Best Online Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado (2027)
Updated August 21, 202619 min read

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Colorado: 2027 Rankings

Compare Colorado's accredited medical assistant programs by cost, length, and format.

Written byJessica Wheeler, CMA
Reviewed byMedicalAssistantOnline.org Staff

Nine-month certificates and 16-to-19-month medical assistant associate's degrees both lead to medical assisting work in Colorado, but they make different promises about cost, clinical depth, and certification eligibility. Colorado's healthcare employers continue to hire medical assistants faster than the state's overall workforce, with national job growth projected at 12 percent from 2024 to 2034. Accredited online and on-campus options are available in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and smaller communities, though externships still require in-person hours. The right choice comes down to a program's accreditation, total cost, length, and whether it sets up CMA or CCMA eligibility. Employers in Colorado increasingly treat a national credential as a baseline rather than a bonus.

Best Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado

These ten Colorado programs stand out for combining clinical training, externship access, and clear pathways to certification. The summaries below focus on what each school does best, from hybrid scheduling to apprenticeship support. Compare a few options against your own schedule, location, and budget before applying.

Pima Medical Institute-Aurora

#1

Aurora, CO · $23,000/yr

Best for: Colorado students needing hybrid flexibility

Pima Medical Institute-Aurora blends clinical and clerical skill building in a 9-month certificate, with hybrid flexibility and a required externship. The program covers exam techniques, lab work, pharmacology, and medical office procedures, so graduates can move into physicians' offices, clinics, or outpatient settings. Career services support runs from resume help through job placement.

  • 9-month certificate program
  • Clinical externship included
  • Hybrid learning option available
  • Hands-on training in real-world settings
  • Taught by experienced instructors
  • Career services support included
Visit Website

Pickens Technical College

#2

Aurora, CO · $5,000 – $9,000/yr

Best for: Budget-conscious Aurora-area learners

Pickens Technical College offers an affordable one-year medical assisting certificate that pairs morning or afternoon classes with a 160-hour clinical internship. Students prepare for the CCMA exam while earning BLS and Mental Health First Aid certifications. Open to high school and adult learners, this public option is a practical entry point for Aurora-area students.

  • 1-year certificate program
  • 160 clinical internship hours
  • Prepares for CCMA exam
  • Phlebotomy and ECG/EKG training
  • Mental Health First Aid certification
  • Heartcode BLS certification
Visit Website

Pima Medical Institute-Denver

#3

Denver, CO · ~$22,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Denver metro evening learners

Pima Medical Institute-Denver delivers a 9-month medical assistant certificate with hybrid and evening options for working students. The curriculum covers both patient-care skills such as phlebotomy and EKGs and front-office tasks including billing and scheduling. A clinical externship and dedicated career services team help bridge training to employment.

  • 9-month certificate program
  • Clinical externships available
  • Hybrid learning option
  • Evening classes offered
  • Hands-on clinical and clerical training
  • Career services support
Visit Website

Front Range Community College

#4

Westminster, CO · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Front Range Community College stands out for its two-semester medical assistant certificate and established apprenticeship connections with local employers. Students learn medical office procedures, insurance billing, coding, and clinical skills before completing an internship or paid apprenticeship. With three campuses and scholarship support in Larimer County, it offers a strong public pathway in northern Colorado.

  • Two-semester program
  • 26 total credit hours
  • Starts fall or summer
  • Internship placement included
  • Apprenticeship program available
  • Partnership with local employers
Visit Website

Red Rocks Community College

#5

Lakewood, CO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr

Red Rocks Community College offers both a CAAHEP-accredited certificate and an associate degree, with hybrid coursework and a 225-hour internship. Students practice in a state-of-the-art clinical space and can stack certificates in phlebotomy or medical office administration. The program's cohort structure and high reported job placement make it a strong choice for Denver metro learners.

  • Associate of Applied Science degree
  • 61 total credit hours
  • Hybrid delivery format
  • 225-hour internship required
  • Accredited by CAAHEP for AAS pathway
  • Eligible to sit for CMA exam
Visit Website
CAAHEP accredited
  • 28 total credit hours
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 91% job placement rate reported
  • 225 clinical practicum hours
  • Prepares for CMA (AAMA) credential
  • Hybrid scenario-based learning
Visit Website
CAAHEP accredited
  • Earn Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification
  • Multiple certifications possible
  • State-of-the-art clinical space in Arvada
  • Pass rates above national average
  • CAAHEP-accredited phlebotomy track
  • Interprofessional education with PA students
Visit Website
CAAHEP accredited
  • Medical office administration concentration
  • Stacked certificate option available
  • Cohort-based clinical placement
  • Prepares for CMA national exam
  • Interprofessional education opportunities
Visit Website

Concorde Career College-Aurora

#6

Aurora, CO · $17,000/yr (net price)

Concorde Career College-Aurora uses a hybrid model to help students earn a medical assistant diploma in as few as nine months. Training includes phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs, and office procedures, reinforced by a required externship. Rolling monthly starts and dedicated success coaches support students who want to move quickly into the workforce.

Rolling admissions
  • 9-month diploma program
  • Rolling monthly admissions
  • Blended online and on-campus learning
  • Dedicated online success coach
  • Phlebotomy and EKG training included
  • Dedicated externship coordinators
Visit Website

Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs

#7

Colorado Springs, CO · $27,000/yr (net price)

Pima Medical Institute-Colorado Springs offers a 9-month medical assistant certificate with hybrid flexibility and a clinical externship. The program emphasizes hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, plus billing and insurance forms. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across physicians' offices, hospitals, and outpatient facilities.

  • 9-month certificate program
  • Hybrid learning option available
  • Clinical externships for real experience
  • Hands-on training with real equipment
  • Career services team access
  • Prepares for clinical and clerical roles
Visit Website

Aims Community College

#8

Greeley, CO · $11,000/yr

Aims Community College provides a two-semester Medical Clinical Assistant certificate that balances lab skills, clinical procedures, and office administration. A one-semester internship builds local connections, and small class sizes allow more individual support. Credits can later stack toward an allied health associate degree, supporting career growth with less debt.

  • Two-semester certificate program
  • Hands-on lab and clinical courses
  • One-semester internship included
  • Prepares for AMT or NCCT certification
  • Small class sizes
  • Credits apply toward associate degree
Visit Website

Intellitec College-Grand Junction

#9

Grand Junction, CO · $19,000/yr

IntelliTec College-Grand Junction offers a 12-month medical assistant certificate with day or evening classes four days per week. Students receive hands-on training in phlebotomy, EKGs, and vital signs, then complete a 160-hour externship in a local clinic or hospital. The program prepares graduates for RMA and phlebotomy certification with personalized career support.

Military benefits
  • 12-month certificate program
  • 160 clinical externship hours
  • Day or evening classes four days per week
  • Prepares for RMA and phlebotomy certification
  • Military benefits accepted
  • Personalized career planning support
Visit Website

Colorado Mesa University

#10

Grand Junction, CO · ~$15,000/yr (est.)

Colorado Mesa University offers a Medical Office Assistant program with both an associate degree and technical certificate option. The curriculum covers clinical duties like specimen collection and medication administration alongside scheduling, insurance processing, and medical transcription. Graduates can sit for the RMA exam, with supervised clinical practice built into the on-campus experience.

  • Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Technical certificate option
  • Clinical and administrative training
  • Supervised clinical practice
  • Eligible for RMA certification
  • Includes specimen collection and medication administration
Visit Website

How to Choose an Accredited Colorado Medical Assistant Program

Choosing an accredited Colorado medical assistant program usually means weighing faster or cheaper Online Medical Assistant Certificate and Diploma Programs against a credential that keeps your certification path open. For CMA (AAMA) eligibility, the cleanest route is graduating from a medical assistant program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.1 Accreditation belongs to the specific program, not just the college, so a school with a good reputation may still have an unaccredited medical assistant track. Other routes exist for previously certified MAs or educators, but new students usually depend on this accredited pathway.

Why CAAHEP or ABHES Accreditation Matters

Both bodies set standards for curriculum, lab skills, and externship quality. CAAHEP-accredited Colorado Medical Assistant Schools include Red Rocks Community College, Front Range Community College, and Colorado Mountain College; Pima Medical Institute's Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs locations hold ABHES accreditation.2 If you plan to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam through the standard pathway, verify that your exact campus and program appear in the official directory before enrolling.

What to Check Before You Commit

  • Accreditation status: Confirm the program holds current CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation and check the next review date.
  • Outcomes: Ask about completion, certification pass rates, and job placement; schools with strong externship partners usually share this openly.
  • Externship quality: Look for a supervised Medical Assistant Externship at real Colorado clinics or health systems, not a self-arranged shadow shift.
  • Cost: Compare published tuition, fees, and whether certification exam prep is included.

Red Flags and Verification

Colorado does not require medical assistants to graduate from an accredited program, but that does not make every program equal.2 Watch for schools that promise certification without a supervised externship or use vague "nationally accredited" language while hiding the program-level status. Verify any program directly through the CAAHEP or ABHES website search tools rather than relying on a school's marketing page.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant in Colorado?

Most Colorado medical assistant certificate and diploma programs run 8 to 14 months,1 while associate degree tracks usually take 16 to 19 months when completed as designed.1 Concorde's Aurora diploma is 9 months,2 Herzing lists a 10-month option,3 and IBMC's diploma is 12 months.4

Certificate and diploma timelines

  • Typical range: 8 to 14 months,1 with many Colorado diplomas clustering between 9 and 12 months.10
  • Accelerated formats: Denver Medical Assistant School offers an 18-week hybrid program,5 and US Career Institute lists a 4-month full-time online path or 4 to 7 months part-time for Colorado residents.6
  • College-based paths: Arapahoe Community College's certificate runs about 12 months,7 while Colorado Mountain College structures its certificate around 60 weeks and 42 credit hours.8

Associate degree timelines

Medical assistant associate's degree programs in Colorado tend to fall between 16 and 19 months,1 though a few listings stretch to 20. Herzing's associate pathway appears around 16 months in one table and 20 months in another section,3 while IBMC lists about 19 months4 and Pueblo Community College's medical office technology option totals about 60 credits.9 Some two-year college plans can reach closer to 24 months when general education courses and lighter course loads are included.

Planning around part-time and externships

These timelines generally assume full-time study or the school's designed pace. Part-time schedules are less standardized in Colorado, so your finish date depends on how many courses you take each term. Clinical externship hours are usually built into the published program length, so the months listed include supervised practice in a Colorado medical setting rather than adding a separate externship block after classes.

For most Colorado students, a realistic planning window to become a medical assistant is roughly 4 to 12 months for certificate or diploma formats and 16 to 24 months for associate degrees, with many associate programs landing between 16 and 19 months.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites for Colorado Medical Assistant Programs

Colorado medical assistant programs set their own admission requirements, so check each school’s current checklist. Most programs share a core set of expectations, but details such as age and CPR timing vary.

  1. High school diploma or GED
    Most Colorado medical assistant programs expect applicants to have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling.
  2. Minimum age
    Schools that specify an age minimum, such as Emily Griffith Technical College and Red Rocks Community College, require students to be at least 18. Others may not list an age requirement.
  3. Background check and drug screening
    Be prepared for a criminal background check and drug screening. Many programs require both before clinical placement, and the student usually covers the cost.
  4. Immunizations
    Updated immunizations are commonly required. Expect to provide records for vaccines such as MMR, hepatitis B, tetanus, varicella, and TB screening, though exact lists differ by school.
  5. CPR certification
    CPR requirements vary. Colorado Mountain College asks for current CPR for Healthcare Provider, while other programs may not list CPR as an admission item.
  6. Prerequisite coursework
    Prerequisite coursework such as anatomy or medical terminology is generally not required before admission, though individual programs may recommend preparation.

Cost of Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado

Tuition for medical assistant programs in Colorado varies by school, and published figures often exclude books, uniforms, CPR certification, and certification exam fees. Some programs, such as Pima Medical Institute, list a total cost that includes textbooks and uniforms, while others provide tuition and fees only. Because financial aid, scholarships, and payment plan details are not consistently published, contact each school's financial aid office for current aid options. The table below lists ten Colorado programs in order of estimated net price, which reflects the amount a typical student pays after grants and scholarships.

SchoolCityIn-State Tuition and FeesOut-of-State Tuition and FeesNet PriceGraduation Rate
Pikes Peak State CollegeColorado Springs$4,510$17,110$6,00720.6%
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora$5,140$9,250$6,60075.6%
Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs$2,616$12,840$7,81327.4%
Red Rocks Community CollegeLakewood$4,859$17,459$9,04432.0%
Community College of DenverDenver$4,902$17,136$9,45020.0%
Trinidad State CollegeTrinidad$4,608$7,318$10,77254.5%
Otero CollegeLa Junta$4,576$7,286$11,103N/A
Aims Community CollegeGreeley$2,258$11,786$11,46339.6%
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton$4,434$17,034$11,57129.1%
Pueblo Community CollegePueblo$5,049$17,649$12,04530.7%

Online Vs. On-Campus Medical Assistant Training in Colorado

Online medical assistant training in Colorado gives you flexibility, but no reputable program is completely hands-off. The right choice depends on when you can study and how much in-person practice you want before your externship.

Pros
  • Fully online medical assistant programs, such as U.S. Career Institute, let you study at your own pace and may be completed in roughly 4 to 7 months.
  • Hybrid programs at Herzing University, Colorado Mountain College, and Colorado Springs Medical Assistant School offer day or evening classes with scheduled in-person skills practice.
  • Evening options at IBMC College and IntelliTec College let working students train after daytime jobs without quitting work.
  • Technical College of the Rockies combines online flexibility with hybrid sections, so you can reduce travel while still getting direct guidance.
Cons
  • No legitimate online medical assistant program in Colorado is 100 percent remote; you still need in-person clinical labs and an externship to graduate.
  • Hybrid and on-campus formats require you to attend labs at fixed times, which can be difficult if your work or family schedule changes.
  • Evening sections may have fewer start dates or take longer to complete than full-time daytime tracks.
  • Online self-paced programs shift more responsibility to you for staying on track, and some students miss the immediate feedback of a classroom.

Medical Assistant Certification Pathways in Colorado

Colorado does not require medical assistants to hold a state license.1 Many employers still prefer a national Medical Assistant Certification as proof of readiness, especially since medical assistants are in demand across the state.

The most common credentials are the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), and CCMA (NHA). The CMA (AAMA) route requires graduation from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.2 The CCMA (NHA) route requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a training program.3 The RMA (AMT) offers multiple routes, including an accredited program, military training, or work experience.1

Several Colorado schools can help you meet these requirements. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a fully online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program.4 Colorado State University also offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training program and includes a voucher for the certification exam.3 Arapahoe Community College offers a Medical Assistant Certificate, and Front Range Community College offers both Medical Assistant and Medical Office Administrative Assistant options.56

Before you enroll, check each program's admission details. Red Rocks Community College requires students to be at least 18 and may ask for a background check and current immunizations.7 Colorado Mountain College also requires a background check and drug screen.8 Choosing a credential first can help you compare programs and plan your next step with confidence.

Colorado Medical Assistant Licensure Requirements

Did you know medical assistant jobs are projected to grow 12 percent nationally from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pace much faster than the average for all occupations? For Colorado job seekers, that means demand for well-trained, credentialed medical assistants should stay strong throughout this decade and beyond.

Additional Colorado Medical Assistant Programs to Consider

The schools below round out our Colorado directory beyond the main ranking, spanning the Denver metro, Northern Colorado, the Pikes Peak region, Southern Colorado, and the Western Slope. Each entry notes location, delivery format, and what the program actually covers so you can compare options at a glance. Details change from term to term, so confirm current requirements directly with each school.

Denver Metro

Community College of Denver
Certificate and A.A.S. tracks train students on both sides of the role: clinical work in vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, and laboratory procedures, plus front-office skills in scheduling, billing, and bookkeeping. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national registry exam.
  • Medical Assisting
Denver, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website
Arapahoe Community College
A 29-credit certificate that blends front-office duties like reception and billing with back-office clinical work in labs, injections, and patient care. A 5-credit internship is included, and completed medical office courses stay valid for five years.
  • Medical Assistant Certificate
Littleton, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website

Northern Colorado

IBMC College
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting runs evening classes Monday through Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm and takes about 19 months. Coursework covers vitals, injections, EKG, pharmacology, and office procedures, with preparation for RMA and BLS credentials.
  • Medical Assisting Associates of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree
Fort Collins, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website

Pikes Peak Region

Pikes Peak State College
An Associate of Applied Science and a certificate option cover blood draws, laboratory testing, wound care, and office tasks such as billing, scheduling, and patient communication. Training is built around preparation for ambulatory care settings.
  • Medical Assistant
Colorado Springs, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs
Choose an 18-month Associate of Occupational Studies in Healthcare Administration: Medical Assistant, with general education coursework online, or a 12-month certificate with a 160-hour clinical externship and phlebotomy certification included. Day and evening classes meet four days a week.
  • Healthcare Administration: Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
Colorado Springs, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website

Southern Colorado

Pueblo Community College
Daytime courses starting in fall lead to a 30-credit certificate or a 60-credit A.A.S. Training spans front and back office duties, from drawing blood to medical billing and coding, with a clinical rotation and national exam preparation.
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant Certificate
Pueblo, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website
Trinidad State College
The Medical Assistant Professional program awards an A.A.S. or a certificate and prepares students for National Healthcare Association certification exams. Skills include reviewing medical histories, assisting physicians during exams, drawing blood, and processing lab specimens at the Trinidad and Valley campuses.
  • Medical Assistant Professional
Trinidad, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website
Otero College
A two-year, 60-credit associate degree covering administrative and clinical duties, including CPT-4 and ICD-9 coding, medical transcription, and office management, with internship opportunities built in. Spanish language coursework adds value in diverse patient communities.
  • Medical Assistant
La Junta, CO · On-Campus
Visit Website

Western Slope

Colorado Mountain College
Online coursework pairs with hands-on training in medical offices for both an A.A.S. and a 42-credit certificate. The certificate includes a 160-hour internship and capstone, with lab courses delivered at the Rifle campus and some courses available online.
  • Medical Assistant
  • Certificate of Occupational Proficiency in Medical Assistant
Glenwood Springs, CO · Hybrid
Visit Website
Fort Lewis College
Developed with SWCAHEC, this hybrid certificate blends online coursework with weekly in-person sessions and prepares graduates for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam. It is open to current students and community members, with fall and winter start dates.
  • Medical Assistant Certificate
Durango, CO · Hybrid
Visit Website

Colorado by City

  1. Aurora
  2. Colorado Springs
  3. Denver
Medical Assisting Programs in Colorado SpringsMedical Assisting Programs in ArizonaMedical Assisting Programs in ArkansasMedical Assisting Programs in AlaskaMedical Assisting Programs in Alabama

State by State

Recent Articles

Top Fast Online Medical Assistant Certificate Programs 2027
Medical Assistant Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It? Guide
Medical Assistant to RN: Your 2026 Career Transition Guide
The Evolving Role of Medical Assistants in Healthcare
Medical Assistant Specializations: Salary & Growth Guide
Medical Assistant Certificate vs Associate Degree Guide
In this article
Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit