Colorado’s healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, creating numerous opportunities for individuals seeking stable and rewarding careers. The Colorado Care Forward Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the increasing demand for healthcare professionals by providing zero-cost, short-term training programs at community and technical colleges across the state. This program offers a fast track to in-demand healthcare roles, empowering Coloradans to step into fulfilling careers within a year or less.
Addressing Colorado’s Healthcare Workforce Needs
Even before the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado was facing a critical shortage of entry-level healthcare workers. Data from the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report highlighted the urgent need, projecting substantial growth in key healthcare occupations. For instance, positions for phlebotomists and pharmacy technicians are expected to surge by 38% and 24% respectively by 2023, while general healthcare support roles are anticipated to increase by 16%. This escalating demand underscores the vital importance of initiatives like Care Forward Colorado in strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Care Forward Colorado directly tackles this workforce gap by creating accessible pathways to living-wage, high-growth healthcare careers. By removing financial barriers, the program opens doors for more individuals to pursue healthcare training and contribute to revitalizing Colorado’s healthcare system.
How Care Forward Colorado Works: Your Tuition-Free Pathway
Starting in Fall 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program began offering eligible students the incredible opportunity to enroll in select healthcare certificate programs completely free of charge. This means tuition, fees, and even course materials are covered, thanks to dedicated program funding. This financial support allows students to focus entirely on their studies and career preparation without the burden of tuition costs.
The program encompasses a wide array of essential healthcare roles, offering diverse career options for aspiring professionals. Participants can choose from certificate programs including:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Provide essential patient care in various healthcare settings.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Respond to medical emergencies and provide critical pre-hospital care.
- Phlebotomy Technician: Specialize in drawing blood for medical testing and transfusions.
- Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care.
- Medical Assistant: Support physicians in clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices and clinics.
- Dental Assistant: Work alongside dentists to provide patient care and office support in dental practices.
- Nurse Refresher: For nurses seeking to update their skills and re-enter the healthcare field.
- Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy: Provide holistic healthcare and wellness services.
- Sterile Processing Technician: Ensure medical equipment is properly sterilized for safe patient use.
- Paramedic Certificate: Advanced EMTs providing comprehensive emergency medical care.
- Echocardiography Certificate: Specialize in using ultrasound technology to image the heart.
- Medical Billing and Coding: Manage patient billing and insurance coding in healthcare facilities.
- Medical Office Certificate: Develop administrative and clerical skills for efficient healthcare office operations.
- Practical Nursing: Provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Accessible Programs at Colorado Community Colleges
Care Forward Colorado is implemented through a network of community and technical colleges across Colorado, ensuring program accessibility for students statewide. These participating institutions offer the listed healthcare certificate programs with Care Forward funding, making it convenient for individuals in various regions to access tuition-free training.
[Checkmark for Aims Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Arapahoe Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Colorado Mountain College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for CMU Tech Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Community College of Aurora Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Community College of Denver Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Emily Griffith Technical College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Front Range Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Lamar Community College Programs] Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Morgan Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Northeastern Junior College Programs] Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Otero College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Pickens Technical College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Pueblo Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Red Rocks Community College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Technical College of the Rockies Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Checkmark for Trinidad State College Programs] Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: Please refer to the linked college websites for the most up-to-date program details and enrollment information, as program availability and financial aid processes may vary.
Partnering with Employers for a Stronger Healthcare Community
The Colorado Community College System actively fosters partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare employers. This collaboration ensures that the Care Forward Colorado program is aligned with industry needs, and that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare workforce. By connecting training with real-world opportunities, the program strengthens the healthcare community and promotes long-term career success for its participants.
If you represent a healthcare organization and are interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Care Forward Colorado, you are encouraged to reach out.
CONTACT US
The Foundation of Care Forward Colorado: Senate Bill 22-226
Care Forward Colorado is fully funded through Senate Bill 22-226, a testament to Colorado’s commitment to bolstering its healthcare workforce. This bill allocated $26 million in state recovery funds specifically to support healthcare worker training initiatives across Colorado. Signed into law by Governor Polis in May, and championed by Senators Sonya Jacquez Lewis and Bob Rankin, and Representative Kyle Mullica, this legislation underscores the bipartisan support for addressing healthcare workforce shortages and creating accessible career pathways for Coloradans through programs like Care Forward Colorado.
