(MISSOULA) — The University of Montana is welcoming its first class of physician associate students, as the state works to address critical healthcare shortages.
Twenty-four students make up the inaugural class, selected from more than 600 applicants to Montana’s first public physician associate program.
Twenty of the students are from Montana — a key part of the program’s goal to train providers who will stay and work in rural and underserved communities.
UM says Montana needs nearly 20 new physician associates each year to keep pace with healthcare demand.
The 26-month program begins with a year of classroom instruction before students move into clinical training across the state.
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