About the program
The University of Colorado 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 Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program is to provide an innovative learning environment to educate socially conscious physician assistants dedicated to the holistic care of diverse and underserved patient populations across the lifespan with an emphasis on primary care and expanded training in pediatrics."
The CHA/PA Program is nationally recognized for its unique educational value and comprehensive physician assistant training. The Program launched the Colorado Curriculum in 2018. Based on current research in learning theory, this curriculum is designed to support learner mastery of the complex concepts of patient care. In addition to our extensive adult curriculum and integrated clinical training across all three years, we offer additional training in pediatric medicine and behavioral health.
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: 5 Years
Program overview
The University of Colorado offers a 35-month MPAS program rooted in a clear and specific mission: training socially conscious PAs for holistic, primary care-focused practice with underserved and diverse populations, and with a distinctive emphasis on pediatrics. The program holds ARC-PA continued accreditation and accepts its next cohort starting July 2027, with an application deadline of September 1, 2026. Because admissions are rolling and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting early carries real strategic weight.
The curriculum, overhauled in 2018 under the name the Colorado Curriculum, draws on current learning theory and uses case-based, systems-based, and team-based approaches alongside early clinical exposure integrated across all three years. Beyond the standard adult medicine curriculum, students receive supplemental training in pediatric medicine and behavioral health - a combination that genuinely distinguishes this program from most PA training environments. Applicants drawn to working with children or underserved communities, or those who want meaningful primary care preparation, will find the mission and curriculum structure well aligned.
Matriculants carry a mean overall GPA of 3.78 and a science GPA of 3.73, meaningfully above the stated minimums of 3.0 in each category. Competitive applicants should be realistic about this gap. Paid direct patient care and healthcare experience are both recommended but not required, which opens the door slightly wider than programs that mandate a hard hour threshold, though the strength of the average admitted class suggests that practical experience still matters in practice. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past five years and includes general chemistry with lab, general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, and statistics, totaling specific credit requirements for each.
The incoming class is relatively small at 44 students, and each applicant must supply a minimum of three reference letters. The interview process involves both a traditional interview and a group interview format, both conducted onsite - candidates should prepare for peer-facing dynamics in addition to individual evaluation. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, with the latter subject to exceptions detailed on the program website. Separate tuition rates apply for in-state and out-of-state students, and a seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance. There is no part-time option and no distance learning component.
An applicant should choose this program if pediatric training, primary care emphasis, and service to underserved populations genuinely reflect their clinical interests - not just as application talking points, but as a real direction they want their PA career to take.