We've heard for several years that the aging population in Montana is creating an increasing demand in the healthcare industry, especially the need for healthcare workers.

And if you'd like to get into the field, Governor Greg Gianforte just announced a new program. It will help students at the University of Montana and Carroll College to achieve their doctorate in two specific areas.

The $4-million investment announced this week will support startup programs at both schools for Physician Assistant (PA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) degrees. UM will offer the OT doctorate, while Carroll College plans to launch a PA program.

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What Montana is going to recruit healthcare workers

 Gianforte says the new effort is targeted at improving Montana's offerings in behavioral health.

“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 healthcare systems. We’re proud to partner with UM and Carroll to fill critical gaps in our workforce.”

“For far too long, Montana has kicked the can down the road instead of repairing our broken behavioral health system,”- Gov. Gianforte

The investment is part of a recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission and is the next allocation of a $300-million commitment to boost both behavioral health and development disabilities programs.

Making the system more efficient

Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton said the agency is eager to move this initiative forward, saying it will improve service, especially in rural communities. 

 “This will help reduce travel times and other barriers for rural Montanans in need of behavioral health treatment," Dr. Brereton explained. "I’m excited for these programs to launch as we work together to encourage more Montanans to enter into these fields and put their skills to work here.”

Dennis Bragg photo
Dennis Bragg photo
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 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. 

 “This investment will give Montanan’s access to an affordable, public option to become PAs and OTs,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian. “These new pathways at UM fill a longstanding workforce need for these professionals, who are a cornerstone of our state’s mental and behavioral health system.”

 Carroll officials say this funding helps with matriculating its first cohort of 34 students in May 2028, pending the program’s accreditation.

 "This funding will allow Carroll to build upon its long-standing reputation as a leader in training healthcare professionals who make a meaningful difference in Montana’s communities," said Dr. John Cech, President of Carroll College.  

A 2022 state report said about 67 PAs and 33 OTs are needed to meet community demand.

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6 States That Had a Greater Population Increase Than Montana Since 2020

World Population Review using Census Bureau data and projections from USCB data have an idea of how much the population has increased in several states. Montana is in the top 10 but is not number 1. Here's a look at how much Montana's population increased and the 6 states that had greater population increases.

Gallery Credit: Ashley