RN-to-MSN Programs in Colorado – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Interested in taking on nursing leadership positions? In the Centennial State, an MSN is widely regarded as a prerequisite for executive nursing tasks, and if you’re an RN with an associate degree or a hospital diploma, the quickest and most cost-effective way to earn your nursing master’s is by enrolling in one of the RN-to-MSN programs in Colorado. Not only will an MSN qualify you for more decision-making responsibilities, but it will also increase your compensation: In Colorado, graduates of this accelerated program make a salary of $118,890 a year, and their employment prospects are expected to jump 56 percent in 10 years. You deserve this! Learn more by reviewing our list of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Colorado.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN COLORADO(ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Colorado-Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs
Specialties Offered: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology (Adult/Gero) Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: Are you a registered nurse considering pursuing an advanced nursing degree? Have you dreamed of becoming a nurse practitioner but don’t know where to start? If so, an RN-to-MSN program could be a great option. Several options are available, including the RN-to-MSN program offered by the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
The program is designed for registered nurses who have earned an associate degree in nursing and now aspire to earn a master’s degree in nursing. This RN-to-MSN program in Colorado offers three specialty concentrations: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can complete the program in three to five years, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.
The program begins with a six-credit online bridge course, taken over 16 weeks. The bridge course focuses on nurse leaders' role in information management, clinical prevention, quality improvement, and population health. It also covers the impact and importance of finance and healthcare policy on healthcare systems and patient and organizational outcomes. After completing the bridge course with a grade of “B” or higher, you may apply for admission to the MSN program.
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner pathway prepares you with the knowledge and skills to care for patients and families from birth to the end of life. The Primary Care Adult-Gerontology NP option focuses on the unique needs of adults and the aging population. If you have a passion for caring for clients with psychiatric/mental health disorders or those struggling with substance abuse, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program could be a perfect fit for you.
The curriculum consists of MSN core courses and specialty courses. The Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner pathways each require 47 credits. The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option is a 48-credit pathway. Students in all pathways take classes such as Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, Philosophical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, and Research & Knowledge Translation in Nursing. After completing MSN core courses, you will take classes relevant to your specialty. Some classes, based on your concentration, may include Gender Health Primary Care, Geriatric Psychiatric Diagnosis & Management for the PMHNP, Primary Care of Acute Care Conditions, and Primary Care of Pediatric Patients & Families. Effective Fall 2026, each nurse practitioner program requires 770 practicum hours.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs, you must have an associate degree in nursing, an active, unrestricted RN license, and at least 5,000 hours of professional registered nurse work experience. You must complete a Graduate Application. The application requires you to answer several essay questions. You must also provide transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended, a curriculum vitae or resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Because all didactic work and clinical hours must be completed in one of the following states, the program only accepts applications from students who reside in these states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Colorado-Colorado Springs RN-to-MSN Students:
• As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to gather as much information as possible when deciding which nursing program to pursue or which school to attend. One factor I consider most important is faculty diversity and experience. At the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs, you will learn from doctorally prepared faculty. Most NP faculty maintain active APRN practice, creating a useful connection between academic instruction and current advanced practice nursing.• The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs’ graduate nursing programs have a strong history of recognition by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report is a reputable source that provides an independent, recognizable benchmark for students to compare schools and programs.
• One of the most essential components of a nursing program is the practicum experience. As an RN-to-MSN student pursuing nurse practitioner certification, you need diverse experiences in a variety of settings to prepare for practice. While students in the UCCS RN-to-MSN program are responsible for identifying preceptors in or near their hometown, you need not worry about navigating clinicals alone. Program faculty provide oversight and guidance on placements and preceptor approval to ensure you have the best clinical experiences to prepare you for practice.
• The University of Colorado- Colorado Springs reports strong national certification exam pass rates for its nurse practitioner graduates. These outcomes indicate the program’s focus on developing highly skilled graduates ready for national nurse practitioner certification and independent practice. High certification exam pass rates are one reason UCCS is ranked as home to one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Colorado!
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