John Cech President of Caroll College | Official Website
John Cech President of Caroll College | Official Website
Carroll College in Helena, Montana, has been awarded $800,574 from the State of Montana to support its developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program. The funding comes through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) as part of the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission’s Near Term Initiative. This initiative is supported by House Bill 872, passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature, aiming to address healthcare gaps by fostering educational opportunities.
Dr. John Cech, President of Carroll College, stated: “This significant investment in Carroll College’s PA Program underscores our shared commitment to meeting Montana’s healthcare needs.” He expressed gratitude towards Governor Gianforte, DPHHS, and the BHSFG Commission for their recognition of education's role in transforming healthcare access and outcomes.
The grant will cover essential startup costs for the PA Program at Carroll College. Since its inception in 2021, the program has focused on recruiting students from within Montana and emphasizes clinical training in rural areas. The college plans to admit its first cohort of 34 students by May 2028 after completing accreditation processes.
Significant progress has already been made with leadership hires and curriculum development underway. The program has also secured clinical rotation agreements statewide and raised nearly $1.5 million through philanthropic efforts from entities like the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Fortin Foundation.
Carroll's PA Program builds on over a century-long tradition of excellence in healthcare education at the college. It aims to provide affordable training options for Montanans while offering admissions preference to state residents and alumni. Collaborations with healthcare organizations are being pursued to support housing and employment for students.
The mission behind Carroll College’s PA Program is to prepare graduates for impactful careers while improving healthcare access across Montana communities.
For further details about Carroll College's Physician Assistant Program development, visit www.carroll.edu/pa.
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