Colorado PA Programs

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado

Red Rocks Community College

Arvada, Colorado

Rocky Vista University

Parker, Colorado

University of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado

The CMU Bechtel PA Program is an ARC-PA accredited, 28-month curriculum that combines 4 semesters of didactic coursework with 3 semesters of clinical rotations. Students complete 8 core rotations along with 2 elective rotations, ensuring a broad and customizable clinical experience. At the completion of the program, students are awarded a MPAS.

What makes us unique:

With a small cohort of 28 students, our program fosters a supportive, collaborative learning environment among students, faculty, preceptors, and the local community. We’re proud to offer hands-on training opportunities, including a full cadaver lab, dedicated point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) instruction, a state-of-the-art clinical skills lab featuring “Loretta,” our high-fidelity medical simulation manikin, and resources to help students develop medical Spanish proficiency.

Why I love this program: 

We love that our program has wellness based activities such as cohort yoga classes, river floats, and community book exchanges!

Class Size: 44 students per cohort

Degree Awarded: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Total Program Length: 36 months (3 years)
Didactic Phase: 18 months
Clinical Phase: 18 months
Electives: 4 elective rotations
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the ARC-PA

What makes us unique:
CHA/PA is one of the oldest PA programs in the country and the only one to offer a three-year curriculum with early and longitudinal clinical exposure. Students rotate at a variety of clinical sites across Colorado, including urban, rural, and underserved areas, and have strong interprofessional education with other health programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Why I love this program:
The support from faculty and the emphasis on creating well-rounded, compassionate providers has been incredible. I’ve gained confidence not only in clinical knowledge but also in communication, advocacy, and patient-centered care.