Nurse practitioners seeking licensure in Colorado apply through the Colorado Board of Nursing for Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) registration and prescriptive authority. Colorado is a full practice authority state — NPs may practice and prescribe independently without a supervising physician. Applications are submitted online, and the board typically reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks of submission.
This guide covers the Colorado NP licensing process for locum tenens applicants, including application types, fees, fingerprinting, prescriptive authority, DEA registration, and renewal.
Colorado Board of Nursing Contact Information
Colorado Board of Nursing
Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Email: [email protected]
APRN Licensing Contact: Taylor Warner — (303) 894-7795 | [email protected]
Website: Colorado APN Applications
Colorado NP Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential Name | Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) — Nurse Practitioner |
| Issuing Board | Colorado Board of Nursing |
| Application Method | Online portal (apps2.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/default.aspx) |
| Application Fees | Advanced Practice Registry: $132 | Prescriptive Authority (RXN): $264 | Estimated total: $390–$415 |
| Temporary License | Not available. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for NPs. |
| Processing Timeline | Board reviews applications within 2–4 weeks of submission. License posts within a few weeks of review if no additional documentation is needed. Allow longer during May graduation season. |
| Full Practice Authority | Yes. NPs may practice and prescribe independently without a supervising physician. |
| Prescriptive Authority | Separate application required (RXN). Not included automatically with APN registration. |
| NLC Compact | Yes. Colorado is a full NLC member state. |
| Renewal | APN and RXN authorities expire September 30 of odd or even years, mirroring the RN license expiration date. |
Full Practice Authority
Colorado is a full practice authority state. Nurse practitioners who hold a Colorado APN registration with prescriptive authority (RXN) may practice and prescribe independently without a supervising or collaborating physician. There is no collaborative agreement requirement for NPs in Colorado.
Application Types
There are two application types for Colorado APN licensure, based on the type of RN license the applicant holds:
APN (Colorado RN license holder): For NPs who hold an active Colorado Registered Nurse license. Select “Nursing – Colorado RN Advanced Practice & Prescriptive Authority Applications” in the Online Services portal.
C-APN (Compact multistate RN license holder): For NPs who hold an active compact multistate RN license from an NLC member state. Select “Nursing – Out of State RN Advanced Practice & Prescriptive Authority Applications” in the Online Services portal.
The board recommends submitting the RN and APRN applications simultaneously to minimize processing times, if both are needed.
NLC Compact and RN Licensure
Colorado is a full member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). NPs who hold a multistate RN license issued by an NLC member state may use that license as the RN component of their Colorado APRN application, applying as a C-APN. This avoids the need to obtain a separate Colorado RN license.
NPs who do not hold a compact multistate RN license will need to apply for a Colorado RN license by endorsement in addition to the APN application. The board recommends submitting both applications at the same time.
NP License Application
All Colorado APN applications are submitted through the state online licensing portal at apps2.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/default.aspx. The application fee is nonrefundable and must be paid by credit card at the time of submission.
All applicants must:
- Submit payment of the required application fee via credit card (nonrefundable and nontransferable)
- Provide information about any other healthcare licenses held
- Upload verification of national certification (AANP, ANCC, PNCB, AMCB, NCC, or equivalent)
- Select population focus (if declaring multiple focuses, upload additional certifications)
- Declare Primary State of Residence (PSOR)
- Attest to holding professional liability insurance
- Answer general and criminal history questions and upload any required documentation
- Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile including all supporting documents
Important: Applications expire one year from the date of submission. If required documents are not provided within that time, the application will expire and a new application, new documents, and new fee will be required.
Licensing Fees
All fees are nonrefundable.
- Advanced Practice Registry fee: $132
- Prescriptive Authority (RXN/C-RXN) fee: $264
- Estimated total: $390–$415
Verify current fees on the Colorado APN Applications page before submitting, as fees can change.
Licensing Timeline
The Colorado Board of Nursing typically reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks of submission. If no additional documentation or clarification is needed, the license will post within a few weeks of that initial review.
Timelines vary based on the extent of the applicant’s work history, number of licenses held in other states or territories, and whether any convictions or malpractice claims are disclosed. Application volume increases during May graduation season and processing times may be longer during that period.
Submitting all supporting documents promptly and following all instructions carefully helps avoid delays. Incomplete applications cause processing delays.
Temporary License
Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for nurse practitioners. Applicants must wait for the full APN registration to be issued before practicing in the state.
Fingerprinting
Some applicants for Colorado NP licensure are required to submit fingerprints for a background check processed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through one of two approved vendors under the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program:
Important: Do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application. The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) must receive the results of both the CBI and FBI background checks before a license can be issued.
Prescriptive Authority
The Colorado APN registration does not automatically include prescriptive authority. To prescribe medications, NPs must submit a separate application for a Prescriptive Authority (RXN) designation through the same online portal.
NPs with a Colorado RN license apply for an RXN designation. NPs with a compact multistate RN license apply for a C-RXN designation. The prescriptive authority fee is $264.
Once granted, Colorado NPs with an RXN may:
- Practice and prescribe independently within their role and population focus, without a supervising physician
- Issue prescription orders for any drug or controlled substance, provided each prescription is entered in the patient’s chart along with the NP’s name and practice address
- Dispense or distribute prepackaged drugs prepared by a licensed pharmacist or drug manufacturer, free samples supplied by a drug manufacturer, and drugs for administration by other individuals as authorized by law
Note: A valid DEA registration is required to prescribe controlled substances.
DEA Registration
NPs who plan to prescribe controlled substances in Colorado must hold a DEA registration listing a Colorado address. DEA registration is not a prerequisite for the APN license or RXN, but must be in place before prescribing controlled substances begins on an assignment.
For locum tenens work, there are two options: obtain a separate DEA registration for Colorado, or transfer an existing DEA registration to a Colorado address before the assignment starts. Both options are managed through the DEA Diversion Control Division website. Transfers can take up to five business days, so plan accordingly when scheduling assignment start dates.
License Renewal
Colorado APN registrations and Prescriptive Authority (RXN) designations expire on September 30 of odd or even-numbered years, mirroring the expiration date of the underlying RN license. Both the APN and RXN must be renewed independently along with the RN license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado require a temporary license for NP applicants?
No. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for nurse practitioners. Applicants must wait for the full APN registration to be issued before practicing in the state.
Does Colorado require a collaborative agreement for NPs?
No. Colorado is a full practice authority state. NPs who hold an APN registration with prescriptive authority (RXN) may practice and prescribe independently without a supervising or collaborating physician. No collaborative agreement is required.
What is the difference between APN and C-APN in Colorado?
APN designation is for NPs who hold an active Colorado RN license. C-APN designation is for NPs who hold an active compact multistate RN license from an NLC member state. Both designations allow independent NP practice in Colorado. The application portal selection differs between the two types.
Does prescriptive authority come with the APN registration automatically?
No. The Colorado APN registration does not include prescriptive authority. NPs must submit a separate application for a Prescriptive Authority (RXN or C-RXN) designation through the online portal. The RXN fee is $264. Without it, an NP cannot prescribe medications in Colorado.
Do I need a Colorado RN license to apply for an APRN license?
It depends on what type of RN license you hold. If you hold an active compact multistate RN license from an NLC member state, you can apply as a C-APN and do not need a separate Colorado RN license. If you do not hold a compact license, you will need to apply for a Colorado RN license by endorsement in addition to the APN application. The board recommends submitting both applications simultaneously to reduce processing time.
How long does it take to get a Colorado NP license?
The board typically reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks of submission. If no additional documentation is needed, the license posts within a few weeks of that review. Timelines vary based on work history complexity, number of prior licenses, and any disclosed convictions or malpractice claims. Processing times are longer during May graduation season.
What are the fingerprinting requirements for Colorado NP licensure?
Colorado requires electronic fingerprint submission for background checks processed by both the CBI and FBI through the CABS program. Fingerprints must be submitted through an approved vendor — either IdentoGO or American Bioidentity/Colorado Fingerprinting. Do not submit fingerprints until ready to apply, as DPO must receive both background check results before issuing a license.
When does a Colorado NP license need to be renewed?
Colorado APN registrations and RXN designations expire on September 30 of odd or even-numbered years, mirroring the underlying RN license expiration date. Both must be renewed independently along with the RN license. Confirm current CE requirements with the Colorado Board of Nursing before the renewal deadline.
Does a Colorado NP need a DEA registration?
Yes, if prescribing controlled substances. A DEA registration listing a Colorado address must be in place before prescribing controlled substances on an assignment. NPs can either obtain a separate Colorado DEA registration or transfer an existing registration to Colorado prior to the assignment. Transfers can take up to five business days.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
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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