Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Colorado.)
1. University of Colorado-Anschutz - Aurora
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse looking for a path to advanced practice without immediately pursuing a doctoral degree and want to specialize in pediatric care, the University of Colorado-Anschutz’s Master of Science in Nursing program is an excellent option. The program offers two pathways: Primary Care or Acute Care Pediatric NP. Upon completion of this pediatric nurse practitioner program in Colorado, you will be eligible to pursue national certification in your chosen specialty.
Admission to the MSN program occurs each fall. The Primary Care PNP pathway can be completed in two and a half years, and the Acute Care PNP pathway takes three years. Online coursework and limited campus visits make this program an excellent option for prospective students seeking flexibility.
The Primary and Acute Care PNP programs require 35 and 37 credits, respectively. Both pathways share advanced graduate nursing coursework, including Pediatric Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Once core coursework is complete, you will transition to specialty courses specific to your concentration. The curriculum for Primary Care students focuses on wellness, preventive care, and chronic disease management. Acute Care students follow a study plan that emphasizes complex illness, hospitalization, pediatric emergencies, and critical care management. The Primary Care PNP program includes 540 practicum hours, and the Acute Care PNP program includes 585 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be an eligible applicant for the MSN program at the University of Colorado-Anschutz, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a program accredited by the AACN or CCNE and have an active, unrestricted U.S. nursing license. You are required to submit a curriculum vitae or resume, three letters of reference, an admission essay, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Your transcripts should show the completion of a nursing research course and a statistics course, with a minimum grade of “C” in each. Additionally, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 are preferred. If your GPA is less than 3.0, you may be considered for admission with satisfactory GRE scores and/or evidence of completion of at least 12 credits of graduate-level coursework.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Colorado-Anschutz offers baccalaureate-prepared RNs the opportunity to earn both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and to specialize as either an Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed so that you will first earn the MSN and become eligible to sit for the national certification exam in your specialty. Then, you will pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. As a nurse educator, I feel this pathway is an excellent option, especially if you hope to leverage your education and experience to lead teams or healthcare organizations, as the DNP is the highest clinical nursing degree you can obtain.
The BSN-to-DNP program admits students each fall. The Primary Care PNP pathway takes four years to complete, and the Acute Care PNP pathway takes five years. Students who pursue the Primary Care PNP program complete 73 credits and 1,080 clinical hours. The Acute Care PNP BSN-to-DNP program features a 76-credit curriculum that includes 1,125 clinical hours. Coursework is delivered online for most courses. However, some campus visits are required throughout the program to accommodate skills training and simulated assessments.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The University of Colorado-Anschutz accepts applications to its BSN-to-DNP program from Registered Nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an AACN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program. All candidates must submit an application via NursingCAS. The application process requires submission of a curriculum vitae or resume, three letters of reference, an admission essay, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. You must show proof of completion of a nursing research course and a statistics course with a minimum grade of “C” in each class. While candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred, you may be considered for provisional admission if you have GRE scores and/or at least 12 credits of graduate-level coursework completed. Applicants who meet admission criteria and have a verified Nursing CAS application must also interview with program faculty before receiving a final offer of admission.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are an RN who has previously earned a master’s degree in nursing and now want to expand your area of practice, focusing on the acute or primary care of children, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Colorado, Anschutz is a great option. Both the Primary Care and Acute Care PNP Post-Graduate Certificate pathways take an average of 18 months, or four semesters, to complete. The program features a primarily online format with limited campus visits to complete simulations and skills assessments.
The Primary and Acute Care PGC programs require a minimum of 11 credit hours. However, after a GAP analysis of your previous transcripts is complete, an individualized study plan may be needed. If the GAP analysis shows you need additional courses to meet national certification requirements, your academic advisor will work with you to create a personalized plan to accommodate your needs. If you pursue the Primary Care PCG option, you must complete 540 clinical hours. Conversely, the Acute Care PCG pathway includes 360 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Colorado-Anschutz, you must have a master’s degree in nursing from an AACN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and possess an active, unrestricted United States RN license. When applying, you will use the NursingCAS website to complete your application and submit supporting documentation, including a CV or resume, letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and official college and/or university transcripts. The final step in the admission process is to interview with program faculty. Interviews are by invitation after you meet the minimum admission criteria, complete your application, and submit the required documents. Candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Colorado-Anschutz has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding nursing education opportunities. The school is named a Best Online Program 2026 by U.S. News & World Report.• As a student in the pediatric nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado-Anschutz, you will learn from faculty who are locally-and nationally-renowned for their excellence in nursing, research, and education.
• One of the most important components of a nursing program is the clinical practicum experience. As a nurse educator, I urge prospective students to research schools and programs carefully and identify those that offer clinical placement support and diverse practicum opportunities. For example, at UC-Anschutz, you will have dedicated clinical placement support. The school works with top hospitals and clinics, including the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children and the Children’s Hospital of Colorado.
• Graduates of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Colorado at UC-Anschutz consistently perform better than the national average among individuals who take national certification exams. Graduates of both the Primary Care and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs have nearly a 100% pass rate on their first attempt.
• The University of Colorado-Anschutz has a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art simulation center, the largest in the Rocky Mountain region, where you will learn to perform essential skills relevant to the Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner role.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN COLORADO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.18 |
| Weekly | $1,847 |
| Monthly | $8,010 |
| Annual | $96,060 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.18 | $1,847 | $8,010 | $96,060 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.77 | $2,151 | $9,320 | $111,850 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $60.29 | $2,412 | $10,450 | $125,410 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.41 | $2,857 | $12,380 | $148,540 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.49 | $3,180 | $13,780 | $165,340 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO?
| Hourly | $62.57 |
| Weekly | $2,503 |
| Monthly | $10,850 |
| Annual | $130,150 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF COLORADO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boulder | $60.58 | $2,423 | $10,500 | $126,010 |
| Colorado Springs | $61.37 | $2,455 | $10,640 | $127,640 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $63.88 | $2,555 | $11,070 | $132,880 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $61.02 | $2,441 | $10,580 | $126,920 |
| Grand Junction | $56.61 | $2,264 | $9,810 | $117,750 |
| Greeley | $58.67 | $2,347 | $10,170 | $122,030 |
| Pueblo | $60.47 | $2,419 | $10,480 | $125,770 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Colorado Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $130,150 | $134,825 | -$4,675 | -3.47% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,570 | -$43,420 | -25.02% |
| Oregon | $152,970 | -$22,820 | -14.92% |
| New Jersey | $152,940 | -$22,790 | -14.90% |
| New York | $151,130 | -$20,980 | -13.88% |
| Massachusetts | $149,570 | -$19,420 | -12.98% |
| Washington | $149,440 | -$19,290 | -12.91% |
| Alaska | $146,430 | -$16,280 | -11.12% |
| District of Columbia | $143,830 | -$13,680 | -9.51% |
| New Mexico | $140,920 | -$10,770 | -7.64% |
| Rhode Island | $140,570 | -$10,420 | -7.41% |
| Hawaii | $140,330 | -$10,180 | -7.25% |
| Connecticut | $139,770 | -$9,620 | -6.88% |
| Arizona | $138,070 | -$7,920 | -5.74% |
| Vermont | $136,890 | -$6,740 | -4.92% |
| New Hampshire | $135,580 | -$5,430 | -4.01% |
| Nevada | $134,930 | -$4,780 | -3.54% |
| Utah | $134,590 | -$4,440 | -3.30% |
| Iowa | $134,470 | -$4,320 | -3.21% |
| Minnesota | $133,440 | -$3,290 | -2.47% |
| Montana | $132,850 | -$2,700 | -2.03% |
| Wisconsin | $132,720 | -$2,570 | -1.94% |
| Maine | $131,790 | -$1,640 | -1.24% |
| Oklahoma | $131,780 | -$1,630 | -1.24% |
| Idaho | $131,010 | -$860 | -0.66% |
| Maryland | $130,960 | -$810 | -0.62% |
| Delaware | $130,500 | -$350 | -0.27% |
| Michigan | $130,400 | -$250 | -0.19% |
| Wyoming | $130,290 | -$140 | -0.11% |
| Colorado | $130,150 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pennsylvania | $129,690 | +$460 | +0.35% |
| Nebraska | $129,340 | +$810 | +0.63% |
| Texas | $129,050 | +$1,100 | +0.85% |
| Missouri | $128,610 | +$1,540 | +1.20% |
| Illinois | $128,580 | +$1,570 | +1.22% |
| North Carolina | $128,510 | +$1,640 | +1.28% |
| Florida | $128,060 | +$2,090 | +1.63% |
| Arkansas | $127,910 | +$2,240 | +1.75% |
| Virginia | $126,730 | +$3,420 | +2.70% |
| Georgia | $126,480 | +$3,670 | +2.90% |
| Kansas | $125,630 | +$4,520 | +3.60% |
| West Virginia | $124,490 | +$5,660 | +4.55% |
| Louisiana | $124,350 | +$5,800 | +4.66% |
| Indiana | $124,320 | +$5,830 | +4.69% |
| North Dakota | $124,090 | +$6,060 | +4.88% |
| Mississippi | $123,080 | +$7,070 | +5.74% |
| South Dakota | $122,900 | +$7,250 | +5.90% |
| Kentucky | $122,760 | +$7,390 | +6.02% |
| South Carolina | $121,930 | +$8,220 | +6.74% |
| Ohio | $120,690 | +$9,460 | +7.84% |
| Tennessee | $113,430 | +$16,720 | +14.74% |
| Alabama | $108,970 | +$21,180 | +19.44% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN COLORADO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $130,150 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $99,370 | +$30,780 | +30.98% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $86,560 | +$43,590 | +50.36% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $70,820 | +$59,330 | +83.78% |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,400 | +$82,750 | +174.58% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN COLORADO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN COLORADO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | 162,450 | -$32,300 | -19.88% |
| Dentist | 160,810 | -$30,660 | -19.07% |
| Optometrist | 152,460 | -$22,310 | -14.63% |
| Pharmacist | 150,510 | -$20,360 | -13.53% |
| Physician Assistant | 139,580 | -$9,430 | -6.76% |
| Veterinarian | 137,190 | -$7,040 | -5.13% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $130,150 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 116,960 | +$13,190 | +11.28% |
| Occupational Therapist | 111,620 | +$18,530 | +16.60% |
| Radiation Therapist | 110,640 | +$19,510 | +17.63% |
| Dental Hygienist | 110,030 | +$20,120 | +18.29% |
| Physical Therapist | 103,870 | +$26,280 | +25.30% |
| Audiologist | 101,450 | +$28,700 | +28.29% |
| Chiropractor | 69,390 | +$60,760 | +87.56% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric 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 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Colorado?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Colorado?
| $62.57 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Colorado?
| $2,503 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Colorado?
| $10,850 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Colorado?
| $130,150 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Colorado?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +56.22% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Other States