Awards and Recognitions

Founded in 1908, Children's Hospital Colorado is a private, not-for-profit pediatric healthcare network dedicated 100% to caring for kids. With more than 2,700 pediatric specialists and more than 9,000 full-time employees, Children's Colorado is home to a number of nationally and internationally recognized medical programs.

U.S. News & World Report

Since U.S. News & World Report began ranking hospitals based on clinical data and reputation more than 20 years ago, Children's Colorado has consistently been recognized as among the best pediatric hospitals.

This year, Children’s Colorado once again ranked in the Top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation. We also remain No. 1 in Colorado and the region, with high marks in all 11 ranked specialties. When it comes to the big things, we have it covered. But it’s the moments in between that set us apart to those in our care and to the broader pediatric community.

Magnet Recognition Program^®

The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize healthcare organizations that demonstrate nursing excellence and disseminate successful nursing practices and strategies.

Children's Colorado received its fifth designation from Magnet in 2025. This recognition applies to all our Denver Metro locations and the Briargate Outpatient Care Facility in Colorado Springs. At the time of this award, only 10% of U.S. hospitals had achieved Magnet designation, and to accomplish this recognition five times in a row places Children's Colorado among the top 1.4% of hospitals nationwide.

We were initially designated a Magnet hospital in 2005 and were recognized again in 2011, 2015 and 2020. Hospitals must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet standards and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. 

Read our press release to learn more about this recognition. 

Beacon Award for Excellence

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) awarded the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at our hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence in 2024. This three-year honor recognizes care teams that successfully improve patient outcomes and align their practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Only 15 PICUs in the nation currently hold this designation, and Children’s Colorado is the only PICU in the state to receive this award.

Learn more about the Beacon Award for Excellence

5280 Magazine's Top Docs

In 2025, 5280 magazine named 209 of our physicians to their annual Top Doctors list. Our providers swept an incredible 13 categories. We are grateful and honored that these providers serve the Children’s Colorado mission.

Learn more about the 2025 honorees

Colorado Springs Magazine Top Doctors

Each year, Colorado Springs Magazine surveys doctors to learn who they would recommend if they or a family member needed care. In 2025, 51 of our physicians were recognized in the magazine's annual "Top Doctors" list. Our doctors also swept 27 categories.

Read more about our 2025 honorees

The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health Platinum Recipient

In 2024, Children's Colorado was awarded platinum status — the highest level of recognition — from the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The national certification program, which is led by Mental Health America, recognizes employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. Bell Seal recipients complete a comprehensive 58-criteria application of workplace policies and practices that influence worker mental health outcomes, including workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. 

Learn more about this recognition

American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality

In 2015, Children's Colorado was named the winner of the American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Award. We are only the second children's hospital to win the award in its 14-year history. The award recognizes hospitals for their commitment to making six quality aims a reality: safety, patient-centeredness, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness and equity.

The Quest for Quality judges were impressed by Children's Colorado's commitment to high-quality, safe patient care in every department, both clinical and nonclinical.

Read our press release