Getting a medical license in the U.S. takes a lot of effort and dedication. You’ll have to go through a long journey before getting your license, so getting a quality education at a university that understands your needs and interests is essential. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is renowned for its beautiful scenery and had the sixth-highest growth percentage among the states in the United States from 2010 to 2020. You can also find excellent medical schools and other educational institutions in Colorado that offer quality curricula and many opportunities to work and participate in innovative research.
If you live in Colorado, you have fewer options than in other states. However, two medical schools in Colorado grant M.D. degrees, and one grants D.O. degrees. Let’s review each of these medical schools in Colorado so you can decide if they are a good fit!
Top Medical Schools in Colorado
1. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado School of Medicine, established in 1883, is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus. It is ranked among the top 50 best medical schools in the country and has many affiliated centers and research opportunities. Some of its departments have performed outstandingly. The physician assistant programs and the family medicine department ranked seventh, and the pediatrics department ranked sixth best.
In addition to the M.D. degree program, they offer different master’s and Ph.D. programs, including the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesiology, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, and Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. As it is the only medical school that grants M.D. degrees in Colorado, admissions are highly competitive. The school receives over 7,000 applications each year and interviews between 650 and 700 prospective students. In the end, only nearly 200 students were accepted.
The admissions board prioritizes applicants who live in Colorado. However, last year, the school accepted half resident and half non-resident students. Moreover, it has an application fee of $100 (but you can apply for a waiver) and occasionally accepts transfer students who have already finished the foundation coursework phase.
2. Rocky Vista University
Established in 2006, Rocky Vista University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine grants the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. It has two campuses: one in Parker, Colorado, and the other in Ivins, Utah. The D.O. program is divided into four years. The first two consist of foundation coursework and classroom-based learning, but students also have the option to enroll in an “Honor Track.” They are divided into military, rural, or global medical practice and medical research. The last two years consist of clinical rotations.
RVUCOM is developing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies program that received students for the first time in 2018. It has many affiliated sites in different states, and there’s a Rocky Vista Health Center where students can get fellowship opportunities. The 2020 class received over 5,000 applicants but admitted only 162 students (a 3.1% acceptance rate). On the other hand, the 2022 class received 2,094 applicants but admitted only 128 students (a 6.1% acceptance rate). They accept transfer students from other accredited osteopathic schools, and applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Students looking for a well-rounded medical education in Colorado can become an excellent opportunity because of the healthcare environment in a great location. Its education system is remarkable, thanks to its emphasis on quality training, practical experience, and dedication to patient care. So, consider the two institutions above if you plan to pursue your M.D. or D.O. degree in Colorado!
We hope this article on the best medical schools in Colorado was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out our Study in the USA and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA!
