Best Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado Springs Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Colorado Springs offers accredited certificate and associate degree medical assistant programs with flexible day, evening, and hybrid formats.
• Most programs take 9 to 24 months to complete and include hands-on clinical training or externships.
• Graduating from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program is the clearest pathway to earning CMA or RMA certification.
• Average medical assistant salaries in Colorado range from $40,000 to $48,000 annually, with strong local job demand.
• Program quality varies significantly in tuition, certification preparation, clinical hours, and career placement support.

Why Choose a Medical Assistant Program in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing healthcare markets, anchored by major employers such as UCHealth, CommonSpirit Health, and numerous specialty clinics and outpatient centers. As healthcare access expands across El Paso County, demand for skilled medical assistants continues to grow.

According to recent state and federal labor data, medical assisting remains one of the fastest growing allied health professions. In Colorado, wages are consistently higher than the national average, particularly for certified professionals working in specialty practices.

Choosing the right training program locally allows you to:

• Complete externships with regional healthcare providers
• Build professional networks before graduation
• Access local job placement assistance
• Reduce relocation and commuting expenses

Top Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado Springs

SchoolProgram TypeAccreditationLengthExternshipCertification PrepPikes Peak State CollegeCertificate & AASCAAHEP9–24 monthsYesCMAIntelliTec CollegeDiplomaABHES12 monthsYesRMA/CMAColorado Springs School of PhlebotomyMA + Phlebotomy FocusState Approved8–10 monthsYesNational CertificationsUEI CollegeDiplomaInstitutionally Accredited10 monthsYesCMA/RMA

Pikes Peak State College

Pikes Peak State College is one of the most established and academically rigorous options. Its Medical Assisting program is accredited by CAAHEP, which is widely considered the gold standard for allied health education.

• Offers both certificate and Associate of Applied Science pathways
• Includes administrative and clinical skill development
• Strong eligibility for the Certified Medical Assistant exam through AAMA
• Lower tuition compared to many private institutions

This program is ideal for students seeking affordability, strong academic oversight, and long-term career mobility.

IntelliTec College

IntelliTec provides a career-focused diploma program designed for rapid workforce entry. Accredited by ABHES, the program blends classroom learning with practical lab and externship training.

• Daytime schedules designed for fast completion
• Hands-on clinical lab simulations
• Career services and employer connections

This option works well for students who want an accelerated pathway and structured support services.

Colorado Springs School of Phlebotomy

This program integrates medical assisting fundamentals with phlebotomy specialization, which can increase employability in labs and specialty clinics.

• Strong emphasis on blood collection and patient interaction
• Smaller class sizes
• Quick completion timelines

Students interested in laboratory work alongside clinical assisting may find this unique focus advantageous.

UEI College

UEI College offers a hybrid-friendly diploma program designed for flexibility. Programs typically combine online theory courses with on-campus labs.

• Blended learning model
• Externship placement assistance
• Certification exam preparation included

This format appeals to working adults balancing employment or family commitments.

Accreditation and Certification Pathways

Accreditation matters significantly in medical assisting. The most recognized programmatic accrediting organizations include:

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Graduating from an accredited program allows students to sit for major national certification exams, including:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through AAMA
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through AMT
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through NCCT

Step-by-Step Path to Certification in Colorado

1. Complete an accredited medical assistant program
2. Fulfill required clinical training hours
3. Apply for your chosen national certification exam
4. Pass the certification exam
5. Maintain certification through continuing education

While Colorado does not require state licensure for medical assistants, employers strongly prefer or require national certification.

Tuition and Financial Aid Expectations

Tuition varies widely depending on institution type.

• Community colleges: Approximately $4,000 to $8,000 total
• Private career colleges: $15,000 to $22,000 total

Most accredited schools offer:

• Federal financial aid for qualifying students
• Scholarships and grants
• Veteran education benefits
• Payment plans

When comparing programs, ask for total cost of attendance including textbooks, uniforms, exam fees, and background checks.

Curriculum and Clinical Training Structure

High-quality programs include both administrative and clinical competencies such as:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Phlebotomy and injections
• Electrocardiography
• Electronic health records
• Insurance billing and coding basics

Externships typically range from 160 to 240 clinical hours in real healthcare settings. This hands-on experience significantly improves job readiness and employer confidence.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Colorado Springs

Medical assistants in Colorado earn competitive wages compared to the national average. In the Colorado Springs metro area:

• Average annual salary: Approximately $42,000 to $48,000
• Experienced professionals in specialty practices can exceed $50,000
• Entry-level roles typically start around $18 to $21 per hour

Growth projections remain strong as outpatient care expands and physicians rely on multi-skilled support staff to improve efficiency.

How to Choose the Right Program

1. Verify Accreditation

Accreditation directly affects certification eligibility and employer trust.

2. Compare Total Costs

Request a full breakdown of tuition, supplies, and exam fees.

3. Review Certification Pass Rates

Ask schools about recent CMA or RMA exam pass percentages.

4. Evaluate Externship Partnerships

Clinical placements in reputable healthcare facilities increase hiring potential.

5. Investigate Job Placement Support

Career coaching, resume workshops, and employer connections can accelerate employment after graduation.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

• What percentage of graduates become certified?
• What are recent job placement rates?
• Are instructors credentialed and experienced in healthcare?
• Is the schedule flexible for working students?
• Are credits transferable if pursuing further education?

Choosing among the best medical assistant programs in Colorado Springs requires careful comparison of accreditation, cost, training quality, and career outcomes. A well-selected program positions you for certification, competitive pay, and long-term advancement in Colorado’s growing healthcare sector.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado Springs

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Colorado Springs?

Most medical assistant programs in Colorado Springs take about 9 to 24 months to finish, depending on whether you choose a short-term certificate or a longer associate degree. Many include an externship near the end of your training.

Do you need certification to work as a medical assistant in Colorado?

Colorado does not require a state license, but most employers prefer or require national certification, such as the CMA or RMA. Completing a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program gives you the clearest path to sit for these exams.

What is the average salary for medical assistants in Colorado Springs?

Medical assistants in the Colorado Springs area typically earn about $42,000 to $48,000 per year, with entry-level pay around $18 to $21 per hour. With experience and work in specialty clinics, you may earn over $50,000 annually, according to recent state and federal wage data.

How much does a medical assistant program cost in Colorado Springs?

Community college programs usually cost about $4,000 to $8,000 in total tuition, while private career schools often range from $15,000 to $22,000. Ask each school for a full cost estimate that includes books, uniforms, exam fees, and background checks.

Why is accreditation important for medical assistant schools?

Accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES helps ensure your training meets national standards and makes you eligible for major certifications like the CMA, RMA, or NCMA. Employers often look for graduates from accredited programs when hiring.