Colorado is tackling its healthcare workforce challenges head-on with the innovative Care Forward Colorado program. This initiative provides zero-cost, short-term training opportunities at community and technical colleges across the state, designed to rapidly equip individuals with the skills needed for in-demand healthcare roles. In as little as a year, you can gain the qualifications to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or enter numerous other vital healthcare professions that are currently experiencing critical shortages in Colorado.
Addressing Colorado’s Healthcare Demand with Care Forward Colorado
Even before the unprecedented pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado’s healthcare sector was facing significant deficits in entry-level positions. The demand for healthcare professionals in Colorado is projected to surge dramatically. Data from the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report indicates that roles such as phlebotomists are expected to increase by 38%, and pharmacy technicians by 24% by 2023. General healthcare support occupations are also predicted to rise by 16%, highlighting the urgent need for a robust healthcare workforce.
The Care Forward Colorado Program directly responds to this pressing need. By offering tuition, fees, and course materials at no cost to students, it removes financial barriers and opens doors to individuals seeking stable, well-paying careers in the healthcare industry. This program not only revitalizes Colorado’s healthcare system but also empowers individuals to embark on fulfilling and essential career paths.
How Care Forward Colorado Works: Zero-Cost Training for High-Demand Careers
Starting in Fall 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program began providing funding for eligible students enrolled in specific healthcare certificate programs. This means that if you qualify and enroll in one of the approved programs, your tuition, mandatory fees, and required course materials are entirely covered, as long as Care Forward Colorado funding is available.
The program supports a wide range of essential healthcare roles, including:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Nurse Refresher
- Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy
- Sterile Processing
- Paramedic Certificate
- Echocardiography Certificate
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Office Certificate
- Practical Nursing
This comprehensive list ensures that the Care Forward Colorado program addresses diverse needs within the healthcare sector, offering multiple entry points for individuals with varying interests and career aspirations.
Explore Participating Colleges and Take Your First Step
The Care Forward Colorado program is implemented through a network of community and technical colleges throughout Colorado. Each participating college offers its own selection of approved programs and has specific enrollment processes for accessing Care Forward Colorado funding.
To discover the opportunities available to you, explore the programs offered at these participating institutions:
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Emergency Medical Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | Pharmacy Technician | Medical Assistant | Dental Assistant | Nurse Refresher | Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy | Sterile Processing | Paramedic Certificate | Echocardiography Certificate | Medical Billing & Coding | Medical Office Certificate | Practical Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aims Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||
| Arapahoe Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||
| Colorado Mountain College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
| CMU Tech | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||
| Community College of Aurora | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||
| Community College of Denver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
| Front Range Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Lamar Community College | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
| Morgan Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
| Northeastern Junior College | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
| Otero College | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||
| Pickens Technical College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
| Pueblo Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||
| Red Rocks Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Technical College of the Rockies | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
| Trinidad State College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Emergency Medical Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | Pharmacy Technician | Medical Assistant | Dental Assistant | Nurse Refresher | Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy | Sterile Processing | Paramedic Certificate | Echocardiography Certificate | Medical Billing & Coding | Medical Office Certificate | Practical Nursing |
Care Forward Colorado is a groundbreaking opportunity funded through Senate Bill 22-226, allocating $26 million to bolster Colorado’s healthcare workforce. This legislation, signed by Governor Polis, demonstrates the state’s commitment to addressing healthcare needs and providing accessible career pathways. If you are seeking a fast track to a rewarding healthcare career with zero tuition costs, explore the Care Forward Colorado program and take your first step today. Contact a participating college to learn more about program specifics and enrollment.
