2025 Best Colorado Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
- 2025 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Colorado
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Colorado
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
- Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Colorado
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Colorado
- List of Colorado Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Programs

Post-graduate nursing certificates prepare nurses for advanced specialized knowledge. These programs, also known as post-master’s nursing certificate programs, offer advanced career growth and open doors to opportunities for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), providing specialized education in a specific field of nursing. Post-grad nursing certificate programs attract RNs who already hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Read on to find out how to obtain a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing in the state of Colorado.
2025 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Colorado
Looking for the best online nursing post-master's graduate certificate schools in Colorado? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered with rankings that highlight top programs tailored for advancing your nursing career. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier for working nurses to balance education with professional and personal commitments. Whether you prefer distance learning or remote classes, these programs provide quality education without the need to relocate. Discover which schools stand out and how they can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about how we rank these programs https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
Regis University
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Regis University's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is tailored for nurses seeking to enhance their expertise in family healthcare. This CCNE-accredited program requires a master's degree in nursing and at least two years of professional experience. Spanning 36 credit hours, the curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention. The program's online format offers flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams, opening doors to roles in high-demand healthcare settings. The program also includes leadership, ethics, and health policy training, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
- Remote online learning format
- 36 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical assessment focus
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Minimum two years nursing experience
- Prepares for certification exams
- Clinical hours in diverse settings
- Leadership and ethics training
- Health policy curriculum included
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Regis University addresses the growing need for mental health professionals. This online program, requiring 26-36 credit hours, is designed for nurses with a master's degree. It focuses on psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology, preparing graduates for national certification and prescriptive authority. The CCNE-accredited curriculum is delivered online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students gain skills in evidence-based practice and leadership, equipping them for advanced roles in mental health services. The program's emphasis on professional integration and Colorado practice authority makes it a standout choice for aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners.
- Online program format
- 26-36 total credit hours
- National certification eligible
- Advanced practice nursing
- Psychopharmacology focus
- Professional integration curriculum
- CCNE accredited program
- Colorado practice authority
- Leadership skills development
- Evidence-based practice training
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Nursing Education Graduate Certificate in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person sessions. This one-year program is tailored for nurses aspiring to specialize in education, focusing on evidence-based teaching strategies and curriculum development. It prepares graduates for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam and is accessible to those with an undergraduate nursing degree. The program highlights include a 9-credit curriculum, optional immersion practicum, and a focus on teaching technologies, with tuition at $7,065 for Colorado residents and $11,457 for nonresidents.
- Hybrid online format
- 1 year to complete
- Prepares for CNE exam
- Open to non-degree seekers
- 9-credit program
- Focus on curriculum design
- Emphasizes evidence-based teaching
- Optional immersion practicum
- Colorado residents tuition $7,065
- Nonresidents tuition $11,457
Graduate Certificate - i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems Certificate at the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is an online program designed for healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles. It offers a flexible learning format with a focus on advanced practice specialization. The program does not require an entrance exam and is noted for its extensive clinical practicum hours, catering to professionals aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities and career opportunities in the healthcare system.
- Multiple nursing specialty tracks
- Post-masters and graduate certificates
- Online and flexible learning formats
- Extensive clinical practicum hours
- Advanced practice specialization options
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Graduate Certificate in Health Care Informatics at the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a 100% online program that integrates technology with healthcare to improve patient safety and outcomes. Spanning 16 credits and completable in 1-1.5 years, it covers decision support and information systems life cycle, with electives in digital health tools. Open to non-nursing degree students, the program has an estimated tuition of $12,560 and offers scholarships and financial aid, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals interested in healthcare informatics.
- 100% online format.
- 1-1.5 years to complete.
- 16-credit program.
- Focuses on healthcare data and technology.
- Open to non-nursing degree students.
- Core courses in decision support.
- Electives in digital health tools.
- Estimated tuition $12,560.
- Scholarships and financial aid available.
- No nursing background required.
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certification
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo offers a hybrid Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Nursing with a focus on becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This program is tailored for nurses holding an MS, MSN, or doctorate, aiming to specialize in mental health care. It emphasizes evidence-based practices and requires 585 clinical hours, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for national certification. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Notably, the program supports military-friendly policies and does not mandate an entrance exam, making it accessible for qualified professionals seeking to advance their careers in psychiatric-mental health nursing online and through limited in-person requirements.
- Post Masters Certification
- Individualized Study Plan
- 585 Clinical Training Hours
- Evidence-Based Mental Health Care
- National Certification Eligible
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Active RN License Needed
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program is tailored for nurses aspiring to excel in educational roles within the nursing sector. This hybrid program, blending online flexibility with essential hands-on experience, requires completion of 9 credits. Ideal for working professionals, it mandates a BSN and MSN from accredited institutions with a minimum 3.00 GPA. Focused on equipping students with the skills to teach in both academic and clinical environments, the program does not require GRE scores for admission. Applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, and RN license. It's a perfect fit for those looking to transition into nursing education without the need for entrance exams.
- 9 credits required
- Fully online program
- BSN and MSN required
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00+
- No GRE scores needed
- Personal statement required
- Resume submission needed
- Copy of RN license required
- Prepares for nursing educator roles
- Flexible for working professionals
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Colorado
While admissions requirements will vary depending on the school, many post-master’s nursing certificate programs will have similar requirements. The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs sets the following admission requirements:
- Grade level B or higher in all nursing courses
- Completion of the certificate within six years
- Completion of 25-34 credits at the graduate level
- Completion of an accredited master’s degree in nursing
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- 3.0 GPA minimum of cumulative previous courses
- Passing scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
- Unrestricted RN license
- Submission of all application materials by posted deadlines
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
Post-grad nursing certificate courses are usually centered around a specific nursing specialty. For example, the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus includes the following courses:
- Integrated Behavioral Health Care and Common Psychiatric Presentations Across the Lifespan
- Advanced Assessment, Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
- Diagnosis and Management of Adults for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychotherapy, Behavior Change and Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan
Program Length
While the length of post-grad nursing certificate programs can vary based on many factors, most can be completed in just a few semesters of study (1-2 years). Most programs offer full-time and part-time options, which will impact how long it takes a student to graduate. Many post-master’s nursing certificate programs are designed with working RNs in mind, making them flexible enough to work around a career.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
The location (city) of the school, whether it’s private or public, expenses other than tuition costs, and technology fees all have a bearing on post-graduate certificate in nursing program costs in Colorado. Check into the possibility of taking a program part-time and if there is any financial aid help associated with the programs. The Family Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate through the University of Northern Colorado, for example, costs $640 per credit hour.
Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Colorado
Online learning has become increasingly popular. Some important questions to ask while looking into online programs include:
- Do online Colorado post-grad nursing certificate programs offer 100 percent online education?
- Does this program offer minimal visits on campus?
Making sure the online program is accredited and reputable should be a top consideration. Online learning is not for every nurse, and the student taking online education needs to be very structured and motivated with no procrastination or missing assignments. Online education offers great flexibility, does not interfere with job duties, saves time and money, and allows the student to work at a chosen pace.
Featured Online School
The University of Northern Colorado offers a flexible, online post-master’s nursing certificate in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty. Highlights include:
- This program takes about 20 months to complete with 540 hours of clinical training
- Offers credentials and national certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Advanced expertise in assessment, promotion, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and coordination of care in the critical patient
- 500 hours of supervised clinical instruction
- Builds practical, clinical, and leadership skills
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Colorado
Post-master’s nursing certificates only stand to improve patient outcomes due to the nurse broadening his or her skills. Some program specialties and careers available include:
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Informatics
- Nurse Educator
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary & Job Outlook
Salaries for RNs with post-master’s nursing certificates vary depending on educational specialty, city, and employer. All states are declaring a shortage of doctors, and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are filling this gap in most states. The NP is increasingly in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NPs earn an average salary of about $113,930 annually, or roughly $54.78 per hour.
List of Colorado Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Programs
RNs in Colorado ready to take the next step in their careers by earning a post-graduate nursing certificate can peruse the comprehensive list of schools and programs below.
Denver, CO
Regis University
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- 26-36 total credit hours
- National certification eligible
- Advanced practice nursing
- Psychopharmacology focus
- Professional integration curriculum
- CCNE accredited program
- Colorado practice authority
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Remote online learning format
- 36 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical assessment focus
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Minimum two years nursing experience
- Prepares for certification exams
- Clinical hours in diverse settings
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate Health Care Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format.
- 1-1.5 years to complete.
- 16-credit program.
- Focuses on healthcare data and technology.
- Open to non-nursing degree students.
- Core courses in decision support.
- Electives in digital health tools.
- Estimated tuition $12,560.
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online format
- 1 year to complete
- Prepares for CNE exam
- Open to non-degree seekers
- 9-credit program
- Focus on curriculum design
- Emphasizes evidence-based teaching
- Optional immersion practicum
- Graduate Certificate - i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Multiple nursing specialty tracks
- Post-masters and graduate certificates
- Online and flexible learning formats
- Extensive clinical practicum hours
- Advanced practice specialization options
Greeley, CO
University of Northern Colorado
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 9 credits required
- Fully online program
- BSN and MSN required
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00+
- No GRE scores needed
- Personal statement required
- Resume submission needed
- Copy of RN license required
Pueblo, CO
Colorado State University Pueblo
- Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Post Masters Certification Program
- 585 Total Clinical Hours
- Advanced Nursing Practice Focus
- Dual Certification Opportunity
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- 16 Postgraduate Credit Hours
- Active RN License Mandatory
- Interprofessional Collaboration Emphasis
- Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Masters Certificate
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
- Post-Masters Certification Program
- Dual Nurse Practitioner Certification
- 585 Clinical Practice Hours
- 3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
- Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
- Comprehensive Patient Care Focus
- Interprofessional Collaboration Training
- Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Masters Certificate
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Post-Masters Nursing Certification
- Evidence-based Patient Care
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- National Certification Eligibility
- 585 Total Clinical Hours
- 47 Total Credit Hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post Masters Certification
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post Masters Certification
- Individualized Study Plan
- 585 Clinical Training Hours
- Evidence-Based Mental Health Care
- National Certification Eligible
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Active RN License Needed