About the program
The Red Rocks Community College PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The mission of the RRCC PA Program is to prepare physician assistants to serve all communities by practicing professional, empathetic, inclusive, team-based medicine with a focus on primary care."
RRCC PA Program is the only Master’s Degree granting community college in the nation; newly constructed facility includes on-site cadaver and simulation labs and mock clinic space; established faculty team with numerous local, state and national appointments; exemplary reputation of the Program and graduates benefit job placement opportunities for current students; program awarded a nearly $1 million grant to support longitudinal clinical placements in rural Colorado communities.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 8 outstanding at application
Program overview
Red Rocks Community College offers a 27-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree with ARC-PA Continued accreditation, set to begin in August 2027. It holds a notable distinction as the only master's degree-granting community college PA program in the country, which shapes both its identity and its commitment to accessible, community-focused medical education. The program's mission centers on preparing graduates to serve all communities through primary care, with an emphasis on professional, empathetic, inclusive, and team-based practice - a mission that translates into concrete curriculum and clinical design choices rather than remaining an abstract statement.
The curriculum follows an organ-based and systems-based learning model, and students benefit from a newly constructed facility that includes on-site cadaver and simulation labs along with a mock clinic space. These resources support hands-on preparation before students enter clinical rotations. Notably, the program received a grant approaching one million dollars to fund longitudinal clinical placements in rural Colorado communities, making it a strong option for applicants who are serious about rural or underserved primary care. The faculty maintain local, state, and national appointments, and the program reports that its graduates' reputation supports job placement opportunities for current students.
The incoming class size is approximately 32 students. Matriculants have entered with an average overall GPA of 3.49 and a science GPA of 3.43, though the minimum prerequisite GPA is 3.00. The program requires healthcare experience but treats paid direct patient care as recommended rather than required - a meaningful distinction for applicants whose experience comes through volunteer or non-compensated roles. There is no time limit on prerequisites, and applicants may have up to eight outstanding prerequisites at the time of application, offering some flexibility for those still completing their academic preparation. Required prerequisites include Human Anatomy (3 credits), Human Physiology (3 credits), and Statistics (3 credits).
The application deadline is September 1, 2026, with applications reviewed on a post-deadline basis rather than on a rolling cycle. A minimum of three letters of reference is required, and interviews are conducted in both traditional and group formats, with an onsite interview required. The seat deposit is $750, and the program has separate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state and international applicants are accepted, though international applicants should review the program's website for specific eligibility conditions. There is no distance learning or part-time option available.
Applicants who are drawn to primary care and rural medicine, comfortable with a community college institutional setting, and prepared to complete an onsite interview in Colorado will find the clearest fit here.