To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Montana (MT) start by completing an accredited PA program, usually lasting around two years. Prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Following graduation, passing the national certification exam is essential, along with obtaining state licensure. Ongoing education and license renewal are required to ensure continued practice as a PA in Montana.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Montana.
Accredited Physician Assistant Schools in Montana
Selecting an ARC-PA accredited school in Montana is crucial as it ensures a quality education, meeting rigorous standards. Graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for certification, making it an essential step in becoming a certified Physician Assistant.
In Montana, there is 1 accredited PA school with full accreditation.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain College | Billings | Yes | Program Page |
The CASPA online application process is widely adopted by many institutions. Ensure you visit the CASPA website to verify the specific application deadlines for your chosen schools.
Rocky Mountain College, Billings
- Prescott Hall 1511 Poly Dr. Billings, MT 59102
- (406) 657-1023
Located in Billings, Rocky Mountain College is a private institution with 1,054 students and Christian religious affiliations. The college offers on-campus housing.
Rocky Mountain College’s Physician Assistant program holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and spans 26 months. Upon completion, students receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1st.
When it comes to expenses, it’s important to note that the PA program at Rocky Mountain College involves tuition and fees that exceed $125,000. This program also uses CASPA as the application platform to gain entry to this accredited program.
Certification and License Requirements
After graduation from an accredited PA program in Montana, aspiring PAs must complete the Physician Assistant National Certification Exams (PANCE). This exam ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
The exam can be taken at designated testing centers, usually located nationwide. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, a crucial step in securing the legal authorization to practice as a Physician Assistant.
Licensing
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and obtained certification it is required by Montana law that you apply for a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
The Montana Board of Medical Examiners licenses sets supervision the requirements between PAs and supervising physicians. PAs and physicians collaborate to establish the PA’s scope of practice through written agreements. Supervising physicians decide on prescriptive authority, allowing PAs to prescribe, administer, and dispense Schedule III-V drugs. However, for Schedule II drugs, PAs can only prescribe a 34-day supply.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-6880
Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/medical-examiners/license-information/physician-assistant
PA Salary and Jobs Outlook in Montana
In 2024, there were 700 persons employed as Physician Assistants in Montana with an average salary of $122,310. This represents an hourly wage of $58.80 and is 2.42% below the national average of $125,270.
Between 2018 and 2022 in Montana, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $16,180, representing a 15% growth. In the same period, employment numbers for Physician Assistants rose by 70 individuals, indicating an 11% increase in employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 27% growth in employment for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, suggesting continued opportunities in the field.