Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) treat children of all ages, from birth to adolescence and even into young adulthood. Generally, those wishing to pursue a PNP degree specialize in either primary or acute care. Acute PNPs generally work within a hospital setting, while primary care PNPs work in outpatient facilities, like doctors’ offices or clinics.
Nurses who want to pursue a PNP degree don’t have many options in Colorado, but one well-respected program is at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
PNP Programs Accepting Colorado Applicants
Colorado BSN to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
BSN-prepared nurses can pursue a PNP degree at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The university has two options available.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Aurora, Colorado
- Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $770 per credit hour + fees for residents; $1,248 per credit hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers two PNP options: acute care and primary care. Both of these specialties also offer DNP options.
The acute care PNP MSN track is 50 credits with 595 clinical hours and takes three years to complete, while the BSN to DNP program is 76 credits with 1125 clinical hours and takes 4.5 years. All of the courses for these programs are completed online, with the exception of two class seminars for each didactic course and a monthly clinical conference.
The primary care program is completed in eight semesters, which takes about two years and eight months. It is 47 credits with 540 clinical hours. The BSN to DNP option is 73 credits with 1080 clinical hours and can be completed in four years. The classes for these programs are also completed mostly online, but students attend some on-campus sessions throughout the program.
Online Colorado PNP Programs
Unfortunately, the options for this specialty are somewhat limited. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers the only PNP programs in the state. That said, it does offer plenty of options. All of the PNP programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have classes offered online, but students must come to campus throughout the program.
More PNP Programs for Colorado Students
Best PNP Programs in Colorado
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers the only PNP program in the state, but they offer multiple pathways.
MSN to PNP Post-Graduate Certificate
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Aurora, Colorado
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $770 per credit hour + fees for residents; $1,248 per credit hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers two postgraduate certificate programs, one in acute care and one in primary care.
Courses in the acute care program are completed online, with the exception of two class seminars for each didactic course and a monthly clinical conference. It consists of 19 credits and 360 clinical hours.
The primary care program also offers most classes online, but students must come to campus several times during the program. This primary care route is 24 credits and 540 clinical hours.
Colorado’s Most Affordable PNP Programs
Again, there aren’t many options for this specialty in Colorado. Tuition at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is $770 per credit hour plus fees for residents and $1,248 per credit hour plus fees for non-residents.
Where Do PNPs Work in Colorado?
Colorado has a strong healthcare system for children, and PNPs can find work in a range of settings across the state. Children’s Hospital Colorado, based in Aurora and affiliated with the University of Colorado Anschutz campus, is the primary pediatric hospital and one of the largest employers of PNPs in the region. It runs satellite locations in Colorado Springs, Broomfield, and several other communities along the Front Range.
Beyond hospital settings, PNPs in Colorado work in primary care pediatric offices, school-based health clinics, and community health centers. Organizations like Sunrise Community Health in Greeley and Salud Family Health Centers serve rural and underserved populations where pediatric providers are in high demand. The Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment program is available to NPs who commit to working in shortage areas, which can help offset the cost of a PNP degree.
PNP Career Outlook in Colorado
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse practitioner employment to grow 40% nationally through 2031, and Colorado follows that trend. The state’s pediatric population continues to grow, especially along the Front Range corridor from Fort Collins to Pueblo. Rural areas in the Western Slope and Eastern Plains have persistent shortages of pediatric providers, creating steady demand for PNPs willing to work outside the Denver metro area.
PNPs in Colorado earn competitive salaries. According to recent data, nurse practitioners in the state earn a median annual salary above the national average, with those in specialized pediatric roles often earning more due to the limited supply of PNP-certified providers.
Interested in other NP specializations in Colorado? See our main Colorado nurse practitioner programs page, or explore FNP programs, AGNP programs, and DNP programs in the state. For more about pediatric NP education nationally, visit our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PNP programs are available in Colorado?
Colorado has limited in-state options for PNP degrees. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the primary school offering both primary care and acute care PNP tracks. However, several online PNP programs based in other states accept Colorado applicants, giving students more choices without needing to relocate.
What is the difference between a primary care PNP and an acute care PNP?
Primary care PNPs manage wellness visits, vaccinations, chronic conditions, and developmental screenings in outpatient settings like clinics and pediatric offices. Acute care PNPs work in hospitals, emergency departments, and intensive care units treating children with serious or life-threatening conditions. CU Anschutz offers both tracks, so Colorado students can choose the path that matches their career goals.
Can I complete a PNP program online in Colorado?
The CU Anschutz PNP program includes some online coursework but also requires on-campus intensives and clinical rotations. For a fully online option, several out-of-state universities with CCNE or ACEN accreditation accept Colorado residents and allow them to complete clinical hours locally. Check individual program requirements for details on distance learning formats.
What does PNP licensure require in Colorado?
To practice as a PNP in Colorado, you need to hold an active RN license, complete an accredited PNP program, and pass the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or ANCC certification exam. New graduates must also complete a 1,000-hour mentorship period before gaining full practice authority. After that, Colorado PNPs can practice and prescribe independently.