Colorado is a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners (since 2020) and is a full member of both the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). NPs with a multistate RN license can apply as a C-APN and skip the Colorado RN endorsement step. The IMLC offers an expedited pathway for eligible physicians already licensed in another compact state. Physician assistants must obtain a Colorado-specific PA-C license (the PA Licensure Compact was enacted in Colorado on August 7, 2024, but is not yet operational). Temporary licenses are available for physicians (up to 180 days) but not for NPs or PAs. Processing timelines are 2 to 4 weeks for NPs, approximately 30 days for PAs, and approximately 60 days for physicians. All professions use the same online licensing portal and the same electronic fingerprinting vendors (IdentoGO or American Bioidentity,/Colorado Fingerprinting) — do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application.
This page provides a licensing overview for each profession WMS places in Colorado, along with links to the detailed guides for each. If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Colorado, use the profession-specific guide for step-by-step instructions, checklists, and frequently asked questions.
Colorado Locum Tenens Licensing: Quick Reference
The table below summarizes the key licensing details for each profession. Follow the links in each section below for complete guidance.
| Profession | Issuing Board | Timeline | Temp License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (ANP/C-APN) | Colorado Board of Nursing | 2–4 weeks | Yes |
| Physician Assistant (PA-C) | Colorado Medical Board | ~30 days | Yes |
| Physician (MD/DO) | Colorado Medical Board | ~60 days (IMLC: faster) | Yes (Up to 180 days) |
Colorado Locum Tenens Licensing by Profession
Nurse Practitioner (APN)
Nurse practitioners working locum tenens in Colorado must hold an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) registration and a separate Prescriptive Authority (RXN) designation, both issued by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Colorado is a full NLC member state — NPs who hold a multistate RN license from an NLC member state can apply as a C-APN and do not need a separate Colorado RN license; those without a compact license must apply for Colorado RN endorsement simultaneously. Colorado grants NPs full practice authority. No collaborative agreement or physician supervision is required. The board typically reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks; prescriptive authority must be applied for separately (fee: $264), but can be submitted at the same time as the APN application. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for NPs. The full APN registration must be in place before practice begins. Electronic fingerprinting through the CABS program is required for some applicants; do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Colorado NP Licensing Guide.
Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Physician assistants practicing in Colorado must hold a PA-C license issued by the Colorado Medical Board. Applications are submitted through the state’s online portal and require FSMB disciplinary history verification, NCCPA board exam passage, and electronic fingerprinting through the CABS program. The board estimates an average processing time of approximately 30 days from receipt of a complete application.
Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for Pas. The full PA-C license must be in place before practice begins. A collaborative plan with a supervising physician is required for PAs with fewer than 3,000 post-graduate practice hours, or those entering a new specialty with fewer than 2,000 specialty hours. WMS initiates the collaborative or supervising agreement with the facility after your assignment is confirmed, and no action is needed from you during initial licensing. If a license is approved before a supervising physician is registered, the PA has 180 days to complete that registration before the license converts to inactive. Colorado enacted the PA Licensure Compact on August 7, 2024, but it is not yet operational.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Colorado PA Licensing Guide.
Physician (MD/DO)
Physicians practicing in Colorado must hold a license issued by the Colorado Medical Board. The application requires the FSMB Uniform Application (UA) and FCVS credentials verification, initiating FCVS early is the most effective way to avoid delays, as it is typically the longest step for first-time users. The board advises allowing approximately 60 days for processing a completed application. Colorado is a full IMLC member. Eligible physicians with an active, unrestricted license in another compact state can apply through the IMLC for a faster pathway. A temporary license is available for up to 180 days for physicians holding a valid, unrestricted license in another state; it is not renewable or extendable. Three professional references, a notarized affidavit, and a passport-style photograph are required. Electronic fingerprinting through the CABS program is required; do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Colorado Physician Licensing Guide.
Additional Licensing Requirements in Colorado
DEA Registration. Providers who prescribe controlled substances must have DEA registration reflecting a Colorado address before beginning work. Providers can either transfer an existing DEA license to Colorado or obtain an additional DEA registration for locum work. Transfers can take up to five business days, so planning ahead is important.
Electronic Fingerprinting (All Professions). Colorado requires background checks processed by both the CBI and FBI for all licensed professions. Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through an approved CABS vendor including IdentoGO Fingerprint Services or American Bioidentity/Colorado Fingerprinting. Do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application; DPO must receive both CBI and FBI results before a license can be issued.
NP Prescriptive Authority. Colorado APN registration does not automatically include prescriptive authority. NPs must submit a separate application for an RXN (or C-RXN) designation through the same online portal. The RXN fee is $264. Without it, an NP cannot prescribe medications in Colorado. The RXN application can be submitted simultaneously with the APN application.
Additional Resources
The following resources may be useful as you prepare for your Alaska locum tenens assignment:
- Colorado APN Applications
- Colorado PA Application (Scroll down the page past Physician Applications.)
- Colorado Physician Applications
- Colorado Online Licensing Portal
- IMLC (Interstate Medical Licensure Compact)
Current Colorado Locum Tenens Job Openings
Browse current and upcoming locum tenens opportunities across Alaska below.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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