School Nurse Basics

Initial Special Service Provider (SSP) License

New school nurses must apply with the Colorado Department of Education for an Initial Special Service Provider License. 

• Requirements for Special Service Provider Endorsement as a School Nurse
  • Associate's or higher degree in nursing
  • A valid RN license to practice in Colorado pursuant to the Nurse Practice Act (12-255-101, et. seq., C.R.S.) or a valid multi-state license and able to practice in Colorado pursuant to the nurse licensure compact (24-60-3802, C.R.S.)
    • Important Note: Registered nurses must maintain an active DORA license to practice nursing in Colorado in addition to the CDE-issued special services license/school nurse. Those holding multi-state licenses issued by another state must apply for a Colorado DORA-issued RN license within 60 days, as per the Nurse License Compact.

Why do I need a Special Service Provider License from CDE if I already hold a Registered Nurse License through DORA?

School nurse services are services provided by a qualified school nurse. Per the Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) Rules March 2016, 1 CCR 301-8, 2.37(3)(m), all related services personnel providing services to children with disabilities shall hold Colorado special services licenses or certificates with appropriate endorsements.

How do I apply for a Special Service Provider License?

• Application Process for Special Service Provider License
  • Registered Nurses with an active RN license may apply for the Initial SSP license; nursing school is the "preparation program" for nurses and no additional coursework is needed for the Initial SSP license.
• CDE Licensing Office home page
• For questions about licensure requirements or the application:
  • Submit Licensing Support Requests Form
  • Call 720-739-3304
    Phone hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Advancing from Initial SSP license to Professional SSP license

The Initial SSP license expires in 3 years. Prior to expiration, the school nurse will need to apply for a Professional SSP license. 

• The initially licensed school nurse must participate in an approved induction program.
• To advance from an Initial SSP license to a Professional SSP license, you will need a certificate verifying completion of an induction program specific to the license you wish to advance (ie, Special Service Provider with School Nurse endorsement).  
• Induction programs are provided by your school (public, private or charter), Charter School Institute, or BOCES.  
• Per 1 CCR 301-37 8.2, the induction program must include a process for the selection and training of mentors and for the matching of mentors with inductees, so contact your induction coordinator to be assigned a mentor.