We have been featuring PA schools in each state and what makes each PA program unique and stand out! We hope this has helped you as a pre-PA to look into PA schools you may not have considered. Remember, one of the most important parts of your PA school application is applying to the right schools for you!
It’s important to apply to schools where you align with the mission, values and goals of the program, where you are excited about how they teach and how you will learn medicine, and where you will be a proud graduate!
You want to fit the culture of the PA program and find a place to feel at home for the 2-plus years you will spend as a PA student.
One of the biggest mistakes we see pre-PAs make is just applying to the schools closest to you in your geographical area. Everyone’s situation is different, but if you are willing to expand your scope and keep your options open, you may fall in love with a PA school you wouldn’t have considered when just looking at location.
On that note, here is what we love about each Colorado PA school:
Colorado Mesa University Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, Grand Junction, CO
- Curriculum focuses on wellness promotion and disease prevention
- Small class size of 28 students
- No time restrictions on prerequisite coursework (so if you are a non-traditional applicant with older courses, check out this school)
Red Rocks Community College PA Program, Arvada, CO
- Small class size of 32 PA students
- At least 2 clinical rotations in rural and/or underserved areas
- Curriculum includes a procedure bootcamp and ultrasound training
- Can we just say Denver is 10 minutes away and Red Rocks Amphitheater is 15 minutes away… :))
Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program, Parker, CO
- Lower than average minimum GPA requirement of 2.8 for applicants
- Does not require specific prerequisite courses for admissions
- Cadaver lab and virtual dissections
University of Colorado PA Program, Aurora, CO
- Strong focus on interprofessional education and training
- Three year program: 2 didactic years and 1 clinical year. Clinical experiences throughout didactic years, then 10 one month rotations in the 3rd year
- Utilizes the innovative Colorado Curriculum which is backed by research demonstrating learner mastery of complex topics. Curriculum is based on clinical presentations instead of traditional courses, which mimics how patients present in clinic
- Well established PA program – established in 1968. First PA program to award Master’s degree in 1973.
- Opportunity to participate in tracks: Global Health, Pediatric Critical and Acute Care Longitudinal Experience, or Care of the Hospitalized Adult in a Novel Graduated Experience