South Central Montana AHEC
About Our Region
South Central Montana offers a captivating mix of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. From the state capital of Helena, rich in historic landmarks, to the rugged wilderness of the surrounding mountains and national forests, the area is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Historic mining towns, like Butte, preserve the state's industrial past, while small, charming communities along rivers and lakes provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore vast forests, scenic lakes, and sweeping mountain ranges, whether skiing in world-class resorts, hiking through remote wilderness, or fishing in some of the best trout waters in the country. Together, these counties offer a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural wonder.
The South Central Montana AHEC region is home to Montana State University, Montana Tech, Carroll College, University of Montana Western, Gallatin College, Highlands College and Helena College. Collectively, these educational institutions offer a variety of health professions programs to meet with workforce needs within the region.
The population is served by a variety of healthcare facilities. This includes hospital systems, such as Bozeman Health, Billings Clinic, Benefis Health System and Intermountain Health. The many small communities in the region are also served by numerous critical access hospitals. Furthermore, the region is home the Montana State Hospital, Fort Harrison VA Medical Center and Shodair Children’s Hospital.
At a Glance
Population
316, 570 (27.95% of the state)
Counties Served
Lewis & Clark, Powell, Granite, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Jefferson, Broadwater, Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, Park
Health Professional Shortage Areas
10 counties are Primary Care HPSAs
10 counties are Mental Health HPSAs
6 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
South 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.
MT Health Equity Network
The mission of the MHEN is to establish a shared understanding of health equity and
to increase capacity to address health disparities by fostering collaboration, coordination,
and communication among organizations. South Central Montana AHEC provides facilitation
support to the MHEN Advisory Council.
Staff
Host Organization
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South 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. |
