Helena College Launches Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
The new four-semester program aims to address the shortage of therapy assistants in Montana.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Language Learning
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Helena College has officially established a new occupational therapy assistant program to help bolster the state healthcare workforce. The institution plans to accept up to 15 students for its inaugural cohort.
Why it matters
Montana currently has one of the lowest concentrations of occupational therapy assistants in the country. This new program is designed to mitigate that deficit by training local professionals in specialized clinical settings.
The curriculum follows a four-semester cohort model for all enrolled students. The college has constructed a dedicated classroom and lab space featuring simulated settings for pediatric, geriatric, and orthopedic care.
The players
Helena College
A public institution in Montana that provides accessible higher education and workforce training programs for the local community.
The details
Students will progress through the four-semester course of study as a single unified class. The college built a custom lab and classroom specifically to provide hands-on experience in pediatric, geriatric, and orthopedic treatment techniques.
Timeline
The college began exploring the creation of this program in 2021.
Applications for the program are set to close on Nov. 2, 2026.
The first day of classes is currently scheduled for Jan. 13, 2027.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the national trend of healthcare workforce development programs aimed at addressing localized service gaps. It marks a shift toward specialized technical education designed to meet specific regional labor demands.
Prospective students interested in a career as a therapy assistant must prepare their applications before the November deadline to be considered for the 15 available spots. Those accepted into the cohort will begin a structured four-semester path starting in early 2027.
The takeaway
The addition of this program provides a new vocational pathway for residents interested in healthcare. Prospective students should ensure they meet the application requirements before the November deadline to secure a position in the first cohort.
What happens next
Applications for the upcoming term must be submitted by Nov. 2, 2026, with the first cohort of students beginning their coursework on Jan. 13, 2027.
Further reading
For additional updates on local educational opportunities, see Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVH.
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