Colorado Mountain College and CU School of Medicine Launch New Pathway for Aspiring Physicians

Colorado Mountain College has entered into a new partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine that creates an exciting opportunity for CMC students pursuing careers in medicine. Under a recently signed agreement, qualifying CMC students will receive a guaranteed interview with the CU School of Medicine—a significant milestone in an otherwise highly competitive admissions process. The partnership is designed to strengthen the pathway from CMC to medical school, particularly for students in rural and mountain communities. While an interview does not guarantee admission, it represents a critical step forward. Many medical schools interview only two to three candidates for every available seat, making the interview itself one of the most challenging barriers to overcome. To be eligible for the guaranteed interview, students must complete a bachelor’s degree, (the Bachelor of Biological Science recommended), maintain a strong academic record, and earn a competitive MCAT score. For specific requirements, students are encouraged to contact Colorado Mountain College directly for the most current and detailed information: https://coloradomtn.edu/admissions/. Students will also be expected to submit well-rounded, high-quality applications that demonstrate academic preparation, clinical exposure, and professional readiness. CMC is working with local medical professionals to expand shadowing and patient-care exposure opportunities across a range of specialties, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in clinical settings. As part of the partnership, CMC and CU School of Medicine will collaborate to help CMC students access current CU medical students for mentorship. Beginning this fall, CMC will further strengthen this pathway with the launch of the new Bachelor of Biological Science degree, along with advanced coursework in cell and molecular biology at the Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge campuses. However, the Pre-Medicine pathway at CMC is flexible and accessible across campuses. Because it is a pathway rather than a standalone degree, students may declare Pre-Medicine from any CMC location, as long as they complete the necessary… Read more: Colorado Mountain College and CU School of Medicine Launch New Pathway for Aspiring Physicians

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Jim Jones Leads CMC’s Effort to Grow Colorado’s Trades Workforce

James Jones.

A new statewide report outlines a pressing challenge: Colorado needs far more skilled-trade workers to meet its energy and infrastructure goals, especially in rural and mountain regions. As buildings undergo efficiency upgrades, renewable systems expand, and older trades professionals retire, communities face widening workforce gaps. Jim Jones, Program Director of Skilled Crafts & Trades at Colorado Mountain College, has been working on the front lines of this issue. He told CPR News that employers across fields like HVAC, electrical work, carpentry, and automotive technology are struggling to find qualified workers — a demand that continues to accelerate. Under Jones’s leadership, CMC has expanded its skilled-trades programs by 700% in just a few years. This growth reflects both student interest and regional need, with several programs filling to capacity and developing waitlists. The college’s structure allows students to train locally, reducing the need to relocate to urban centers and ensuring that rural communities retain the talent necessary for economic stability. Jones emphasizes that the skilled trades are essential to Colorado’s future — not only for climate and energy goals, but for the day-to-day functioning of mountain towns that rely on trained professionals to keep homes, businesses, and infrastructure running. Read the full CPR story:https://www.cpr.org/2025/11/19/colorado-climate-workforce-report/

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Highlighting Audrey Walker’s Work in Colorado’s Sacred Hot Springs

Audrey Walker.

Rocky Mountain PBS’s Colorado Experience: Sacred Hot Springs explores the history, geology, and cultural significance of Colorado’s mineral springs — and prominently features the expertise of Audrey Walker, Adjunct Faculty of Physical Sciences at Colorado Mountain College’s Steamboat Springs campus, where she teaches courses in geology. Read more: Highlighting Audrey Walker’s Work in Colorado’s Sacred Hot Springs

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Colorado Mountain College and Regis University Partner to Create Pharmacy Pathway for Students

Colorado Mountain College and Regis University have launched a new partnership to support students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. The collaboration establishes a streamlined pathway for CMC students to transfer into Regis University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, housed within its Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. Through the agreement, students enrolled in CMC’s Pre-Pharmacy track will have a clearly defined transfer process and priority consideration for admission to Regis’s pharmacy program. The partnership strengthens both institutions’ commitments to increasing access to healthcare careers for students in Colorado’s rural and mountain communities. “This partnership is a major step forward in expanding opportunities for our students,” said John Lawrence, Ph.D., dean of the School of Natural & Applied Sciences at Colorado Mountain College. “Many of our students are passionate about serving their hometowns as healthcare professionals, and Regis’s Pharmacy program provides a rigorous and respected pathway to do just that. We’re proud to work alongside Regis to remove barriers and build bridges to professional healthcare careers.” Students who complete prerequisite coursework at CMC and meet admissions requirements will be able to transfer directly into Regis’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, helping them save time and tuition dollars while staying closer to home during the early stages of their education. “This initiative highlights the importance of building clearer, more accessible pathways for students to pursue health profession programs — helping to reduce enrollment barriers and support those considering a future in healthcare,” said Samit Shah, dean of Regis University’s School of Pharmacy. “Together, we’re creating accessible pathways that empower students to become compassionate, knowledgeable pharmacists ready to lead and serve in the places that need them most.” Regis University’s School of Pharmacy utilizes a Team-Based Learning model to prepare students with the clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to thrive in… Read more: Colorado Mountain College and Regis University Partner to Create Pharmacy Pathway for Students

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