Helena, MT — Carroll College is pleased to announce it has received $800,574 in funding from the State of Montana through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to support the development of its Physician Assistant (PA) Program. This grant, part of the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission’s (BHSFG) Near Term Initiative, was made possible through House Bill 872, passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature. The initiative is aimed at addressing critical gaps in healthcare by fostering educational opportunities and building a robust workforce pipeline for behavioral health and developmental disabilities services in the state.
“This significant investment in Carroll College’s PA Program underscores our shared commitment to meeting Montana’s healthcare needs,” said Dr. John Cech, President of Carroll College. “We are grateful to Governor Gianforte, DPHHS, and the BHSFG Commission for recognizing the essential role of education in transforming healthcare access and outcomes for Montanans, especially in rural and underserved communities.”
The funding will support critical startup costs for Carroll’s PA Program, which has been under development since 2021. Carroll’s innovative approach will focus on recruiting students from Montana, emphasize clinical training in rural and underserved areas, and strive to retain graduates as healthcare providers throughout the state. The college aims to matriculate its first cohort of 34 students in May 2028, pending the program’s accreditation process.
The developing PA Program has already achieved significant milestones, including hiring leadership and faculty positions, developing a robust curriculum, and securing clinical rotation agreements with healthcare organizations across the state. Notably, the program has raised nearly $1.5 million in philanthropic support from both individuals and organizations such as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Fortin Foundation.
Carroll’s PA program aligns with the college’s long-standing tradition of excellence in healthcare education. With more than a century of history preparing students for medical and health-related careers, the new PA program will build upon this foundation, expanding opportunities for Montana residents to access in-state, affordable training. The college plans to provide admissions preference to Montana residents and Carroll alumni, aiming to reduce barriers for aspiring healthcare professionals from the state. Additionally, the program is actively collaborating with healthcare entities to facilitate housing and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
Carroll College’s PA Program reflects the college’s mission to prepare graduates for meaningful lives and careers. With rigorous training and a focus on community engagement, the program will be dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes across Montana.
For more information about Carroll College’s developing Physician Assistant Program, please visit www.carroll.edu/pa.