PA school is often described as “drinking from a fire hose”—intense, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding. During the didactic year, students typically complete 18–21 credits per semester, with full days of lectures, labs, small-group learning, and hands-on skills training that build a strong clinical foundation.
A defining feature of PA school is its strong sense of community. Students from diverse backgrounds support one another through long days and constant learning, forming lasting bonds along the way.
The clinical year marks the transition to patient care, with students rotating through multiple medical specialties. Schedules vary by rotation, and coursework continues alongside clinical responsibilities. As one student shared, “I went from multiple exams each week to one comprehensive exam at the end of each five-week rotation.”¹
Though demanding, PA school prepares resilient, compassionate, and highly skilled providers—making the journey challenging, meaningful, and unforgettable.
¹ How to Survive PA School: A Guide for Physician Assistant Students, EduMed.org
We are pleased to share that the team supporting Carroll’s developing Physician Assistant program continues to grow. As new faculty and staff come on board, they are helping build the academic and clinical foundation needed to thoughtfully launch and sustain the program. Get to know our current PA faculty and staff by clicking on their individual profiles.
Dr. Heinan brings nearly three decades of experience in physician assistant education, leadership, and accreditation. She has served in a variety of academic and administrative roles nationwide, including Program Director, Assistant Dean of Accreditation, and Accreditation Director for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Rachel Mattern, PA-C, is the Director of Clinical Education for the developing Physician Assistant Program at Carroll College. A Carroll College alumna from the class of 2000, she achieved her degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Rocky Mountain...
Karen Cody, MD is the Medical Director for the developing Physician Assistant Program at Carroll College. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN in 1993 and her Doctor of Medicine from Loyola Unive...
Rebecca "Becky" Schauf is the Program Coordinator for the developing Physician Assistant Program at Carroll College. She brings over a decade of experience in higher education administration along with more than ten years of experience in healthcare, supporting academic programs through strong organizational leadership, communication, and a student-centered approach.
Precepting offers both professional and personal rewards, including:
“As CEO of St. Luke Community Healthcare in Ronan, I see firsthand the challenges rural Montana faces in recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare providers. The development of the Physician Assistant Program at Carroll College is a meaningful and timely step toward strengthening our healthcare workforce pipeline across the state.
"Montana’s communities depend on locally trained providers who understand rural medicine, community relationships, and the unique needs of frontier populations. Programs like Carroll’s PA Program are critical to addressing provider shortages and ensuring sustainable access to high-quality care for future generations.
"St. Luke Community Healthcare has long been a strong supporter of training the next generation of healthcare professionals. We believe students who learn and train in Montana are far more likely to stay and serve here. As both a healthcare leader and the proud father of a Carroll College graduate, I appreciate the institution’s commitment to excellence, service, and community-centered education.
"Carroll’s PA Program will not only expand educational opportunity, but it will also strengthen rural healthcare systems like ours by developing skilled, compassionate providers who are ready to make an immediate impact.”
Emma Barron, a senior at Carroll College majoring in Health Sciences and Public Health with a minor in Biology on the Pre-Physician Assistant Pathway, is excited about the addition of Carroll’s new Physician Assistant (PA) master’s program. She shares that her undergraduate experience at Carroll has prepared her well for the next step toward PA school, and the new PA facility, along with dedicated faculty and staff, has already been a valuable resource. The opportunity to continue her education at Carroll is especially meaningful to Emma, and she looks forward to applying to PA school and watching the program grow and succeed.
Name:
Lena (Mortensen) Phelps, PA-C
Carroll College Class of 2005:
CC Athletic Hall of Fame induction (volleyball) – Fall, 2024; will be inducted into the Helena Athletic Hall of Fame in July 2026
PA Program:
University of St. Francis, ’08 (Albuquerque, NM)
Current Position:
Orthopedic PA, St. Peter’s Health, Helena, MT; President, Montana Association of PAs
How did your time at Carroll prepare you for becoming a PA?
My education at Carroll was academically challenging and extremely well-rounded. I majored in psychology and minored in biology, and the academic rigor provided exceptional preparation for PA school. Carroll’s holistic approach to education also provided me with a background that provided a solid base for engaging in patient care.
Why did you choose a career as a PA?
When I started college, I knew I wanted to work in medicine, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. While at Carroll, I had the opportunity to hear a presentation on the PA field. I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue! The opportunity to work in medicine, taking care of others, and lifestyle of the career offered a work-life balance that seemed to be a great fit.
What excites you about the development of a PA Program at Carroll?
The PA profession is wonderful! Carroll College has the rigorous background that will prepare students well to go into the field. Also, the Helena community is a great place to support PA education. Montana has a substantial need for more healthcare providers, and the Carroll PA Program will be a great avenue to fill that gap.
Are you a Carroll grad working in healthcare? We want to hear from you!
