Most people take breathing for granted. It’s second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include patients with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; heart attack and accident victims; premature infants; and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and AIDS.

In each case the patient will likely receive treatment from a Respiratory Therapist (RT) under the direction of a physician. RTs work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They are a vital part of a hospital’s lifesaving response team that answers patient emergencies.

While most RTs work in hospitals, an increasing number have branched out into alternative care sites, such as nursing homes, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients’ homes.

The Cybersecurity Certificate Degree will prepare students with additional, career tools to continue on the path to a technician/system analyst with a focus on the skills required to understand and conceptualize, design, procure, and/or build secure information technology (IT) systems.

Upon completion of the Cybersecurity Certificate Degree, students will be able to successfully provide the support, administration, and maintenance necessary to ensure effective and efficient information technology (IT) system performance and security as an entry level or higher systems technician/system analyst. 

Great Falls College - Montana State University provides a comprehensive certification program for Surgical Technicians, offering individuals interested in a fulfilling healthcare career the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. This program focuses on equipping students with the ability to assist surgical teams during procedures, covering topics such as sterile techniques, surgical instruments, patient care, and operating room protocols. The curriculum is designed to meet industry standards and emphasizes hands-on training, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry-level positions in hospital operating rooms, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities. By joining this program, individuals can acquire the essential expertise needed to launch a successful career in the thriving field of healthcare.

The Practical Nurse program prepares individuals to function as entry-level practical nurses with the ability to give safe, effective nursing care. The Practical Nurse program at Great Falls College Montana State University is currently approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

Upon completion of the Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a practical nurse. Students are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for practical nursing.

The Practical Nurse program is a limited enrollment program. Interested students must apply for entry into the program. An application packet is available on the program website. The length of the program is two consecutive semesters after a semester of pre-requisites. For students that live more than 30 miles from Great Falls, Great Falls College MSU offers Practical Nursing as a hybrid program with distance learning options. Starting Fall 2020, Great Falls College MSU will begin offering a part-time option for the Practical Nursing program, completed over four semesters (after completion of pre-requisites) to allow students more flexibility. The students in the part-time option will take classes offered in the same semesters as the full-time option.

Accepted students will be required to provide proof of Health Care Provider CPR certification, a DOT-compliant urine drug screen, a background check, and a series of other specific immunizations. Further detailed information will be included in the acceptance packet. Computer skills are highly recommended.

The Hepatitis B immunization series is strongly recommended before entrance into the program. A student may be denied access to clinical rotations without an adequate Hepatitis B titer. Students having religious or personal conflicts against receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine must sign a release form.

Dental Assistants are important members of the dental health care team and primarily help to increase the efficiency and productivity of the dental practice by assisting the dentist in delivering patient care. Other employment opportunities and/or responsibilities include dental health education, performing expanded duty dental care on patients, business practice, or working with dental insurance or dental supply companies. Because dentists employ two or three dental assistants, employment opportunities are excellent.

The GFC MSU Dental Assistant program is a one-year (11 month) limited enrollment Certificate of Applied Science program and accepts up to 18 students each year. Applicants are advised to contact Advising or Career Center Advisors or a Program Director for further program information specific to admission requirements.

Interested students must complete an application to the program (separate from the institution application) for program acceptance. These students must place into the program-required math and writing courses (M 088 and WRIT 101 or 121) OR their equivalents OR be currently at the competency level for the program-required math and writing courses. Applicants must be in good academic standing for program entry.

Following acceptance to the program, students complete three semesters concluding with a summer semester when the students are enrolled in clinical practice. Students will be required to purchase uniform attire and provide their own transportation (and lodging, if applicable) to and from clinical site assignments.

Great Falls College - Montana State University offers a comprehensive certification program for Computer Support Specialists, with a particular focus on healthcare. This program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the rapidly expanding field of technical support. Students will gain practical experience in troubleshooting, computer hardware and software, network administration, and customer service. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including operating systems, databases, computer security, and help desk support. By combining theoretical instruction with hands-on training, students will develop a thorough understanding of the intricacies of computer support in the healthcare industry. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to pursue fulfilling careers as computer support specialists in healthcare settings.

Registered Nurses (RNs) work to promote good health and prevent illness.  They educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, treat patients and help in their rehabilitation, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' families.  RNs use considerable judgement in providing a wide variety of services.  The Registered Nurse Program at Great Falls College MSU is currently approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.  upon completion of the Associate of Science in Registered Nursing, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a registered nurse.  Students are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for registered nursing.

The Registered Nurse Program is a limited enrollment program with an intake of 30 students.  Interested students must apply for entry into the program.  An application packet with the criteria for admission is available on the program website.