How to Become a Medical Assistant in Colorado

Medical assistants serve as vital members of modern health care teams, bridging the gap between clinical and administrative duties while ensuring smooth patient care operations. In Colorado's growing health care sector, these professionals work alongside physicians and nurses, performing essential tasks from recording patient histories to assisting with medical procedures.

The path to becoming a medical assistant in Colorado offers flexibility in training options and work environments, with opportunities in settings ranging from bustling urban hospitals to community clinics. While state law doesn't require certification, completing an accredited program and earning professional credentials can open doors to rewarding career opportunities throughout Colorado's diverse health care landscape.

Key Points  

• Training programs for medical assistants in Colorado typically last between nine months and one year.  
• Accredited programs include hands-on clinical practice, laboratory coursework, and externships to prepare students for the workforce.  
• Medical assistant jobs are projected to grow by fifteen% nationally between 2023 and 2033.  
• The annual mean wage for medical assistants in Colorado is $46,270.  
• Medical assistants can work in diverse health care settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices.  

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants provide essential support in health care settings by performing both clinical and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities include interviewing patients, recording medical histories, measuring vital signs, and preparing specimens for laboratory testing. Medical assistants also assist physicians with examinations, administer medications as directed by state law, and schedule appointments.  

Some medical assistants focus on either administrative tasks or clinical duties, while others perform both. Administrative tasks include managing patient records and coordinating scheduling. Clinical duties often involve direct patient care, such as taking vital signs, collecting lab specimens, and assisting with procedures.  

Successful medical assistants must possess strong organizational and communication skills. Attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also critical in this role.  

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Colorado

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first requirement to become a medical assistant in Colorado is a high school diploma or GED. High school courses in biology, anatomy, and health sciences are beneficial for building foundational knowledge needed for professional training programs.  

2. Research and Compare Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado

Colorado has several medical assistant programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in health care. These programs are available as certificates or associate degrees, with the latter offering additional educational breadth. Focusing on programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is recommended. Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry standards and qualifies students to sit for certification exams.  

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Colorado Mountain College

Located in Edwards, this hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person labs. Students complete 42 credit hours, including a 160-hour internship. The curriculum includes administrative and clinical training, such as patient care, medical terminology, and pharmacology. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.  

Pima Medical Institute

The nine-month program at Pima Medical Institute, offered in Aurora and Denver, includes an externship to provide hands-on experience. This program is accredited by ABHES and prepares students for certifications such as the CMA or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Tuition is $18,050, with financial aid options available for eligible students.  

Red Rocks Community College

This program, located in Arvada, offers a 28-credit hour pathway to a medical assisting certificate. The curriculum includes medical office administration, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. Students can complete the program in approximately nine months and are eligible to take the CMA exam.  

3. Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Program

Enrollment in an accredited medical assistant program is a crucial step. Accredited programs ensure students are well-prepared for certification exams and meet the expectations of employers. Programs typically include classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and medical law, as well as hands-on training in clinical and administrative tasks.  

Programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES also include an externship or practicum, where students work in real-world health care settings. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge, interact with patients, and gain confidence in their skills.  

Certificate programs take approximately nine months to one year to complete, while associate degree programs take about two years. Both options prepare students for entry-level roles, but associate degrees may provide more opportunities for advancement.  

4. Apply for Certification Exams

Certification is not required by Colorado state law, but it is preferred by most employers. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to sit for exams such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Other certification options include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential from the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).  

To apply for the CMA exam, candidates must submit proof of program completion, a valid photo ID, and the exam fee, which ranges from $125 to $250 depending on AAMA membership status. Applications are available on the AAMA website.  

5. Pass the Certification Exam

The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering administrative, clinical, and general medical knowledge. Topics include patient care, pharmacology, and medical ethics. Testing is available at locations throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs.  

To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum scaled score of 430. Study resources, such as practice exams and review courses, are often provided by training programs or available online through the AAMA.  

6. Begin the Job Search

Medical assistants in Colorado have access to a variety of employment opportunities in hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices. Major employers include UCHealth, Centura Health, and HealthONE.  

• UCHealth: Employs medical assistants in its hospitals and clinics throughout the state, including Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.  
• Centura Health: Operates 20 hospitals and over 200 care sites in Colorado, offering roles in primary care, specialty clinics, and more.  
• HealthONE: Features multiple facilities in the Denver metro area, including Swedish Medical Center and The Medical Center of Aurora.  

The annual mean wage for medical assistants in Colorado is $46,270, with entry-level positions starting around $30,310.  

7. Maintain Certification

The CMA credential must be renewed every 60 months. Renewal requires either completing 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or retaking the certification exam. CEUs must include at least 10 credits each in administrative, clinical, and general topics.  

Organizations like the Colorado Medical Group Management Association (CMGMA) and the Colorado Society of Medical Assistants (CSMA) provide CEU opportunities. Active participation in professional associations can also help medical assistants stay updated on industry changes.  

Licensure in Colorado

Colorado does not have state-specific licensure requirements for medical assistants. While not mandatory, certification can significantly improve job prospects and earning potential. Additional information is available in the medical assistant licensing guide.  

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Colorado?

The medical assistant salary in Colorado is $46,270, with an hourly mean wage of $22.25. Salaries vary by experience, work setting, and location. Entry-level positions typically earn $30,310 annually, while experienced professionals may earn up to $48,260.  

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Programs typically require nine months to one year to complete, with some associate degree pathways taking two years.  

Can you be a medical assistant without certification in Colorado?  

Certification is not required by Colorado state law, but most employers prefer or require certified candidates.  

Can you become a CMA without going to school?  

The CMA credential requires completing an accredited medical assisting program before sitting for the certification exam.  

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?  

Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) often earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants due to their additional qualifications.

Starting Your Medical Assistant Career in Colorado

Medical assistants play a vital role in Colorado's evolving health care landscape, combining clinical expertise with administrative capabilities to support medical teams and enhance patient care. The profession offers flexibility to work in various settings, from bustling urban hospitals to community clinics, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance through regular business hours and structured schedules.

Ready to take the first step? Explore accredited medical assistant programs in Colorado to find the right fit for your career goals. These programs offer the foundation needed to build a rewarding career in health care, with options for both full-time and part-time study to accommodate your schedule and learning preferences.