Partnership with institutions of higher education will help fill critical workforce shortages

Helena, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Sep 19th, announced a $4 million investment to support startup costs for any Montana institution of higher education launching Physician Assistant (PA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) doctorate programs.

As recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) Commission, the investment represents the next allocation of $300 million in funding secured by the governor last year to reform and improve Montana’s behavioral health (BH) and developmental disabilities (DD) services systems.

“We’re proud to partner with Montana colleges and universities to increase educational opportunities and ultimately expand the number of skilled health professionals working within our rural health care systems,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Across the state, we will continue to support ways to fill critical gaps in our workforce.”

DPHHS will now establish an application process to evaluate grant proposals from any institution of higher education authorized by the Board of Regents to issue degrees in Montana looking to implement PA and OT doctorate programs.

“Having more PAs and OTs serving our communities will help reduce travel times and other barriers for rural Montanans in need of behavioral health treatment,” Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton said. “These programs also provide Montana residents with increased access to quality, affordable training options in-state, encouraging more Montanans to enter into these fields and put their skills to work here.”

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.

According to a 2022 Montana Department of Labor and Industry report, approximately 67 PAs and 33 OTs are needed to meet community demands.

On May 22, 2023, Gov. Gianforte made a generational investment to reform and improve Montana’s BH and DD services systems by signing House Bill 872 into law. A central component of the governor’s Budget for Montana Families, the $300 million investment will expand intensive and community-based BH and DD services across Montana.

More information about the commission and its work may be found here.