MSN Degree Programs in Colorado

Coloradans are independent, active, and health-focused, which means that schools and universities located in the state have a unique dedication to providing quality nursing programs to our student population. Nurses with a particular inclination toward independent practice may be interested in going back to school and enrolling in a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program. Having an MSN is the minimum requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner or taking on an executive role in healthcare, but these programs are still manageable in terms of cost and a timeline to graduation. Below is some information on the various MSN programs available in the state whether in metropolitan centers such as Denver or in the idyllic mountain communities across the state.

RN to MSN Programs in Colorado

One of the best options for working nurses who are interested in going back to graduate school is an RN to MSN program. These types of bridge programs allow nurses who have an active license and an ADN to receive their MSN without having to enroll in a lengthy 4-year BSN. Instead, the program allows nurses to leverage their existing education and nursing experience into a much shorter and more affordable education, sometimes graduating with their MSN in only 2 years.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• Alabama RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

If you think that an RN to MSN program is a good fit for you, check out either Regis University (RU) or Aspen University (ASPU) for examples.

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Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Colorado

If you still have reservations about enrolling in graduate school, it likely has something to do with the cost of tuition, the time commitment, or both. The fortunate news is that an MSN program is naturally one of the fastest and most affordable nursing programs you can pursue. Still, there are some that are cheaper and quicker than others. See the sections below on the various factors that tie into the length and cost of MSN programs and a few examples of the fastest and cheapest MSN programs you can find in Colorado.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

In most cases, you can expect to wrap up an MSN program in under four years of full-time study, but in some cases, you may be able to graduate in only two years or even less. This is especially true if you take advantage of online programs and summer learning options. Here are a few examples of MSN programs located in Colorado that offer a manageable timeline to graduation:

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

Students in Colorado know that it can be pretty hard to find anything that’s considered “affordable” in the state. That being said, you may be surprised to learn that many of the MSN programs located in Colorado actually offer somewhat manageable costs of tuition, especially compared to other schools in the state. If you’re already a resident of Colorado, you have an even better shot at a cheap MSN program through in-state tuition rates. Here are a few examples of affordable MSN programs in the state:

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) 

If you’re one of many students who is just now considering the nursing field after already completing a bachelor’s degree in another area, there’s a unique bridge program that allows you to enroll in an MSN program without having to complete another bachelor’s degree first. An Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program typically only takes about four years to complete which is a much shorter (and affordable) option than a BSN plus an MSN program which will take about six years (if you’re lucky). Below are the typical requirements to enroll in an MENP program:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

For examples of accelerated MSN programs, check out the University of Colorado (CU) and the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD).

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

Beyond the timeliness and low cost of MSN programs in Colorado, the state also offers a variety of specialized MSN programs. These types of programs allow students to narrow their focus into an area of practice that they’re passionate about and unlock higher salaries and more independence in the field. Here are a few examples of schools in Colorado that offer specialized MSN programs:

What is MSN Accreditation?

MSN accreditation is an essential step that an MSN program must take to ensure quality standards. These standards are set forth by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and confirm the program's curriculum, faculty, and outcomes prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Accredited programs are also recognized by employers and qualify for financial aid.