An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) works with adult patients ranging in age from young adults to seniors with a particular focus on aging and how it affects the body. Colorado is one of the 15 states that give NPs full practice authority. Nurse practitioners who have completed the process of obtaining prescriptive authority can diagnose, treat, and manage medication for a range of common conditions.
People looking for AGNP programs in Colorado have a few options, from programs focusing on primary and acute care to those offering doctorate degrees.
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BSN to AGNP Programs
The following programs are for BSN-prepared nurses interested in pursuing an AGNP degree. Some offer specializations in acute or primary care, and one program provides an opportunity to get a dual degree as an AGNP and FNP. Doctorate-level degrees are also available in this specialty.
Colorado Mesa University
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $662 per credit hour + fees for residents; $1,007.53 per credit hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The AGNP program at Colorado Mesa University is for BSN-prepared nurses and focuses on underserved, vulnerable, and rural populations. The program’s online format makes it a flexible option for nurses who plan to continue working throughout the program, although students are required to be on campus a few times for in-person intensives. Clinical settings can include long-term care facilities, community-based facilities, or primary care sites.
Colorado State University-Pueblo
- Pueblo, Colorado
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 74-80
Clinical Hours: 1170
Tuition: $396.38 per credit hour for residents + fees; $750 to $915 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Colorado State University-Pueblo’s AGMP is unique because it is a dual program that prepares nurses for both the AGNP and family nurse practitioner certification exams. Because of this, completion of the program requires as many as 80 credits and 1170 clinical hours. Full-time students can complete this program in as little as 2.5 years. Part-time options are available, but all requirements must be met within six years of beginning the program.
This university also offers a DNP AGNP program, which consists of 83 credits and 1125 clinical hours. Full-time students can complete this pathway in 11 consecutive semesters over four years.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Aurora, Colorado
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $770 per credit hour + fees for residents; $1,248 per credit hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Students wishing to pursue an AGNP program have two options at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The first is a BSN to MSN program. Most of the classes are completed online, but students are required to come to campus for in-person intensives. Full-time students can complete all requirements in seven consecutive semesters over two years. Students can complete clinical hours in sites close to their homes but are encouraged to start the process early, as verification and approval can take time.
The BSN to DNP program is offered in the same format. Many classes are entirely online, but students must come to campus occasionally. This program is 74 credits and requires 1080 clinical hours. Full-time students can complete this AGNP option in 10 semesters or a little over two years.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 47 to 49
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $846 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
The AGNP program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is unique because it is the only program that does not require on-campus visits. All classwork is done online, and primary-care-based clinical experiences can be completed in the area where the student resides. Due to individual state regulations, only residents of the following states are accepted into the program: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Alaska.
Online AGNP Programs
Students who prefer an online option have a few options. Colorado Mesa University and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus both offer programs that are primarily online with some on-campus requirements.
The program that stands out in this state is the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, which does not require campus visits. Students can complete all the necessary coursework online and work with clinical sites local to where they reside.
Best AGNP Programs in Colorado
The best AGNP program depends on what you’re looking for. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is best if you want something convenient because it has no on-campus requirements.
Colorado State University-Pueblo offers a dual FNP-AGNP degree that prepares students for both licensing exams. This program can be a great option, making you more marketable and allowing you to work with a wider range of patients.
MSN to AGNP Post-Graduate Certificate
Post-graduate certificates allow nurses who have already completed an MSN in nursing to get the clinical education they need to take the AGNP certification exam. In Colorado, nurses can pursue this option at Colorado State University-Pueblo.
Colorado State University-Pueblo
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $396.38 per credit hour for residents + fees; $750 to $915 per credit hour for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Colorado State University-Pueblo offers two post-graduate certificates for those wishing to pursue a career as an AGNP. The AGNP program prepares nurses with a master’s in another nursing area to take the AGNP certification exam and practice as an AGNP. The other option is a dual post-master’s certification that prepares students for the AGNP and FNP certification exams. This program requires 585 clinical hours for each concentration. Students’ coursework and plans are developed according to their previous education and experience for these programs.
Colorado’s Most Affordable AGNP Programs
Colorado State University-Pueblo is, by far, the most affordable AGNP program in Colorado for residents at about $397 per credit. Non-residents pay between $750 to $915 per credit, which is in line with the other schools in this state.
Please note that every school has its own fee schedule. The costs listed here are only the cost per credit hour.