North Central Montana AHEC
About Our Region
North Central Montana is a vast and scenic region characterized by wide open spaces, rolling plains, and dramatic landscapes. It is known for its rural charm, historic sites, and agricultural prominence. The region spans from the Rocky Mountain foothills in the west to the expansive Great Plains in the east. The terrain is diverse, with grasslands, prairie, and intermittent rivers such as the Missouri River, which plays a central role in the area’s history and development. The region has a rural, small-town atmosphere, with communities such as Great Falls and Havre serving as major population centers. The area is home to a rich Indigenous history and the influence of these cultures is evident in many sites and museums. The region offers abundant outdoor opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. In summary, North Central Montana offers a mix of rugged natural beauty, agricultural traditions, and a deep historical and cultural heritage.
The North Central Montana AHEC region is home to Aaniiih Nakoda College, Blackfeet
Community College, Great Falls College-Montana State University (MSU), MSU-Northern,
Stone Child College, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of Providence.
Together, these educational institutions offer a variety of health professions programs
to meet workforce needs within the region.
The regional population is served by a variety of healthcare facilities. This includes
hospital systems, such as Benefis Health System and Billings Clinic-Logan Health.
The many small communities in the regional are also served by critical access hospitals,
community health centers, and long-term care facilities. Tribal communities in region
are additionally served by Tribal and Urban Indian Health Centers and the Indian Health
Service.
At A Glance
Population
151,357 (13.38% of the state)
Counties Served
Glacier, Toole, Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Pondera, Chouteau, Teton, Cascade, Judith Basin, and Meagher.
Health Professional Shortage Areas
10 counties are Primary Care HPSAs
10 counties are Mental Health HPSAs
11 counties are Dental HPSAs
Programs
Medstart
Multi-day camp that introduces rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to a variety
of healthcare careers. Curriculum includes hands-on activities, presentations from
healthcare professionals, job shadowing, and college prep information sessions. Students
stay on a college campus for the duration of the camp.
Heads Up
Multi-day camp that introduces rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors to a variety
of behavioral health careers. Curriculum includes hands-on activities, presentations
from behavioral health professionals, local healthcare facility tours, college prep
information sessions and certification in Teen Mental Health First Aid. Students stay
on a college campus for the duration of the camp.
REACH
Research and Explore Awesome Career in Healthcare (REACH) is a one-day program hosted
at a local healthcare facility that provides high school students the opportunity
to explore the healthcare field through a variety of hands-on stations and activities.
Pathways to Health Careers in Montana Flyer
Our Pathways Flyer offers students and counselors a comprehensive guide to healthcare
career options at Montana colleges and universities, featuring information on certificate
programs, associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees.
Clinical Connect
In-person event for medical residents and health professional students to network
with hiring professionals from Montana healthcare facilities. Hosted during the Montana
Healthcare Conference.
Behavioral Health Training
North Central Montana AHEC coordinates and implements behavioral health training for
healthcare professionals. Staff are certified to instruct Teen and Youth Mental Health
First Aid.
Project PAVE
Supports healthcare workforce development through virtual reality education. The project
utilizes content created by Transfr and Oculus headsets to provide career exploration
simulations and clinical skills training.
CNA Program
North Central Montana AHEC offers an online, didactic Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) curriculum
that healthcare facilities/schools with established CNA programs can use as an alternative
to in-person learning.
The online curriculum consists of 12 self-paced modules that take approximately 97 hours over 8 weeks to complete. Facilities/schools coordinate with North Central Montana AHEC to create student cohorts upon request. North Central Montana AHEC provides technical assistance to students and progress reports to the facility/school. The participating facility/school is responsible for completing the clinical skills training checklist and testing with students.
Facilities/schools must apply and be approved by the State of Montana to establish a CNA program and utilize the online, didactic curriculum. The cost per student participating in the online program is $350. If interested, contact North Central Montana AHEC.
Staff
Host Organization
 |
North Central Montana AHEC is hosted by the Montana Hospital Association, a nonprofit organization with more than eighty members that provide the full spectrum of healthcare services, including hospital inpatient and outpatient services, skilled nursing facilities, home health, hospice, physician services, assisted living, senior housing and insurance services. |