Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado
- 2026 Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado
- Why Study to Become an AGNP in Colorado?
- What to Expect in an AGNP Program
- Traditional Campus-Based AGNP Programs in Colorado
- Online AGNP Programs for Colorado Students
- Comparing MSN vs. DNP AGNP Programs
- Career Outlook for AGNPs in Colorado
- Choosing the Right Program: What to Look For
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
With an aging population and growing healthcare needs across urban and rural areas, Colorado is an ideal state for pursuing a career as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). Whether you’re interested in an MSN or DNP degree, Colorado offers strong program options, robust clinical environments, and a supportive job market for AGNPs.
This article will cover:
- The difference between MSN and DNP AGNP programs
- What to expect from AGNP training in Colorado
- Top employers and clinical placement options across the state
- Online and on-campus AGNP program formats
- How Colorado supports nurse practitioner practice and career growth
2026 Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu
RN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care from adolescence through end-of-life. This campus-based program emphasizes holistic approaches across diverse populations, with clinical experience that develops skills in diagnosis, health management, and wellness promotion. As a top-ranked program, it offers 12 specialty options and operates nurse-run clinics. The program requires an entrance exam for master's-level admission. Military-friendly with an on-campus hospital, graduates are prepared for national certification and advanced practice roles in primary care settings.
- MSN Degree
- Campus Program
- Focus on Adults
- Primary Care Focus
- Clinical Experience
- Manage Health Issues
- 12 Specialties Offered
- Top 10 Program
- Nurse-Run Clinics
- National Certification
RN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN at the University of Colorado Denver specializes in critical care for adult and elderly patients. This campus program provides 630 clinical hours across four practicum courses within its 49-credit curriculum. Students develop advanced skills to manage complex health conditions in acute settings like critical care units and emergency departments. The program prepares graduates for national certification through specialized training in diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care planning. An entrance exam is required for master's-level admission. Military-friendly with on-campus hospital resources.
- 49 total credit hours
- 630 total clinical hours
- 14 clinical practice credits
- Specialized acute care training
- Prepares for national certification
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at the University of Colorado Denver prepares advanced practice nurses for complex patient care in acute settings. The hybrid format combines rigorous clinical training with 1,170 clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, and clinical diagnostics. Students develop expertise in managing intricate cases and leading interprofessional teams. Ranked #33 nationally, this program requires an entrance exam for doctorate-level admission. Military-friendly with hospital access, it emphasizes leadership and innovation in acute care.
- Hybrid program format
- 1,170 total clinical hours
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Leadership and innovation focus
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomesa.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Colorado Mesa University's online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN program specializes in primary care for adult and older adult populations. This 46-credit program emphasizes rural and underserved community healthcare while requiring 750 clinical hours for hands-on experience. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum develops advanced skills in health assessment, pharmacology, and comprehensive patient management. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure, with no entrance exam specified. The program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles with a strong focus on addressing complex health needs across the adult lifespan.
- 46 total credit hours
- Online program format
- 750 clinical hours required
- BSN degree prerequisite
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Prepares for advanced practice
- Rural healthcare focus
- Primary care concentration
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
BSN to MSN - Nursing M.S.—Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado's hybrid online Nursing M.S. program specializes in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) training. This graduate-level program prepares nurses to manage complex health conditions in adult and elderly patients within acute care environments. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills through a flexible format combining online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. With a flat tuition rate of $734 per credit hour applicable to all students, this program offers accessible advanced education without additional fees. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements should be verified directly with the university.
- Hybrid online program format
- $734 per credit flat tuition
- Post-Bachelor's DNP pathway
- Specialized AGACNP concentration
- No additional student fees
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certification
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Post-Masters Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification is designed for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. This campus-based program requires 585 clinical hours and 16 postgraduate credits, focusing on evidence-based acute and emergent care. Admission requires an active nursing license, a master's degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this post-masters certification program.
- Post-Masters Certification Program
- 585 Total Clinical Hours
- Individualized Study Plan
- Evidence-Based Care Focus
- Prepares for Certification Exam
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- 16 Postgraduate Credit Hours
MSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration is an 83-credit campus program requiring 1,320 practicum hours. This doctoral program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, leadership development, and evidence-based practice for complex healthcare settings. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA with all courses graded B or better. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams and awards a concurrent master's degree. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral program.
- 83 total program credits
- 1,320 total practicum hours
- Requires 3.0 GPA minimum
- Concurrent Master's degree awarded
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Advanced clinical training focus
- Leadership and scholarly skills development
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Campus-based program
Why Study to Become an AGNP in Colorado?
Colorado is ranked among the top states for nurse practitioner employment opportunities and quality of life. It offers a balance of high patient need and expanding autonomy for advanced practice nurses.
Key Advantages:
- High demand for AGNPs in primary care and chronic disease management
- Full practice authority for nurse practitioners since 2010
- Access to diverse patient populations, from metro areas like Denver and Boulder to rural communities across the Western Slope and Eastern Plains
- Opportunities to train and work at top healthcare systems like:
- UCHealth (University of Colorado Health)
- Denver Health
- Intermountain Health
- CommonSpirit Health
Tip: Many AGNP programs partner with regional health systems, giving students clinical exposure at both urban and rural sites.
Learn more about nurse practitioner schools in Colorado.
What to Expect in an AGNP Program
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs prepare RNs to care for patients across the adult lifespan, from adolescence through old age. Programs in Colorado typically offer:
Core Coursework:
- Advanced health assessment
- Pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Gerontology-focused primary care
- Chronic disease management
- Health promotion and disease prevention in adults
Clinical Rotations:
- Internal medicine clinics
- Geriatric specialty practices
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centers
- Home health and palliative care settings
Tip: Ask schools how they support clinical placements; urban hospitals often fill early, while rural rotations may offer more flexibility and autonomy.
Traditional Campus-Based AGNP Programs in Colorado
Students who prefer in-person learning will find several high-quality AGNP options based at Colorado universities.
Benefits of On-Campus Programs:
- Face-to-face mentorship and skills labs
- Access to simulation centers
- Networking with faculty and local clinicians
These programs are typically located in cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Aurora.
Online AGNP Programs for Colorado Students
Online and hybrid programs are ideal for working RNs or those living in rural parts of the state. Coursework is delivered virtually, while clinicals are arranged within Colorado.
Features of Online AGNP Programs:
- Asynchronous and synchronous learning options
- Local clinical placements
- Short on-campus intensives, if required
- Flexible pacing for full- or part-time study
Tip: Ensure the program is authorized to operate in Colorado and that it prepares you for licensure in the state.
Comparing MSN vs. DNP AGNP Programs
Specialty MSN degree and DNP degree programs both lead to AGNP certification, but differ in scope and career trajectory.
| Feature | MSN–AGNP | DNP–AGNP |
| Duration | 2–3 years | 3–4 years |
| Focus | Clinical entry to practice | Clinical + leadership/policy |
| Clinical Hours | ~500–700 | 1,000+ |
| Ideal For | RNs entering AGNP roles | NPs seeking highest clinical degree |
| Career Outlook | AGNP, primary care, specialty | AGNP, leadership, faculty roles |
Career Outlook for AGNPs in Colorado
Colorado offers AGNPs strong job security and competitive compensation. The state is also considered nurse-practitioner friendly due to independent prescribing and diagnosis privileges.
Common AGNP Employers in Colorado:
- UCHealth Primary Care Network
- Denver Health Geriatrics Department
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Tip: Rural areas like Alamosa, La Junta, and parts of the Western Slope often offer loan repayment incentives for AGNPs willing to serve underserved populations.
Choosing the Right Program: What to Look For
When reviewing your list of top AGNP programs in Colorado, keep the following in mind:
Program Checklist:
- Is it MSN or DNP (or both)?
- Does the format (online/campus/hybrid) fit your schedule?
- How are clinical placements coordinated?
- Are faculty currently practicing in adult-gerontology care?
- What is the school's certification pass rate?
- Is the school regionally and CCNE or ACEN accredited?
- Are there opportunities for sub-specialization (e.g., palliative care)?
FAQs
Q: Do AGNPs have full practice authority in Colorado?
A: Yes. Colorado has granted full practice authority to nurse practitioners since 2010, allowing AGNPs to practice independently after a supervised transition period.
Q: Are there loan repayment programs for AGNPs in Colorado?
A: Yes. Programs like the Colorado Health Service Corps offer loan repayment for AGNPs working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
Q: Can I complete my AGNP clinical hours in Colorado if I attend an online program?
A: Generally, yes. Most online programs allow you to complete precepted clinicals in your home state, though you should verify site approval and support.
Q: What are the salary expectations for AGNPs in Colorado?
A: AGNP salaries typically range from $105,000 to $130,000, depending on location, employer, and experience level.
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