Missoula, MT – When you spot those familiar Missoula Emergency Services vehicles at an accident scene, many of the paramedics you see could be graduates of the University of Montana’s Paramedicine Program.
Dave Kuntz, the Director of Strategic Communications at UM, recently shared some exciting news about this program. It has just received accreditation and formed a new partnership with Missoula Emergency Services. This is significant because it means that graduates can now train and work in a community that desperately needs trained paramedics.
Kuntz explained that the program, which began in 2020, addresses a growing healthcare shortage in Montana. UM President Seth Bodnar has made it a priority to match educational programs with the community’s needs, not only in healthcare but also in areas like cybersecurity and education.
The demand for healthcare workers in Montana is high. According to a recent report from the Montana Hospital Association, over 60% of hospitals in the state struggle with staffing shortages. As a response, the UM Paramedicine Program aims to build a sustainable pipeline of emergency health workers.
Graduates are now finding jobs in fire departments and ambulance services across the state. This program also opens pathways for students to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as athletic training and physician’s assistant programs that will soon launch.
Kuntz emphasized that this initiative is about more than just filling existing job vacancies. “It’s a way to ensure that we have enough healthcare professionals in the future,” he said. By focusing on local need, UM is setting up a long-term solution for community health.
The landscape of healthcare in Montana is evolving, and programs like UM’s Paramedicine are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. This partnership not only meets immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for a healthier future for the community.
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