Best Online MSN Programs in Colorado

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a hybrid MSN-FNP program that prepares nurses for primary care across the lifespan. This top-ranked program requires 630 clinical hours and emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership. It prepares graduates for national certification and focuses on holistic patient-centered care. As a master's program, it may require entrance exams like the GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the school. The hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person clinical components.

• 630 total clinical hours
• Comprehensive FNP curriculum
• Advanced clinical training
• Didactic and clinical credits
• National certification preparation
• Primary care focus
• 42 total didactic credits
• Lifespan patient care approach
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

This fully online MSN in Health Care Informatics at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus prepares nurses to integrate technology with clinical expertise. The 34-credit program costs $690 per credit for in-state students and can be completed in two years with flexible scheduling. It includes a preceptored internship and focuses on information management and digital health tools. As a master's program, it may require entrance exams like the GRE, though the school should be consulted for specifics. The online format is designed for working professionals.

• Fully online MSN program
• 34 total credit hours
• Two-year completion option
• $690 in-state per credit
• CCNE accredited program
• Preceptored internship included
• Career median pay $98,350
• Flexible part-time scheduling
• Professional network support

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a hybrid MSN with an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration. This program focuses on caring for adult and older patients in acute and complex care settings. Ranked among top national programs, it develops advanced clinical skills, leadership, and system management expertise for certification preparation. As a master's program, it may require entrance exams like the GRE, though applicants should confirm requirements. The hybrid format blends online learning with clinical training.

• Top 10 national nursing program
• Hybrid learning format
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Specialization in Adult Gerontology
• Advanced clinical assessment skills
• Prepare for national certification
• Focus on complex patient populations

Regis University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for specialized care of high-risk newborns and infants. This hybrid program requires 630 clinical hours in Level III neonatal intensive care units, focusing on complex healthcare management and collaboration with neonatologists. The curriculum includes advanced physiology and comprehensive assessment training, leading to eligibility for national certification. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program emphasizes professional integration and requires a minimum of 43 semester hours.

• Hybrid program format
• 630 clinical hours required
• Advanced practice nursing specialty
• Level III NICU clinical experiences
• National certification preparation
• Minimum 43 semester hours
• Advanced physiology coursework
• Professional integration focus
• Comprehensive assessment training

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This 68-credit program prepares RNs for advanced primary care roles through 630 clinical hours and coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a BSN, active RN license, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience. No GRE or GMAT is required. The flexible online format features 5-week courses with weekend labs in Colorado, making it ideal for working nurses seeking certification.

• 68 program credits.
• Online delivery format.
• 630 clinical hours required.
• 5-week course length.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires BSN degree.
• Active RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• One year nursing experience.
• Prepares for certification exam.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs provides an online Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Education program. This 48-credit degree prepares RNs to design, implement, and evaluate nursing education with a focus on evidence-based practice and quality outcomes. Students complete 120 practicum hours locally. Admission requires an active RN license, BSN degree, and 3.0 GPA, with no GRE or GMAT needed. Accredited by CCNE, the program offers flexible 5-week courses, military benefits, and transfer credits, covering topics like healthcare informatics and curriculum development.

• 48 program credits.
• Online program format.
• 5-week course length.
• 120 practicum hours required.
• Active RN license needed.
• BSN degree required.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Focus on nursing education.
• Evidence-based practice focus.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs delivers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration concentration. This 48-credit program equips RNs for healthcare leadership roles through courses in strategic planning, human resources management, and healthcare finance. It includes practicum experiences and requires a BSN, active RN license, and 3.0 GPA, with provisional admission available. No GRE or GMAT is required. Accredited by CCNE, the flexible online format features 5-week courses, military benefits, and transfer credits, supporting career advancement for working professionals.

• 48 program credits.
• Online delivery format.
• Five-week course length.
• BSN degree required.
• Active RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Provisional admission available.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Practicum hours included.
• Focus on leadership skills.

Colorado State University Pueblo's online Master of Science in Nurse Educator program prepares RNs for teaching roles in academic and healthcare settings. This 30-credit ACEN-accredited program focuses on evidence-based practice, advanced assessment skills, and leadership development. With flexible online delivery and competitive tuition at $550 per credit hour, students can complete the program in 2-5 years. The program requires a Colorado RN license, 3.0 GPA, background check, and CPR certification, but no entrance exam is specified as required. Ideal for working professionals seeking to transition into educator positions across various healthcare environments.

• Online Master of Science
• 30 total credit hours
• $550 per credit hour
• 2-5 years completion time
• ACEN accredited program
• Next start date: March 17
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Colorado RN license required
• Background check mandatory
• CPR certification needed

University of Northern Colorado's online MSN program specializes in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) preparation, focusing on comprehensive care for complex adult and geriatric patients in acute settings. This hybrid program combines flexible online coursework with clinical components, requiring no entrance exam for admission. With a flat tuition rate of $734 per credit hour applicable to all students regardless of residency, the program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, scholarly research, and leadership development for high-intensity healthcare environments. Military-friendly and featuring no additional student fees, it offers a Post-Bachelor's DNP pathway for career advancement.

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

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This 100% online program requires 47 credits and 630 clinical hours, with no campus visits needed. It prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice roles through evidence-based curriculum and clinical training tailored to local settings. The program is CCNE-accredited and prepares graduates for national certification and prescriptive authority. No entrance exam is required, but a minimum 3.0 GPA is needed for admission. The program features rolling admissions and accepts up to 12 transfer credits.

• 100% Online Program
• 47 Total Credits
• 630 Clinical Contact Hours
• CCNE Accredited
• Three Specialty Tracks
• No Campus Visits Required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Rolling Admission Cycle
• National Certification Preparation
• Accepts 12 Transfer Credits

Colorado Mesa University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid online format ideal for working nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This 49-credit program prepares graduates to provide comprehensive primary care across all life stages through a curriculum that integrates clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and RN licensure prerequisite, the program includes clinical practicums and emphasizes interprofessional collaboration. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which offers a flexible three-year structure and pathways to doctoral education.

• 49 total credit hours
• Online flexible format
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• RN licensure prerequisite
• Lifespan primary care focus
• Clinical practicum included
• Advanced nursing preparation
• Three-year program structure
• DNP pathway option
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

Colorado Mesa University's online MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program focuses specifically on primary care for adult and older adult populations. This 46-credit program requires 750 clinical hours and prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex health needs in rural and underserved communities. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which offers flexibility for working professionals while developing specialized clinical expertise in health assessment, pharmacology, and patient care management.

• 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

Denver College of Nursing's online Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for working registered nurses seeking advanced roles in education and leadership. This accelerated distance-learning program can be completed in just 15-18 months across six academic quarters. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and teaching strategies while requiring students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Admission requires a BSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience. The program does not require entrance exams like the GRE. With 56 quarter credits including a capstone project, it prepares nurses for educator positions in diverse healthcare settings through flexible online delivery.

• Online distance-learning program.
• 15-18 months completion time.
• Six quarters of study.
• Requires BSN for admission.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• One year RN experience required.
• 3.0 GPA requirement to graduate.
• 56 total quarter credits.
• Core courses cover 30 credits.
• Specialty courses cover 26 credits.