Montana State University’s campus in Bozeman is seeing an increase in students pursuing health care careers through OneMSU, a collaborative initiative launched in 2018. The program offers six two-year degree options across Gallatin College MSU, Great Falls College MSU, and City College at MSU Billings. Students can take classes at their local college while accessing online lectures and labs provided by faculty from other campuses.
DeeDee Dalke, director of Allied Health at Gallatin College MSU, said, “Montana is vast, and through this partnership, we can better serve the many communities and towns in need of skilled workers. They’re each a piece of the puzzle that ultimately supports patient care.”
The OneMSU model enables students to complete prerequisites locally before participating in hands-on training or clinical work at the college hosting their specific program. This approach is designed to make health care education more accessible for students across Montana.
Elise Wilke, a student at Gallatin College MSU enrolled in the surgical technician program through OneMSU, described her path to the field after trying several four-year degrees. “I got to the point where I was really in it, and I would go, ‘What am I going to do with this?’” she said.
Wilke explained that the surgical technology program allowed her to stay near family and work while attending remote lectures and gaining experience in local hospitals. She noted the importance of small class sizes and a gradual learning pace: “Yes, it’s intense, but you know that at the end of it, you’ll be doing something that helps people and that you could be really passionate about,” she said. “But I won’t be able to watch any medical shows ever again because they all use the wrong tools.”
This fall marks an expansion for Gallatin College MSU as it adds dental hygiene and physical therapy assistant programs from Great Falls College MSU to its Bozeman offerings. Students will now have access to online courses, hands-on labs, and a new dental clinic equipped with an X-ray machine and five chair bays.
Students like Rylee Jaraczeski have already seen how these programs benefit communities by providing affordable dental cleanings for adults and children at rates between $35-$40. Last year Jaraczeski also participated in outreach efforts such as providing free teeth cleanings at Montana State Prison. “I’ve seen a big difference because we provide affordable cleanings in the community,” she said. “We’re a resource for people.” After graduation and certification exams, Jaraczeski expects to earn about $80,000 per year.
Physical therapy assistant graduates are also experiencing strong job prospects. According to Great Falls College MSU data (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm), employment growth for physical therapy assistants is projected to rise 19% by 2033 nationwide. The college reports that all graduates secure jobs within one year; approximately 71% pass their national exam on their first attempt.
At Gallatin College MSU’s Swingle Annex facility in Bozeman, physical therapy assistant students attend broadcasted lectures while gaining clinical experience locally. Dalke noted the value these partnerships bring: “Through our partnerships with industry, we’re able to show students that staying in Bozeman has value — that they can make a real impact right here in their community,” she said.
