Helena, MT – Carroll College is pleased to share exciting developments in its graduate-level Physician Assistant (PA) program. With Dr. Michelle Heinan joining as Program Director and new partnerships forming across Montana’s healthcare network, Carroll continues to build momentum toward welcoming its first PA cohort in 2028.
Appointment of New Program Director
Carroll College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle Heinan, EdD, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, as the new Program Director for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program, effective November 1, 2025.
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). Most recently, she served as Assistant Dean of Accreditation and Professor at Lincoln Memorial University, where she led programs through successful accreditation site visits resulting in one program obtaining a 10-year reaccreditation and the other being removed from probation and obtaining a 10-year accreditation.
Her career includes program development and leadership positions at Concordia University Wisconsin, East Carolina University, Methodist College, Arizona School of Health Sciences, and Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, among others. In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Heinan has also served as a commissioner and site visit chair for ARC-PA.
“Michelle has a deep knowledge of the accreditation process and requirements; she knows what is needed to develop and deliver a quality educational program and has extensive experience developing and leading programs of all types,” said Carroll College President Dr. Jennifer Glowienka. “Since joining us part-time in June, she has developed excellent and collegial working relationships with our other faculty and quickly demonstrated her competence and understanding of the PA educational landscape. We are delighted to officially welcome her to Carroll in this leadership role.”
Dr. Heinan holds a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science in Health Administration from Cardinal Stritch University, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science from Alderson-Broaddus College. A Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, she has contributed to numerous professional journals, book chapters, and accreditation workshops across the country.
“I am excited to begin my new role as Director of the PA program,” said Dr. Heinan. ”Carroll College has provided the Physician Assistant program with great support! I look forward to continuing to work with the team to provide a rigorous, high-quality program to prepare the PA graduates to meet the continuing healthcare needs.”
While Dr. Heinan will primarily work remotely, she will travel regularly to campus to collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners as the program advances toward accreditation and launch.
Program Update
Carroll’s developing Physician Assistant Program continues to make significant progress toward its Provisional Accreditation application, which will be submitted to the ARC-PA in spring 2027. Pending approval, Carroll anticipates welcoming its first cohort of 34 students in May 2028, with the application cycle opening April through August 2027 via CASPA.
In October, Dr. Karen Cody, Medical Director, and Rachel Mattern, MSPAS, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education, represented Carroll College at the PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association) Annual Forum in San Diego, where they connected with PA educators from across the nation and received the latest updates from ARC-PA on accreditation processes and timelines.
The program is also expanding its team, currently interviewing for three additional positions including a Program Coordinator and two Principal Faculty roles to be filled in the coming months.
Expanding Clinical Partnerships
As part of Carroll’s commitment to preparing practice-ready clinicians and serving Montana’s healthcare needs, the college continues to build partnerships with clinical sites across the region.
New partnerships include:
- St. Peter’s Health
- Lewis & Clark Emergency Physicians
- Kootenai Health
- Northwest Specialty Hospital
Affiliation agreements already executed with: Advanced Care Hospital of Montana • Benefis Health • Bridger Orthopedics • Deer Lodge Medical Center • Logan Health • OneHealth • PureView Health Center • Ruby Valley Medical Center • Sage Medical Clinic • St. Luke’s Community Healthcare • South Hills Internal Medicine
Individuals and healthcare organizations interested in supporting clinical education or serving as preceptors are encouraged to visit the Physician Assistant Program contact page at www.carroll.edu/pa.
To learn more about Carroll College's Physician Assistant program, please visit www.carroll.edu/pa.