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.
Best Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado 2027
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 campus and hybrid medical assistant programs, but the right pick depends on accreditation, time commitment, and whether you want a certificate or associate degree. These schools stand out for their combination of hands-on training, clinical externships, and certification preparation. Always confirm current accreditation status and placement data directly with the program before enrolling.
How we ranked these
Factors considered
- First-year retention weighs most
- Long-term earnings after entry
- Accreditation status and certification preparation
- Clinical externship and placement record
Data sources
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- BEA Regional Price Parities (state cost of living) — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) — caahep.org
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora
#1Aurora, CO · ~$23,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Hands-on learners wanting hybrid flexibility
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora offers a nine-month medical assistant certificate with hybrid flexibility and a required clinical externship. The Aurora campus is institutionally accredited by ABHES, and the program combines clinical skills like phlebotomy, injections, and EKGs with administrative training. It is a strong fit for students who want to move into a physician's office, clinic, or outpatient setting quickly.
- Nine-month certificate program
- Institutionally accredited by ABHES
- Clinical externship for real-world experience
- Hybrid learning option available
- Hands-on training in phlebotomy, injections, and EKGs
- Career services support for job placement
Front Range Community College
#2Westminster, CO · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Apprenticeship-seeking community college students
Front Range Community College delivers a two-semester medical assistant certificate across multiple campus locations in Northern Colorado. The program includes hands-on clinical and administrative training, an internship or apprenticeship, and direct preparation for certification. Its CAAHEP-accredited history makes it a reliable community college option for budget-minded students.
- Two-semester, 26-credit certificate
- Internship or apprenticeship placement included
- Available at three campus locations
- CAAHEP-accredited program option
- Administrative and clinical skills training
- Scholarships available for Larimer County residents
Red Rocks Community College
#3Lakewood, CO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Certification-focused learners wanting hybrid associate degree
Red Rocks Community College offers both a CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting associate degree and certificate pathways at its Arvada campus. Students complete a 225-hour internship, train in a state-of-the-art clinical space, and become eligible for the CMA exam. The program reports strong job placement and has no wait list, which can speed up entry into an accredited pathway.
- 61-credit associate degree
- Hybrid delivery format
- 225-hour internship required
- CAAHEP-accredited
- Eligible for CMA national exam
- Background check and drug screening required
CAAHEP accredited
- 28-credit certificate
- 74% licensure pass rate
- 91% job placement rate
- Cohort-based structure
- No wait list for program entry
CAAHEP accredited
- Adds phlebotomy certificate
- Earns RPT certification pathway
- Interprofessional education with PA students
- Multiple certifications possible
- 3 concentration options available
CAAHEP accredited
- Pairs medical assisting with office administration
- Front-office and administrative skill focus
- Stacked certificate option available
Pima Medical Institute-Denver
#4Denver, CO · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
Pima Medical Institute-Denver offers a nine-month medical assistant certificate with hybrid and evening scheduling options. The Denver campus is institutionally accredited by ABHES, and the program includes a clinical externship plus career services support. It is designed for working students who need flexible training without delaying certification preparation.
- Nine-month certificate program
- Institutionally accredited by ABHES
- Hybrid learning option available
- Evening classes offered
- Clinical externship included
- Career services support
Pickens Technical College
#5Aurora, CO · $5,000 – $9,000/yr (est.)
Pickens Technical College offers a one-year medical assisting certificate at its Aurora campus with morning or afternoon classes. The program includes 160 clinical hours, simulated medical environment training, and certifications in Heartcode BLS and Mental Health First Aid. It is open to both high school and adult students and prepares graduates for the CCMA exam.
- One-year certificate
- 160 clinical hours included
- Prepares for CCMA national exam
- Simulated medical environment training
- Heartcode BLS certification included
- Mental Health First Aid certification included
- Open to high school and adult students
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs
#6Colorado Springs, CO · $27,000/yr (est. net price)
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs delivers a nine-month medical assistant certificate with hands-on training using industry-standard equipment. The Colorado Springs campus is institutionally accredited by ABHES and offers a hybrid learning option plus clinical externships. Graduates are prepared for clinical and clerical roles in physician's offices, hospitals, and clinics.
- Nine-month certificate program
- Institutionally accredited by ABHES
- Hybrid learning option available
- Clinical externships for real experience
- Hands-on training with industry-standard equipment
- Career services team access
Colorado Mesa University
#7Grand Junction, CO · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Colorado Mesa University offers a Medical Office Assistant program at CMU Tech in Grand Junction, with both an Associate of Applied Science and a Technical Certificate option. The curriculum balances clinical skills like vital signs and specimen collection with administrative tasks like scheduling and insurance processing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant exam.
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- Technical Certificate option
- Clinical and administrative training
- Supervised clinical practice included
- Eligible for RMA certification
- On-campus program in Grand Junction
Aims Community College
#8Greeley, CO · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Aims Community College in Greeley offers a two-semester Medical Clinical Assistant certificate with hands-on labs and a one-semester internship. The program prepares students for AMT or NCCT certification and allows certificate credits to apply toward an associate degree. Small class sizes and experienced faculty make it a practical choice for Northern Colorado students.
- Two-semester certificate
- Hands-on lab and clinical training
- One-semester internship included
- Prepares for AMT or NCCT certification
- Small class sizes
- Credits apply toward associate degree
Concorde Career College-Aurora
#9Aurora, CO · $17,000/yr (est. net price)
Concorde Career College-Aurora offers a hybrid medical assistant diploma that can be completed in as few as nine months. The program combines online coursework with on-campus labs and includes a clinical externship, phlebotomy, and EKG training. Concorde also offers an associate degree pathway for students who want to continue their education.
Rolling admissions
- Nine-month diploma program
- Hybrid blended learning model
- Rolling admissions available
- Phlebotomy and EKG training included
- Dedicated online success coach
- Clinical externship with coordinator support
Intellitec College-Grand Junction
#10Grand Junction, CO · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
Intellitec College-Grand Junction offers a 12-month Medical Assistant certificate with day or evening classes four days per week. The program includes 160 clinical hours, phlebotomy and EKG training, and preparation for AMT Registered Medical Assistant and phlebotomy certifications. It is a key in-region option for Western Colorado students balancing work or family.
Military benefits
- 12-month certificate program
- 160 clinical hours included
- Day or evening class schedules
- Prepares for RMA and phlebotomy certification
- Military benefits accepted
- Classes four days per week
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 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 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.
What is the fastest medical assistant program in Colorado?
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.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Colorado?
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
How much do medical assistants make in Colorado?
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
Do you need a certification to be a medical assistant in Colorado?
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.
Are there online medical assistant programs in Colorado?
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.
How much do medical assistant programs in Colorado cost?
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.
Is financial aid available for Colorado medical assistant programs?
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.
Do Colorado medical assistant programs offer job placement support?
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
Beyond the ranked programs, Colorado has more medical assisting pathways spread across the Front Range, the Western Slope, and the southern part of the state. The schools below are grouped by region and listed alphabetically rather than ranked. Where a net price appears, it is the college's reported average for full-time students rather than a program-specific figure, and our data confirms CAAHEP accreditation for only one program in this group, so it is worth confirming current accreditation directly with each school.
Colorado Springs Area
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs
Offers a 12 month Medical Assistant certificate and an 18 month associate degree in Healthcare Administration: Medical Assistant. Day and evening classes, a 160 hour clinical externship, and phlebotomy certification are built in, and military benefits are accepted. The college reports an average net price near $30,700.
Pikes Peak State College
Associate of Applied Science and certificate options cover blood draws, lab tests, wound care, and front office duties such as billing and scheduling. Students build hands-on clinical skills and patient communication, with exam assistance practiced throughout. Reported average net price is about $6,000.
Denver Metro Area
Arapahoe Community College
The 29 credit Medical Assistant Certificate mixes front office training in reception and billing with back office clinical work, including lab procedures, injections, and patient care. A 5 credit internship plus pharmacology and medical terminology courses round out the training. Reported average net price is about $11,600.
Community College of Denver
Certificate and Associate of Applied Science tracks prepare students for both clinical and administrative roles, from phlebotomy and EKGs to scheduling and bookkeeping. The certificate takes 33 credits and the degree 60 to 63, and graduates can sit for the national registry exam. Reported average net price is about $9,500.
Northern Colorado
IBMC College
An Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting delivered in the evening, Monday through Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a 19 month completion time. Coursework includes clinical skills, pharmacology, and management training, and the program prepares students for RMA certification. Reported average net price is about $34,600.
Southern Colorado
Otero College
An associate degree covering administrative and clinical duties, along with medical coding, transcription, and office management. A cooperative education internship provides practical experience, and Spanish coursework adds value for diverse patient communities. Reported average net price is about $11,100.
Pueblo Community College
Certificate and AAS options prepare students for clinical and administrative work, including blood draws, medical billing, and coding. The certificate requires 30 credits and the degree 60, with day courses starting in fall and an internship included. Reported average net price is about $12,000.
Trinidad State College
Students learn to review medical histories, assist physicians during exams, draw blood, and process lab specimens through associate and certificate options on the Trinidad and Valley campuses. Coursework is designed around National Healthcare Association certification exams. Reported average net price is about $10,800.
Southwest Colorado
Fort Lewis College
A hybrid certificate developed with SWCAHEC that combines online classes with weekly in-person sessions and prepares students for the CCMA exam, with fall and winter start dates and a reported average net price near $17,300. To compare programs by cost, format, or location, use our filtering tools.
Western Slope
Colorado Mountain College
A hybrid program with associate and certificate paths that pairs online coursework with hands-on training in medical offices. The certificate is CAAHEP accredited, includes 160 clinical hours and a capstone, and prepares students for the Medical Assistant National Exam. Reported average net price is about $7,800.
