By In the spring of 2022, The Board of Trustees began exploring different avenues to expand Carroll College’s academic profile. With a particular focus on healthcare and high demand fields, the board explored creation of a Physician’s Assistant (PA) Program. In a news article released on November 4th addressed to Carroll’s student body, faculty, and staff, John Cech, president of Carroll College since 2018, announced that Carroll will be offering a PA program beginning in the fall semester of 2025.
“I believe this announcement marks one of the most significant programmatic developments in Carroll College’s 113 year history,” said Cech. “Carroll’s new Physician Assistant Program will serve the growing healthcare needs across Montana and especially rural areas. Building on our highly successful undergraduate nursing, pre-med, allied health and health sciences programs, a graduate-level physician assistant program is a natural progression for the college and a strong fit for the mission of Carroll College in serving others.”
This intensive 27-month program will prepare students to earn a Master of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant Studies.
Carroll Trustee, Aaron Alme, MD., believes this will be a great addition to the college.
“Healthcare, service, and leadership are part of Carroll’s DNA,” said Alme. “During our first 100 years and beyond, Carroll College graduates have directly impacted health outcomes across Montana, the northwest, and the globe. Our new physician assistant program builds from that legacy of service, deeply rooted in our liberal arts foundation.”
The creation of the Physician Assistant Program will help to fill the ever growing need for healthcare professionals both at a rural and local level as well as at the national level.
Wade Johnson, CEO at St. Peter’s Health shared his excitement for the new program.
“I tell students if you want to go to medical school, go to Carroll. They do it better than anyone, and it is not even close,” said Johnson. “After today’s announcement, I am so excited to visit with students who are interested in becoming physician assistants and I will proudly say ‘if you are interested in going to PA school, go to Carroll, they will do it better than anyone, and it won’t even be close.'”
