and a colleague), an admission essay, a copy of your current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification, and a current resume. You are also required to submit all transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended. Your transcripts should reflect a minimum 2.75 grade point average and completion of a statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate-prepared RN who wants to earn a doctoral degree in nursing and become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, you can accomplish that goal by pursuing the BSN-to-DNP program offered at Regis University. The program admits new students in the fall each year.
As a student in this neonatal nurse practitioner program in Colorado, you will complete MSN coursework for the NNP specialty and then progress directly into the doctoral program. A minimum of 74 credits is required to earn the DNP, 43 from the MSN coursework, and an additional 31 credits to complete the DNP. Coursework for the DNP program consists of four major content areas: core courses, specialization courses, practice applications, and a DNP Capstone Project.
After completing the MSN and NNP coursework, you will take classes for the DNP, including Analysis of Biomedical Data for the DNP, Health Policy Analysis & Development, Health Systems Decision-Making, and Epidemiology & Health Promotion for Population Health. The program also requires the completion of at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Clinical sites and preceptors are arranged collaboratively by students and the Clinical Support Team.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an AACN-CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to complete an application online via NursingCAS and provide a two-page Personal Statement, a resume that includes volunteer and professional experience, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is also required. All applicants must have at least two years of work experience as a Registered Nurse in a Level III or Level IV NICU and hold Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification and American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Professionals certification. In some cases, applicants are called to interview with program faculty before a final admission decision is made.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a graduate degree in nursing and want to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Regis University is an ideal choice. The program is offered in a web-based format, with synchronous classes held once a week.
The program features a 31-credit curriculum. An analysis of your previous transcripts will be conducted to determine any coursework that may be eligible for transfer credit. Then, a personalized plan will be developed based on the analysis. All students in the Post-Graduate NNP Certificate program are required to complete a minimum of 520 clinical hours. Clinicals are offered in a variety of high-risk (Level III) NICUs.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you need a minimum master’s degree in nursing earned at an accredited nursing program, an active, unrestricted RN license, and a minimum of two years of clinical experience working in a Level III or Level IV high-risk neonatal ICU. You are required to submit a current resume, a one-page personal statement, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, and complete an application through NursingCAS.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students:
• On average, nurses with advanced degrees earn salaries that are approximately 20% higher than nurses with an undergraduate degree. Unfortunately, for many people, the old saying, “It takes money to make money,” is true. Without financial assistance, many nurses feel it is too expensive to return to school. One of the things I appreciate about Regis University is that the school offers financing options for graduate students. There are also numerous scholarships and grant opportunities available. Financial aid advisors are available to help you explore options and apply for programs.• One of several ways the School of Nursing demonstrates exceptional student support designed to promote your success is by having members of the Clinical Support Unit collaborate with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors and to arrange clinical schedules. Through the school’s strong clinical partnerships, you will have access to leading Neonatal Intensive Care Units across Colorado and beyond.
• As a nurse educator, I understand the significant time and effort required to earn a graduate degree. It is not uncommon for students to become overwhelmed or feel they need a break from their studies. One of the things I like about the BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at Regis University is that you have the option of completing MSN coursework and transitioning directly to DNP coursework, or you can take up to a year off and return to the school to complete the DNP.
• The Neonatal NP program at Regis University is taught by expert faculty who are practicing clinicians and researchers. Their diverse experiences in nursing leadership development, clinical practice, and nursing education are part of what makes this neonatal nurse practitioner program in Colorado a good choice!
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN COLORADO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.44 |
| Weekly | $1,858 |
| Monthly | $8,050 |
| Annual | $96,600 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.44 | $1,858 | $8,050 | $96,600 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.55 | $2,102 | $9,110 | $109,310 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $62.03 | $2,481 | $10,750 | $129,030 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $69.09 | $2,763 | $11,980 | $143,700 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $82.56 | $3,302 | $14,310 | $171,720 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO?
| Hourly | $63.13 |
| Weekly | $2,525 |
| Monthly | $10,940 |
| Annual | $131,310 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF COLORADO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boulder | $69.47 | $2,779 | $12,040 | $144,490 |
| Colorado Springs | $62.64 | $2,506 | $10,860 | $130,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $63.82 | $2,553 | $11,060 | $132,740 |
| Fort Collins | $61.56 | $2,463 | $10,670 | $128,050 |
| Grand Junction | $59.66 | $2,386 | $10,340 | $124,090 |
| Greeley | $57.40 | $2,296 | $9,950 | $119,400 |
| Pueblo | $59.63 | $2,385 | $10,340 | $124,020 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Colorado Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $131,310 | $138,310 | -$7,000 | -5.06% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$42,580 | -24.49% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$28,720 | -17.95% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$25,200 | -16.10% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$24,800 | -15.89% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$24,720 | -15.84% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$23,710 | -15.29% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$22,440 | -14.60% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$16,140 | -10.95% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$15,910 | -10.81% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$14,020 | -9.65% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$13,850 | -9.54% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$12,350 | -8.60% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$11,430 | -8.01% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$11,380 | -7.98% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$9,820 | -6.96% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$9,510 | -6.75% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$9,420 | -6.69% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$8,640 | -6.17% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$6,830 | -4.94% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$6,460 | -4.69% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$6,280 | -4.56% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$6,210 | -4.52% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$5,880 | -4.29% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | -$5,290 | -3.87% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | -$4,500 | -3.31% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | -$4,430 | -3.26% |
| Montana | $134,170 | -$2,860 | -2.13% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | -$2,760 | -2.06% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | -$2,520 | -1.88% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | -$1,690 | -1.27% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | -$1,430 | -1.08% |
| Maine | $132,340 | -$1,030 | -0.78% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | -$950 | -0.72% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | +$330 | +0.25% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | +$430 | +0.33% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | +$900 | +0.69% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | +$1,080 | +0.83% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | +$1,200 | +0.92% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | +$1,410 | +1.09% |
| Florida | $128,860 | +$2,450 | +1.90% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | +$2,920 | +2.27% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | +$3,570 | +2.79% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | +$4,840 | +3.83% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | +$5,430 | +4.31% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | +$5,710 | +4.55% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | +$9,190 | +7.53% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | +$9,230 | +7.56% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | +$12,500 | +10.52% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$12,880 | +10.88% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$19,660 | +17.61% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN COLORADO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $215,870 | -$84,560 | -39.17% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $131,310 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $126,100 | +$5,210 | +4.13% |
| Registered Nurse | $91,730 | +$39,580 | +43.15% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $83,270 | +$48,040 | +57.69% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,710 | +$66,600 | +102.92% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,580 | +$87,730 | +201.31% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN COLORADO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $179,980 | -$48,670 | -27.04% |
| Dentist | $149,810 | -$18,500 | -12.35% |
| Optometrist | $143,910 | -$12,600 | -8.76% |
| Pharmacist | $141,670 | -$10,360 | -7.31% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $131,310 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 | +$1,290 | +0.99% |
| Veterinarian | $110,510 | +$20,800 | +18.82% |
| Radiation Therapist | $109,470 | +$21,840 | +19.95% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $107,780 | +$23,530 | +21.83% |
| Occupational Therapist | $104,950 | +$26,360 | +25.12% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,790 | +$29,520 | +29.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,000 | +$33,310 | +33.99% |
| Chiropractor | $76,720 | +$54,590 | +71.15% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 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 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Colorado?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Colorado?
| $63.13 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Colorado?
| $2,525 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Colorado?
| $10,940 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Colorado?
| $131,310 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Colorado?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +56.22% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
Best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Other States