Colorado AGPCNP Programs

Colorado has four schools offering accredited Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs across multiple degree levels.

Estimated program costs range from ~$20,025 (CU Anschutz post-graduate certificate) to $59,274 (CU Anschutz BS-DNP), with completion timelines spanning 1.5 to 4.5 years depending on entry level and degree type.

High Level Comparison Table

SchoolEst. Cost RangeNotable Features
Colorado Christian UniversityBSN-DNP: $50K
MSN-DNP: $24K
– Fully online format with one required on-campus weekend intensive
– BSN-DNP combines AGPCNP training with Transformational Leadership content
– Faith-based curriculum with one-on-one DNP project mentorship
– Clinical placements completed in the student’s local area
Colorado Mesa UniversityMSN: $34K– Fully online AGNP program with a strong rural and underserved care focus
– Includes OSCE competency assessments each semester
– Students stay in their home communities for coursework
– Students are responsible for securing their own preceptors
University of Colorado AnschutzMSN: $38K
Certificate: $20K
BS-DNP: $59K
– Hybrid-online format with limited required campus visits in Aurora
– Offers MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BS-DNP entry points
– Reported 100% board certification pass rate across AGPCNP tracks

All AGPCNP Program Options for Colorado

Colorado Christian University AGPCNP Programs

Lakewood | 625 cpc | DNP

Colorado Christian University offers two Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways: a BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Transformational Leadership track and an MSN-to-DNP Transformational Leadership track for nurses seeking a terminal practice doctorate. Both programs are delivered primarily online with only one required on-campus weekend intensive and emphasize a faith-integrated curriculum that blends clinical expertise with leadership development. The BSN-to-DNP track takes about three years and combines AGPCNP clinical training with executive leadership coursework, while the MSN-to-DNP option focuses on advanced leadership competencies and can typically be completed in four to five semesters. read more.

Colorado Mesa University AGPCNP Programs

Grand Junction | 702 cpc | MSN

Colorado Mesa University’s MSN-AGNP is a fully online, 46-credit program that can be completed in about three years and is built for BSN-prepared nurses who want to provide primary care for adult and older adult populations. The program stands out for its focus on rural and underserved communities, includes 750 clinical hours across seven practicum courses, and uses semester-by-semester OSCE evaluations to measure clinical readiness. Estimated in-state tuition and fees total about $34,183, and graduates are prepared for APRN licensure and national board certification. read more.

Rasmussen University AGPCNP Programs

Fully Online | 915 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Colorado residents are fully eligible for Rasmussen University’s online MSN-AGPCNP and Post-Graduate Certificate programs, featuring self-paced Empowered Learning® courses and local clinical placement assistance across the state. With Colorado’s expanding scope of practice for NPs, these programs position you to deliver comprehensive primary care from Denver to rural mountain communities. One weekend on-campus residency and 600+ practicum hours in your Colorado community complete the pathway to national certification.

South University AGPCNP Programs

Fully Online | 660 cpc | Certificate / MSN

For nursing professionals in Colorado, South University provides an online Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialization that can be completed in approximately two to three years. The program is specifically designed to accommodate working RNs, allowing them to perform their in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities within their local Colorado communities. The curriculum focuses on essential advanced practice skills, including pathophysiology and pharmacology, preparing graduates for national certification exams while maintaining a flat tuition rate for all quarter credits.

University of Colorado Anschutz AGPCNP Programs

Anschutz | 802 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

The University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing offers three CCNE-accredited Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP pathways (MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BS-DNP), all in a mostly online hybrid format with limited campus visits in Aurora, Colorado. Colorado residents can expect estimated tuition of about $38,448 for the 2.5-year MSN, around $20,025 for the 1.5-year certificate, and $59,274 for the 4–4.5-year BS-DNP, with higher rates for non-residents. Each track includes 540 AGPCNP clinical hours (the BS-DNP doubles this to 1,080 via additional DNP project work) and reports a 100% board certification pass rate for graduates eligible to sit for AANPCB or ANCC exams. read more.

Walden University AGPCNP Programs

Fully Online | 788 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Through Walden University’s AGPCNP programs, Colorado nursing students can pursue an MSN or DNP with specialized training in adult and reproductive health. These online programs are designed for busy professionals, offering multiple entry points and the ability to transfer up to 40 credits toward a degree. Graduates in the Centennial State emerge academically prepared for national certification exams and ready to deliver high-quality, cost-conscious primary care.

Comparing AGPCNP Programs in Colorado

TLDR: Quick Decision Guide

Choose CU Anschutz if you want the most flexible entry point — MSN, post-graduate certificate, or BS-DNP — from Colorado’s top-ranked nursing college with a 100% board certification pass rate.

Choose Colorado Mesa University if rural and underserved population health is central to your practice goals and you want a solid MSN at a competitive in-state rate.

Choose Colorado Christian University if you want a DNP that pairs AGPCNP clinical training with executive nursing leadership credentials — and you value a faith-integrated curriculum with dedicated DNP project mentorship.


Colorada AGPCNP DNP Programs

Two schools offer DNP-level AGPCNP pathways in Colorado.

CCU’s BSN-to-DNP is the more affordable option at ~$50,350 versus CU Anschutz’s BS-DNP at $59,274 for CO residents — though CU Anschutz carries the prestige of being the #1 DNP program in Colorado.

CCU’s program is unique in combining AGPCNP clinical training with a Transformational Leadership specialty, preparing graduates for both bedside and executive roles in a single degree.

MSN-prepared nurses seeking only a doctoral upgrade should consider CCU’s MSN-to-DNP track at ~$24,300 — the most affordable doctoral option in the state.

ProgramSchoolEst. TuitionDurationClinical HoursFormat
BSN-to-DNP AGPCNPCCU~$50,3503 years1,160 hrsFully online; 1 on-campus weekend
MSN-to-DNP (Leadership)CCU~$24,3004–5 semesters520 hrsFully online; 1 on-campus weekend
BS-to-DNP AGPCNPCU Anschutz$59,274 (CO res.)4–4.5 years1,080 hrsHybrid online; limited campus visits

Colorado MSN AGPCNP Programs

Three schools offer MSN-level AGPCNP programs, with Colorado Mesa University coming in as the most affordable at ~$34,183 in-state — and the only program with a dedicated rural and underserved populations clinical track.

CU Anschutz’s MSN is similarly priced to South University but carries stronger name recognition and a structured 7-semester plan.

ProgramSchoolEst. TuitionDurationClinical HoursFormat
MSN-AGNPColorado Mesa~$34,183 (in-state)~3 years750 hrsFully online; some travel for clinicals
RN-to-MSN AGPCNPSouth University~$49,200~3–4 yearsNot publicly specifiedFully online
MSN-AGPCNPCU Anschutz$38,448 (CO res.)2.5 years540 hrsHybrid online; limited campus visits

AGPCNP Certificate Programs in Colorado

Only CU Anschutz offers a post-graduate certificate in Colorado, making it the go-to option for MSN-prepared nurses who want to add the AGPCNP specialty without pursuing a second full degree.

At ~$20,025 and just 1.5 years, it is the fastest and most affordable pathway in the state — and it still includes the full 540 clinical hours and the same 100% board certification pass rate as the MSN track. Enrollment is space-available, so early application is advised.

ProgramSchoolEst. TuitionDurationClinical HoursEntry Requirement
Post-Graduate Certificate AGPCNPCU Anschutz~$20,025 (CO res.)1.5 years540 hrsMSN required

Clinical Placements and Preceptor Support

Clinical placement support varies significantly across programs — an important consideration for students outside major metro areas.

CU Anschutz — Arranges clinical placements for students in the Denver/Aurora metro area through affiliated hospital systems and clinics. Students outside this area are responsible for securing their own sites.

Colorado Christian University — A dedicated Clinical Program Manager assists all BSN-to-DNP students with identifying and placing qualified local preceptors, regardless of geographic location. This is one of the stronger institutional supports in the state.

Colorado Mesa University — Students are responsible for arranging their own clinical preceptors. Some travel may be required, particularly for rural rotation assignments built into the curriculum.


Admissions Comparison

SchoolProgram(s)Min. GPAGRE RequiredApplication Deadline
CU AnschutzMSN, Certificate, BS-DNP3.0 (undergrad nursing)Only if GPA < 3.0Jan 15 (Fall 2026);
Jul 1 (Spring 2027)
Colorado MesaMSN-AGNP3.0 (BSN coursework)NoApril 15 (Fall entry)
CCUBSN-DNP, MSN-DNP3.0 (on 4.0 scale)NoContact admissions (Summer & Spring starts)