Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado

CU Nursing's MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track, ranked #10 nationally, immerses you in 48 credits and 540 clinical hours. As the birthplace of the NP profession, the program blends advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment with sequential primary care diagnosis courses. Train within a medical campus featuring three hospitals and nurse-run clinics, gaining real-world experience from adolescents to older adults. Eligible for national APRN certification, graduates pursue careers in community clinics, private practices, and health systems. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions, including specialized care for complex older adults.

• 48 total credit hours
• 540 clinical hours
• Birthplace of the NP program
• Part of major medical campus
• Nurse-run clinics for training
• Eligible for national certification

The Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty at CU Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus comprises 49 credits and 630 clinical hours. Part of a top-ranked nursing school on a medical campus with three hospitals and nurse-run clinics, you’ll master advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and acute care management through intensive clinical decision-making practicums. Focus on adult and older patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic illnesses in hospital and critical care settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification and APRN licensure, ready for roles in acute care hospitals, ICUs, and specialty units, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 49 total credit hours
• 630 clinical hours
• Located on major medical campus
• Prepares for national certification

Ranked #33 by U.S. News, the hybrid BS-DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at CU Anschutz Medical Campus requires 74 credits and 1,170 clinical hours. Coursework spans advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, with specialty diagnostics and therapeutics. This online program includes a single three-day on-campus experience during the DNP project, while you earn an MS en route to the doctorate. Practicums in acute care settings build skills for managing complex adult and older patients in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty clinics. Graduates emerge as leaders in evidence-based practice and healthcare innovation, improving outcomes in high-acuity environments.

• 74 total credit hours
• 1170 clinical hours
• Top 33 DNP program
• 1,170 total clinical hours
• Hybrid online with 3-day on-campus
• BSN to DNP with MS along the way
• Focus on adult-gerontology acute care
• Hands-on DNP project experience
• Courses in advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology

Colorado State University Pueblo's Post-Master's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate prepares RNs with an MSN for advanced practice in acute, chronic, and emergent settings. The campus-based program requires a master's degree in nursing with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and clinical experience. Students complete 24-26 credit hours, including acute care labs and clinical practicums totaling 585 hours, with an individualized plan of study based on prior coursework. Graduates are eligible for AGACNP certification exams. Admission prerequisites include letters of recommendation, a background check, current immunizations, CPR certification, and a drug screen. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, with core courses meeting state board mandates.

• Post-master's certificate program.
• Prepares for AGACNP certification.
• Individualized plan of study.
• Requires 24-26 credit hours.
• 585 clinical hours required.
• Campus-based program format.
• MSN with 3.0 GPA required.
• Active RN license needed.
• Background check required.
• Current immunizations mandatory.

Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is a campus-based, four-year program totaling 83 credit hours. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, and diagnostic reasoning, with hands-on acute care skills labs. Students complete over 1,300 clinical hours across chronic, acute, and emergent care settings, and earn a concurrent Master of Science in Nursing along the way. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a capstone, with all courses requiring a B or better. Graduates are prepared for AGACNP certification and leadership roles in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty clinics, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, ethics, and systems leadership.

• 83 total credit hours
• 80% licensure pass rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1320 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Concurrent MS degree awarded
• All courses require B or better
• Oral comprehensive exam required
• Prepares for AGACNP certification exam

University of Northern Colorado offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration. This post-bachelor's pathway prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in high-acuity environments, combining online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. The program is recognized for its competitive flat tuition rate of $734 per credit hour, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state students, and it charges no additional student fees. Graduates are equipped to manage complex adult and elderly patients across acute care settings. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement on its listing; prospective applicants are encouraged to check the latest admissions criteria.

• Hybrid online program format
• $734 per credit flat tuition
• Post-Bachelor's DNP pathway
• Specialized AGACNP concentration
• No additional student fees

Colorado Mesa University offers an online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with a primary care concentration, preparing RNs to deliver advanced care to adults and older adults. The 46-credit curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care management, with a strong focus on rural and underserved populations. Students complete 750 clinical hours and a capstone project, with Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) each semester to assess competencies. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and ethical decision-making. Graduates are equipped for roles in clinics, hospitals, and community health settings and may pursue DNP or PhD degrees. No entrance exam requirement is listed for admission.

• 46 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 750 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Online format with clinical rotations
• Focus on rural and underserved populations
• OSCEs each semester
• Prepares for doctoral education
• Primary care for adults and older adults