New Investment to Increase Health Care Providers in Montana

• Govenor Greg Gianforte has announced a $4 million investment to support startup costs to launch Physician Assistant (PA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) doctorate programs.
• According to a 2022 Montana Department of Labor and Industry report, approximately 67 PAs and 33 OTs are needed to meet community demands.

New Investment to Increase Health Care Providers in Montana

In a new announcement with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS) Govenor Greg Gianforte is making a huge investment in healthcare for Montana residents.

A new $4 million investment was announced for the University of Montana (UM) and Carroll College to support startup costs to launch Physician Assistant (PA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) doctorate programs.

Rural Montana is Hoping to See the Benefits of New Programs Available

In making the announcement, Govenor Gianforte stated that "For far too long, Montana has kicked the can down the road instead of repairing our broken behavioral health system.  Working with the Legislature, we’re fixing what’s broken. This investment is an excellent opportunity to increase educational opportunities and expand the number of skilled health professionals working within our rural health care systems."

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The press release also provided more information on the struggle in rural areas in regard to receiving health care:

PAs and OTs fill critical roles in Montana’s BH and DD continuum of care. In rural areas with shortages of physicians and other behavioral health professionals, PAs often function in primary care roles and can be the only providers in the community. OTs provide an array of vital services, including prevention and treatment services.

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Graduating Classes Expected in Montana in 2028

In Montana, estimates show approximately 67 PAs, and 33 OTs are needed to meet community demands.

For Carroll College, the program "anticipates matriculating its first cohort of 34 students in May 2028, pending the program’s accreditation process. Carroll’s program aims to create a direct pipeline of skilled health care professionals for the state."

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For the University of Montana in Missoula, the "investment in start-up costs will support UM in launching programs that will graduate 30 OT students and 25 PA students each year starting in 2028."  You can read the full press release here.