Red Rocks Community College PA program provides a practical pathway into physician assistant practice in Colorado. Students combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training to meet regional healthcare needs.
The program emphasizes primary care readiness, interprofessional collaboration, and real-world patient interaction. Graduates often pursue roles in clinics, urgent care, and hospital settings across the Front Range.
| Program Attribute | Details | Benefit | Student Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Length | Approximately 27 months, including prerequisites | Structured timeline to completion | Clear pathway to graduation |
| Didactic Hours | Over 1,100 hours of classroom and lab instruction | Strong science and clinical foundation | Ready for national certification |
| Clinical Rotations | Primary care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, surgery | Diverse real-world experience | Competitive residency applications |
| Accreditation | ARC-PA accredited | Eligibility for national certification exams | State licensure and employer recognition |
Prerequisite Requirements for Admission
Academic and Science Preparation
Applicants should complete anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and general chemistry with lab. Competitive GPAs typically fall above 3.0, with stronger science GPAs improving acceptance chances.
Healthcare Experience and Background Checks
Direct patient contact hours, observation time with PAs, and recent immunizations are often required. Clear criminal background checks and drug screenings are mandatory for clinical placement.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Year One Foundations
The first year focuses on medical sciences, pharmacology, and clinical reasoning. Students participate in simulation labs that mirror real emergency and primary care scenarios.
Year Two Rotations and Capstone
The second year emphasizes ambulatory and inpatient rotations across multiple specialties. A supervised capstone project integrates research, leadership, and advanced patient management skills.
Career Opportunities and Licensure
Job Placement and Specialties
Graduates have found positions in family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, urgent care, and community health centers. The program’s location supports networking with Colorado health systems and residency programs.
Certification and State Requirements
After graduation, students are eligible to take the PANCE exam. Maintaining NCCPA certification and a Colorado medical license requires ongoing education and adherence to professional standards.
Next Steps for Prospective Students
- Review official prerequisite requirements and deadlines on the RRCC website
- Gain documented patient care experience and secure professional references
- Prepare prerequisite science courses with strong grades
- Submit a complete application through the college portal and monitor admission decisions
- Connect with current students or alumni to learn about clinical opportunities and residency pathways
FAQ
Reader questions
How long does the Red Rocks Community College PA program take to complete?
The program typically requires about 27 months, including prerequisite coursework, when taken on a full-time schedule with continuous enrollment.
What healthcare experience should I have before applying?
Applicants are expected to have recent direct patient contact hours, observation time with practicing PAs, and up-to-date immunizations for clinical sites.
Is this program accredited and recognized in Colorado?
Yes, the program holds ARC-PA accreditation, making graduates eligible for the national certification exam and recognized by Colorado employers and licensing boards.
What support services are available for students?
Academic advising, tutoring, career services, and mental health resources help learners manage rigorous coursework and succeed in clinical placements.