Most important takeaways…
- Colorado MA program costs range from under $5,000 to over $18,000.
- Denver-area medical assistants earn above the national median salary.
- The state's MA workforce is projected to grow roughly 28% through 2026.
Top Accredited Medical Assistant Schools in Colorado
Compare accredited schools, costs, and certification pathways to launch your MA career in Colorado.
Choosing between a fast certificate and a two-year associate degree shapes how quickly you enter Colorado's expanding healthcare workforce. The state's medical assistant employment is projected to grow roughly 28% through 2026, and many accredited programs can have you clinic-ready in under a year.
But speed is only one factor. Program costs in Colorado range from under $5,000 to over $18,000, certification eligibility depends on accreditation type, and salary varies meaningfully by metro area. Sorting through these variables before you enroll saves time and money on the back end.
Top 10 Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado
Colorado offers a strong mix of community college, career college, and private institute pathways into medical assisting, spanning the Front Range, Northern Colorado, and the Western Slope. Whether you want a fast nine-month certificate, an associate degree with stackable credentials, or evening classes that work around a job, you have real options. Below are the programs we recommend, scored on accreditation, graduate outcomes, affordability, and program quality.
Factors considered
- Accreditation status and type
- Graduate earnings after completion
- Net price and student debt
- Graduation and retention rates
- Clinical training depth
Data sources
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
#1Aurora, CO · $23,000/yr
Best for: Career changers seeking a fast certificate
Pima Medical Institute's Aurora campus delivers a focused, nine-month Medical Assistant Certificate that blends clinical and administrative training through a hybrid format. Institutional accreditation through ABHES and a strong 72% graduation rate give students a structured pathway into healthcare, backed by dedicated career services and clinical externship placements across the Denver metro area.
- 9-month certificate with hybrid on-campus and online coursework
- Clinical externship for supervised, real-world patient care experience
- ABHES-accredited institution recognized for Colorado MA training
- Covers phlebotomy, EKGs, injections, pharmacology, and medical law
- Career services team assists with resume building and job placement
- Evening and daytime scheduling options for flexibility
Pickens Technical College
#2Aurora, CO · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
Best for: Budget-minded students near Denver
Pickens Technical College in Aurora offers a one-year Medical Assisting Certificate at one of the lowest price points on this list, with in-state tuition starting around $5,140. The program includes 160 hours of clinical experience in a simulated medical environment and prepares graduates for the CCMA national exam, plus bonus credentials in BLS and Mental Health First Aid.
- 1-year program with 160 clinical internship hours
- Prepares students for the CCMA national certification exam
- Includes Heartcode BLS and Mental Health First Aid certifications
- Training covers phlebotomy, ECG/EKG, vital signs, and medication admin
- Open to both high school and post-secondary adult learners
- In-state tuition approximately $5,140, among the lowest in the state
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
#3Denver, CO · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
Pima Medical Institute's Denver campus mirrors its Aurora sibling with a nine-month certificate, ABHES accreditation, and a hybrid delivery option, but adds evening classes that suit working adults in the north Denver metro. The 78% retention rate is one of the strongest among private career colleges in the state, and graduates are eligible to sit for the CMA exam through the AAMA.
- 9-month certificate covering clinical and administrative competencies
- ABHES-accredited, eligible for CMA (AAMA) national certification
- Hybrid and evening class options designed for working students
- Clinical externships at healthcare sites across the Denver area
- Experienced instructors with real-world allied health backgrounds
- Career services support including interview prep and job search help
Front Range Community College
#4Westminster, CO · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Front Range Community College is a public institution with CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting programs across three Colorado campuses. Its Longmont campus has held CAAHEP accreditation for nearly 35 years, making it one of the longest-standing accredited MA providers in the state. A two-semester certificate keeps costs low, and an apprenticeship option connects students directly with local employers.
- 2-semester, 26-credit certificate at three campus locations
- CAAHEP-accredited, with nearly 35 years of accreditation at Longmont
- Internship placement and apprenticeship program with local employers
- Covers insurance billing, ICD/CPT coding, patient intake, and diagnostics
- Scholarship funding available for Larimer County residents
- In-state tuition approximately $4,663, financial aid eligible
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs
#5Colorado Springs, CO · $27,000/yr (net price)
Pima Medical Institute's Colorado Springs campus extends the same ABHES-accredited, nine-month Medical Assistant Certificate to southern Colorado. A hybrid learning option and clinical externships prepare graduates for entry-level roles in physicians' offices and outpatient clinics, with career services available after completion.
- 9-month certificate with hybrid on-campus and online delivery
- ABHES-accredited institution with 73% retention rate
- Clinical externships provide supervised patient care experience
- Curriculum covers surgical procedures, pharmacology, and medical law
- Hands-on training with industry-standard clinical equipment
- Career services team for job placement in Colorado Springs area
IBMC College
#6Fort Collins, CO · $35,000/yr (net price)
IBMC College fills a gap in Northern Colorado by offering an associate-level Medical Assisting AOS degree at campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley, and Longmont. The 19-month evening program runs Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., making it one of the most schedule-friendly options for working adults in the region. Graduates are prepared for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification.
- 19-month AOS degree covering clinical skills and management training
- Evening classes Mon-Thu, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., for working adults
- Available at Fort Collins, Greeley, and Longmont campuses
- Prepares for Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification
- Small class sizes with industry-trained instructors
- Includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and EKG coursework
Concorde Career College-Aurora
#7Aurora, CO · $17,000/yr (net price)
Concorde Career College in Aurora offers both a nine-month diploma and an 18-month Associate of Applied Science in medical assisting, giving students short-term and degree-level pathways at the same campus. Rolling monthly admissions, dedicated online success coaches, and a blended learning model make the program accessible to a wide range of Colorado students.
- 9-month diploma with hybrid online and on-campus lab format
- Rolling monthly admissions, no fixed start-date wait
- Covers phlebotomy, EKG, anatomy, and medical office procedures
- Clinical externship with dedicated externship coordinator support
- Financial aid and scholarships available for qualifying students
- Online success coaches guide students through coursework
Aims Community College
#8Greeley, CO · $11,000/yr
Aims Community College in Greeley delivers a two-semester Medical Clinical Assistant Certificate that serves Northern Colorado and surrounding rural communities. Credits stack toward an Allied Health Professional associate degree, giving students a clear in-state advancement path. The program prepares graduates for AMT or NCCT certification and includes a one-semester clinical internship.
- 2-semester certificate with hands-on lab and clinical courses
- One-semester clinical internship for real-world experience
- Prepares for AMT (RMA) or NCCT certification exams
- Credits apply toward an Allied Health Professional associate degree
- Small class sizes with faculty who have clinical backgrounds
- In-state tuition approximately $2,258, one of the most affordable
Red Rocks Community College
#9Lakewood, CO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Red Rocks Community College stands out with CAAHEP accreditation, a reported 91% job placement rate, and a 74% CMA licensure pass rate. The Lakewood/Arvada campus offers a 28-credit certificate, a 61-credit AAS degree, and stacked certificate options in phlebotomy and medical office administration. Interprofessional education alongside physician assistant students adds a unique collaborative learning dimension.
- 28-credit CAAHEP-accredited certificate with hybrid delivery
- 91% job placement rate and 74% CMA licensure pass rate
- 225 clinical hours with cohort-based structure
- Interprofessional education alongside PA students
- No wait list for admission, faster entry into the program
- Stacked certificate options in phlebotomy and medical office admin
- 61-credit CAAHEP-accredited associate degree program
- 225-hour internship at local clinical sites required
- Prepares graduates for CMA (AAMA) national certification exam
- State-of-the-art clinical training space at Arvada campus
- Hybrid format blending in-person labs and online coursework
- Pathway to advanced allied health programs after graduation
Intellitec College-Grand Junction
#10Grand Junction, CO · $19,000/yr
IntelliTec College in Grand Junction is one of the few medical assistant training options on Colorado's Western Slope, filling a regional gap for students who cannot relocate to the Front Range. The 12-month certificate includes 160 hours of clinical externship and prepares graduates for both the Registered Medical Assistant and phlebotomy certifications through AMT.
- 12-month certificate with 160-hour clinical externship
- Prepares for AMT Registered Medical Assistant certification
- Also prepares for phlebotomy certification through AMT
- Day and evening classes, four days per week
- Covers EKGs, vital signs, medical records, and front-office skills
- Personalized career planning and job placement assistance
Salary Insight: Medical Assistants in Colorado Earn Competitive Wages
Denver-area medical assistants earn above the national median, reflecting strong regional demand for qualified clinical support staff.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Colorado
A career as a medical assistant in Colorado starts with a straightforward, five-step process that leads from the classroom to a credential employers respect.
Step 1: Finish an Accredited Medical Assistant Program
Enrolling in a program accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES is the essential first step. These medical assistant training programs ensure you meet the educational standards required to sit for the national certification exam. A certificate program typically takes 9 to 12 months, while an associate degree spans 18 to 24 months. Both pathways include classroom instruction in clinical and administrative duties, but the associate degree adds general education courses.
Step 2: Complete a Clinical Externship
Your program will place you in a real-world medical setting, such as a physician’s office or clinic, where you apply your skills under supervision. This medical assistant externship, often lasting 160 hours or more, builds confidence and gives you professional references. Many Colorado students receive job offers from their externship sites before they even graduate.
Step 3: Earn a National Certification
After completing your training, you can take one of several national exams. The Certified Medical Assistant exam (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the credential most Colorado employers prefer. Alternative options include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association. A key advantage: you can often secure employment after finishing an accredited program and begin working while you prepare for the exam, as long as you pass it soon after being hired.
Step 4: Start Your Job Search and Maintain Credentials
Colorado does not require a state license for medical assistants, so once you hold a national certification, you are ready to apply for positions at hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices. To keep your certification active, you’ll need to earn continuing education credits, typically 60 every five years for the CMA, through approved courses, conferences, or employer training.
CAAHEP Vs. ABHES: Accreditation Status for Colorado Medical Assistant Schools
If you're exploring how to become a medical assistant, accreditation is the single most important box to check before you enroll. Only graduates of programs accredited by CAAHEP (the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) qualify to sit for the AAMA's CMA exam, and most Colorado employers screen for accredited-program graduates. Here is where the state's main medical assistant programs stand as of 2026.
CAAHEP-Accredited Programs in Colorado
CAAHEP is the accreditor most often tied to community college medical assisting programs, and Colorado's public campuses lean heavily this direction.
- Red Rocks Community College: Both the Medical Assisting Certificate and the Medical Assisting AAS degree are CAAHEP-accredited and in good standing in 2026.1
- Colorado Mountain College: The Medical Assistant Certificate carries active CAAHEP accreditation.2
- Front Range Community College: The Medical Assistant program is CAAHEP-accredited at all three campuses that offer it: Longmont, Fort Collins, and Westminster.3
If you plan to pursue the CMA (AAMA) credential specifically, a CAAHEP-accredited program is the most direct path, since the AAMA exam accepts graduates from both accreditors but CAAHEP is the historical standard for that certification.
ABHES-Accredited Programs in Colorado
ABHES is more common among private career colleges, and Colorado's proprietary schools follow that pattern.
- Pima Medical Institute: The Medical Assistant programs at the Aurora, Denver, and Colorado Springs campuses are all ABHES-accredited and active in 2026.3
- IBMC College: Medical Assisting programs at IBMC's Colorado campuses hold current ABHES accreditation.3
ABHES graduates are equally eligible for the CMA, RMA, and CCMA exams, so the choice between a CAAHEP and an ABHES program usually comes down to schedule, cost, and campus fit rather than the credential you can earn afterward.
Verify Before You Enroll
Accreditation status can shift between annual reviews, so confirm current standing directly on caahep.org or abhes.org before you sign an enrollment agreement. If a school cannot point you to its listing on one of those sites, treat that as a red flag and keep looking.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you thrive in fast-paced environments that require juggling both clinical tasks and administrative duties?
Medical assistants often bounce between rooming patients, updating electronic health records, and handling phone calls. If you get energy from variety and multitasking, you will likely enjoy the rhythm of a busy clinic.
Are you at ease with direct patient contact, such as measuring vital signs, drawing blood, or discussing health concerns?
You will interact with people who may be anxious or in pain, so compassion and steady hands are essential. If you are squeamish or shy away from physical touch, this role might feel draining.
Does a career with clear ladders, like advancing into office management, nursing, or healthcare administration, appeal to you?
Medical assisting is a solid stepping stone. Many programs offer credits toward further degrees, and your experience can open doors to leadership or specialized clinical roles.
Can you commit to a 9 to 24 month training program that includes a hands-on externship in a real clinic?
The externship is where classroom learning meets real patient care. If you cannot set aside time for 160 or more hours of onsite training, you might consider a different entry point.
Comparing Costs and Financial Aid for Colorado MA Programs
Medical assistant program costs in Colorado span from under $5,000 to over $18,000, but savvy students can slash their net price by leveraging state and federal financial aid.
Program Cost Ranges
Tuition and fees vary dramatically by institution type. Community and technical colleges consistently offer the most affordable paths:
- Denver Medical Assistant School: $4,490 total (no federal financial aid available)1
- Technical College of the Rockies: $6,098 total2
- Pickens Technical College: $6,670 total (2025, 2026), including $5,245 tuition and fees plus $300 for books and supplies3
- Colorado Community College system: around $5,200 total, based on $174.75 per credit hour and $250, $500 in books and supplies4
- Pueblo Community College: $9,838.81 total (2024, 2025), with $9,574.81 in tuition and fees and $250 for books and supplies5
- Pima Medical Institute , Colorado Springs: $18,062 total (2024, 2025), including $17,183 tuition and fees plus $879 for books and supplies
Keep in mind that most programs also require extra fees for uniforms, background checks, and drug screenings that aren't always included in advertised totals, so ask for a detailed cost sheet before enrolling.
Financial Aid Options to Explore
Many Colorado schools participate in federal aid programs, which can substantially lower your out-of-pocket costs.
- Federal Pell Grants: Available at most public institutions. Pueblo Community College5, Pickens Technical College3, and Technical College of the Rockies2 all list Pell eligibility. These grants do not need to be repaid.
- Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF): This state stipend reduces per-credit tuition at participating public colleges, including community college MA programs4 and Pueblo Community College5.
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Funding is frequently cited across Colorado schools (Pickens3, Pueblo5, Technical College of the Rockies2, and potentially Denver Medical Assistant School1 via external agency). WIOA can cover tuition, books, and supplies for eligible unemployed or underemployed adults.
- VA Benefits: Veterans and dependents can use GI Bill funds at Pickens3, Pueblo5, Technical College of the Rockies2, and Pima Medical Institute.
- Institutional Scholarships: Pima Medical Institute and Pueblo Community College5 offer school-specific scholarships. Even modest awards can reduce the balance after other aid.
Private medical assistant trade schools like Denver Medical Assistant School1 do not participate in federal student aid, which means you’ll need to pay out of pocket or rely on external funding like WIOA. For most students, accredited public colleges offer the best combination of low tuition and broad financial aid access, allowing you to complete training with minimal debt.
Related Articles
Colorado's medical assistant workforce is projected to grow roughly 28% through 2026, nearly matching the national rate of about 29%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. That pace means hundreds of new positions opening each year across the state, making now a strong time to enter the field.
Clinical Externships: What to Expect in Colorado MA Programs
More Colorado medical assistant programs are building direct partnerships with clinics and health systems, making externship placement smoother than it was even a few years ago. Still, the structure and time commitment of these clinical rotations vary quite a bit from school to school, so knowing what to expect will help you plan.
How Many Hours Will You Complete?
Externship requirements across Colorado programs range from roughly 80 to 240 hours of supervised clinical experience. Denver Medical Assistant School requires 80 hours,7 Intellitec in Colorado Springs requires 160 hours,1 Herzing University requires 180 hours,2 and Colorado Mountain College asks for 225 to 240 hours. NIMAA sits at the upper end with 240 hours.4 The range matters because programs on the lower end may leave you wanting more hands-on practice, while those on the higher end can better prepare you for day-one confidence on the job.
Where Will You Train?
Most externship placements happen at a mix of hospital systems, community health centers, private practices, and specialty offices. NIMAA, for example, partners with Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Salud Family Health, Tepeyac Community Health Center, and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.5 Boulder Medical Center works with students from Front Range Community College and Pima Medical Institute.6 These partnerships give you real patient exposure, helping you understand what a typical MA workday is likewhat a typical MA workday is like in settings that reflect the variety of workplaces you could land in after graduation.
Block Scheduling vs. Concurrent Models
How programs schedule externship hours falls into two general camps:
- Block scheduling: You complete your clinical hours full time over a concentrated stretch, typically five to six weeks, at the end of your coursework. Herzing University uses this model, placing students in a block externship after classroom instruction wraps up.2 Denver Medical Assistant School sends students out after week eight.7
- Concurrent scheduling: You complete clinical hours alongside your coursework throughout the program. NIMAA takes this approach, integrating real clinic time from early on.4
Block scheduling lets you focus entirely on the clinical side without juggling classes, but it also means you need five or six weeks of full-time availability. The concurrent model spreads the commitment out, which can work better if you have a job or family responsibilities.
How Placement Works
Program coordinators or career services teams typically help arrange your externship site. Some programs, like Herzing, expect students to take an active role in sourcing a placement while providing school support along the way.2 NIMAA goes further with a guaranteed placement within 100 miles of your location, removing much of the uncertainty.4
Regardless of whether your program is delivered online or on campus, the externship component is mandatory. Even fully online programs require you to complete hands-on clinical hours at an approved site in person. There is no virtual substitute for drawing blood, taking vitals, or rooming a patient, all core parts of the medical assistant job descriptionmedical assistant job description.
Online Vs. On-Campus Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado
Choosing between online and on-campus learning is one of the biggest decisions you will make when picking a medical assistant program. Both formats can prepare you well for certification and employment, but they fit different lifestyles. Several Colorado schools now offer hybrid options that blend online coursework with in-person labs and externships, giving you more ways to tailor your education. Keep in mind that every accredited program, regardless of how classes are delivered, requires a hands-on clinical externship completed in person.
Pros
- Online programs offer schedule flexibility that works well for students juggling jobs or family responsibilities.
- Self-paced online study lets you move quickly through material you already understand and slow down where needed.
- Skipping the daily commute saves time and gas money, and online tuition is often lower overall.
- On-campus programs give you direct access to labs where you can practice phlebotomy, injections, and EKGs from day one.
- In-person classes provide immediate instructor feedback and real-time correction of clinical techniques.
- Attending on campus builds peer and faculty connections that often lead to job referrals after graduation.
Cons
- Online students get limited hands-on practice until the externship phase, which can feel like a steep learning curve later.
- Studying from home requires strong self-discipline; without a set classroom routine, some students fall behind.
- Clinical components in online programs are often delayed, meaning you may wait months before touching real equipment.
- On-campus schedules are fixed, making it harder to balance work shifts or childcare around class times.
- Commuting to campus adds travel costs and can eat into study hours, especially in spread-out metro areas like Denver.
- On-campus programs typically carry higher total tuition and fees once you factor in parking, supplies, and facility charges.
Medical Assistant Certification in Colorado: CMA, RMA, and CCMA Options
Colorado does not legally require medical assistants to hold a certification, and there is no state board governing the role.1 Your scope of practice is instead determined by your supervising physician and your employer's internal policies.2 That said, most Colorado healthcare employers, including major systems like UCHealth and SCL Health, strongly prefer or outright require a nationally recognized credential before they will hire you2: explore 10 reasons to get certified in medical assisting. The Colorado Community Health Network lists certification as preferred but not mandatory in its job postings, which reflects the broader hiring landscape across the state.3
The Three Main National Credentials
Three certifications dominate the Colorado job market:
- CMA (AAMA): Issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants, this exam costs between $125 and $250 and requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program. It renews every five years.
- RMA (AMT): Offered by American Medical Technologists for $120, eligibility opens to graduates of accredited programs, military-trained medical assistants, or those with three to five years of documented work experience. Renewal is required every three years.
- CCMA (NHA): The National Healthcareer Association's credential costs $155 and accepts candidates with a high school diploma or GED plus MA training or one year of experience. The national pass rate sits around 77 percent, and renewal comes every two years.
Why CMA Leads in Colorado
Among employers statewide, the CMA (AAMA) is widely considered the gold standard and remains the most recognized and preferred credential. Because eligibility ties directly to graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program, this is another reason accreditation matters so much when choosing your school. If your program lacks that accreditation, you may find yourself limited to the RMA or CCMA pathways instead.
Staying Current After Certification
Whichever credential you choose, plan on completing continuing education requirements for medical assistants to keep your certification active. Renewal timelines vary (five years for CMA, three for RMA, two for CCMA), so mark your calendar and budget for recertification fees as part of your long-term career planning.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Colorado
How much do medical assistants actually earn in Colorado, and is the field still growing? The short answer: Colorado pays medical assistants above the national average, though exact salaries vary by state and experiencesalary varies by state and experience, and demand is climbing fast enough that certified graduates rarely stay unemployed for long.
Statewide Wages in 2026
Colorado medical assistants earn a median annual wage of about $56,800 as of 2026. Entry-level pay starts near $39,700, which is what most graduates can expect in their first year on the job. Experienced medical assistants, typically those with five or more years of clinical work and often a specialty focus, earn around $68,100 per year. That upper range usually reflects certified assistants working in specialty practices, surgical settings, or lead-MA roles.
How Pay Varies by Metro Area
Wages differ noticeably depending on where you work in the state. Recent metro-level data shows the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area at the top, with entry-level pay near $39,290 and the top 10% of earners bringing in about $58,360.2 Boulder and Fort Collins tend to track close behind Denver, Colorado Springs sits in the middle of the pack, and Pueblo generally reports the lowest wages of the major Colorado metros. If you have flexibility on location, the Front Range corridor from Fort Collins through Denver offers the strongest combination of pay and job openings.
Job Growth Through 2034
Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 12.5% between 2024 and 20343, which is roughly three times the average for all occupations. Colorado is tracking with (and in some metros exceeding) that pace, driven by an aging population, the expansion of outpatient clinics, and steady hiring by large systems like UCHealth, Centura, Kaiser Permanente, and Denver Health, many of which offer medical assistant jobs in hospitals. For someone finishing an accredited program this year, that translates to real leverage in salary negotiations and shift preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado
Colorado offers a wide range of medical assistant programs, from accelerated certificates to associate degrees. Here are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often about timelines, costs, certification, and job support.
The fastest option is the US Career Institute's online Medical Assistant Certificate, which can be completed in about four months.1 The Loveland Medical Assistant School also offers a hybrid program that takes roughly four and a half months.2 These accelerated tracks cover core clinical and administrative skills and prepare you to sit for a national certification exam.
It depends on the program type. Certificate programs typically range from four to twelve months. For example, Front Range Community College's certificate takes about six months,3 while the Community College of Denver's takes nine.4 If you pursue an associate degree, such as the one at Red Rocks Community College, expect about 24 months of study.5
The median annual wage for medical assistants in Colorado, according to Medical Assistant Salary data, is approximately $44,200, which works out to about $21 per hour.6 In the Denver and Colorado Springs metro area, salaries generally range from $37,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, employer type, and any specialty certifications you hold.6
No. Colorado does not legally require medical assistants to hold a national certification.3 However, earning a credential like the CMA, RMA, or CCMA significantly improves your job prospects and starting pay. Most employers strongly prefer or require certification, so completing an accredited program and passing an exam is a smart investment.
Yes. online medical assistant programs are available: the US Career Institute offers a fully online Medical Assistant Certificate that can be completed in about four months and prepares you for the CCMA exam.1 Some schools, like the Loveland Medical Assistant School, use a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person clinical training.2 Keep in mind that all programs require hands-on clinical hours.
Tuition varies widely. The US Career Institute's online certificate costs around $1,439,1 making it one of the most affordable options. Pima Medical Institute's certificate in Denver runs approximately $11,000.6 Community college programs generally fall between these figures. Always confirm current tuition directly with the school and factor in fees, books, and supplies.
Many Colorado schools accept federal financial aid for eligible students, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study programs. Community colleges like Front Range and Red Rocks typically participate in Title IV aid. Some private schools offer payment plans or institutional scholarships. Complete the FAFSA early to maximize your options.
Most accredited programs include some level of career services. Schools like Pima Medical Institute6 and Intellitec College7 often provide resume help, interview coaching, and connections to local healthcare employers. Clinical externships built into nearly every program also serve as a direct pipeline to job offers, since many students receive employment offers from their externship sites.
Additional Colorado Medical Assistant Programs to Consider
In addition to the top-ranked programs, Colorado offers many other accredited medical assistant programs worth considering. Below is a directory of additional schools organized by region, with key details to help you compare your options.
Denver Metro Area
Arapahoe Community College
The Medical Assistant Certificate at Arapahoe Community College prepares students for front- and back-office roles in ambulatory care, including lab work, injections, and patient care.
Community College of Denver
Community College of Denver offers Medical Assisting certificate and AAS degree options, training students in clinical skills like phlebotomy and EKG, as well as administrative duties like billing and scheduling.
Colorado Springs Area
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs
IntelliTec College offers an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Healthcare Administration: Medical Assistant, preparing students for entry-level healthcare roles in 18 months.
Pikes Peak State College
Pikes Peak State College offers a Medical Assistant program with both Associate of Applied Science degree and certificate options, providing hands-on experience in clinical and administrative tasks.
Western Slope
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University's Medical Office Assistant program prepares students for clinical and administrative roles in healthcare settings, offering an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Technical Certificate.
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Medical Assistant program with both Associate of Applied Science and Certificate options, featuring online coursework combined with hands-on training.
Southern Colorado
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo Community College offers a Medical Assistant program with certificate and AAS degree options, covering skills like drawing blood, medical billing, and coding.
Trinidad State College
Trinidad State College offers a Medical Assistant Professional program providing both an AAS degree and certificate, with training in medical history review, assisting physicians, and lab specimen processing.
Southwest Colorado
Fort Lewis College
Fort Lewis College's Medical Assistant Certificate program, developed in partnership with SWCAHEC, combines online coursework with weekly in-person sessions and prepares graduates for the CCMA exam.
