CRNA Programs in Colorado
Colorado is home to 1 accredited nurse anesthesia program in Parker. This program awards the DNAP doctoral degree, with total costs in our directory ranging from $68K to $68K. 1 of the 1 program carries confirmed COA accreditation review dates (shown on each card below).
Nationally, CRNAs earn an average of about $248,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for nurse anesthetists over the coming decade. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), the recognized accrediting body for nurse anesthesia education. For the full national picture, see how to become a CRNA and our salary-by-state guide.
Accredited Colorado CRNA Programs
Cost and acceptance figures are estimates for comparison; accreditation review dates are sourced from the COA list current as of March 6, 2026. Always verify current details with each program.
CRNA Salary in Colorado
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate average-wage figure for nurse anesthetists in Colorado in its May 2025 data. BLS estimates roughly 800 nurse anesthetists work in the state, but it suppresses the wage figure to protect respondent confidentiality. As a benchmark, the national average is $248,320 per year.
CRNA pay is among the highest in advanced-practice nursing nationwide. See how Colorado's neighbors compare in our CRNA salary by state guide.
Becoming a CRNA in Colorado: Licensure & Practice
To practice in Colorado, you'll hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license granted through the Colorado Board of Nursing. After you graduate from one of the COA-accredited programs above and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), you apply to the board for authorization in the nurse anesthetist role and renew on the state's cycle.
Colorado is one of the 25 states that have opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement for nurse anesthetists. In practice, a CRNA in Colorado can administer anesthesia without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing — though hospital bylaws, facility credentialing, and your employer's care model still shape day-to-day practice. Note that opting out of the federal rule is not the same as statutory "full practice authority." Always confirm current scope and licensure steps directly with the Colorado Board of Nursing.
New to the field? Start with how to become a CRNA and our breakdown of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist roles.
How to Choose a CRNA Program in Colorado
With 1 accredited program to weigh in Colorado, ranging from Rocky Vista University's listed $68,000 upward, cost and acceptance rate are the easy comparisons — but the factors that most affect your success take a little more digging. Weigh each program on:
- Accreditation status — every program here is COA-accredited; check the next review date shown on each card.
- NCE board pass rate — ask each program for its first-time National Certification Exam pass rate.
- Attrition rate — what share of admitted students complete the program (the national average is low, around 4%).
- Total cost vs. cost of living — a lower sticker price in an expensive city may cost more overall.
- Clinical sites — case variety and volume shape the quality of your training.
- Acceptance rate — build a balanced list of reach and realistic programs.
Use our side-by-side comparison tool to line up Colorado programs against each other, and the GPA calculator to gauge your competitiveness.
Getting Into a Colorado CRNA Program
Admission requirements are consistent nationwide: a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ to be competitive), and at least one year of critical-care (ICU) experience. Most programs also expect the CCRN and three professional letters of recommendation, and about half require the GRE.
Before applying, you'll need an active Colorado RN license — contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for current licensure steps and timelines. Then work backward from each program's deadline using our resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado has 1 accredited nurse anesthesia program in Parker. All are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Total program costs in Colorado range from about $68K to $68K based on our directory data. The most affordable listed option is Rocky Vista University at $68,000. Confirm current tuition directly with each program.
Colorado programs award the DNAP degree. Both the DNP and DNAP qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and are treated interchangeably by employers.
Like all U.S. programs, Colorado schools require a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ competitive), and at least one year of ICU experience. Most also expect the CCRN and strong letters of recommendation. See our full CRNA school requirements guide for details.
BLS does not publish a separate Colorado wage for nurse anesthetists in its May 2025 data. The national average is $248,320 per year; see our salary-by-state guide for regional context.
Colorado has opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs can practice without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing. Facility bylaws and employer policies still apply, and opt-out is distinct from statutory full practice authority.
CRNA Programs in Other States
Explore nurse anesthesia programs in other major markets: