Master of Science
Family Nurse Practitioner
With a Master’s degree in this specialty, you can care for patients of all ages from birth to the end of life. You‘ll be trained to use a comprehensive, holistic approach that considers your patients’ physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Shift your career in a new direction — train to become an independent provider.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
2.5 years
8 semesters
Exam prep
FNP
When you finish the program, you can sit for a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we set up clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
Hybrid design for flexibility and connection
This program is mostly online, helping you to fit school into your busy life. We offer opportunities to connect with your peers and teachers through on-campus meetings, community service projects, and virtual chats.
100%
Board certification exam pass rate for this specialty
#1
Nursing master’s program in Colorado*
1st
Nurse practitioner program developed
Career
When you complete this program and get board-certified, you’ll unlock a new career path and scope of practice.
What you can do
- Prescribe medication
- Serve as an independent provider
- Assess, diagnose, and treat health conditions
- Educate patients about health management and disease prevention
Who you can care for
Patients of all ages, from birth to end of life. If you like working with both kids and adults, this is the right specialty for you.
Where you can work
- Urgent care clinics
- Family clinics
- Internal medicine clinics
- + more
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadline |
| Fall 2025 | August 15 | January 15 |
| Spring 2026 | January 15 | July 1 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Hands-on training
In this program, you’ll get 14 credit hours of experience working in a healthcare setting. We arrange your clinical placement and strive to match you with a preceptor aligned with your interests.
In-depth coursework
In 42 classroom-based credit hours (also called “didactic” credits), you’ll learn advanced concepts ranging from pathophyisology to pediatric care. When you successfully complete the program, you’ll be ready to apply for board certification.
Costs
| Residency status | Tutition1 |
| Colorado residents | $43,960 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $43,960 |
| Non-residents | $71,288 |
| Additional expenses | Estimated costs |
| Fees | $944 |
| Books and supplies | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance | $4,200 |
I
chose CU Nursing because of the relationship that it has with other
hospitals and the Denver community. I knew that I would get
high-quality clinical placements and faculty. Just the reputation of CU
being a high-quality school was something that I wanted.
Kate Redlinger, RN, MS in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Alum
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.