Outcomes
July 17, 2023 2026-05-08 21:10OUTCOMES
What Our Graduates Do Next
Rocky Mountain College MPAS graduates step into roles where they care for patients in busy emergency departments, specialty practices, and small hospitals that serve rural communities. Many stay in Montana and neighboring states, often in the same types of settings where they completed supervised clinical experiences.
“I work in a small hospital in Montana where specialty services are often several hundred miles away. I cover family practice, emergency medicine, and acute care—and I love that I’m not tied to one specialty. Rocky’s PA program prepared me to wear all those different hats.”
— Sierra, MPAS ’22 – Physician Assistant, Montana
“Rocky gave me exactly what I needed to step into orthopedics right after graduation. The academics were rigorous and my professors genuinely wanted us to be better providers. Six months out, I’m in Dillon assisting with everything from joint replacements to sports-related surgeries, and I feel well-prepared for each day.”
— Trinity, MPAS ’24 – Orthopedic PA, Montana
“Even before I started PA school at Rocky, I kept hearing from people in the medical community who had hosted students or employed alumni. The program has such a good reputation for producing professional, experienced, educated, and passionate PA graduates. That reputation—and the skills and confidence I gained—has made a big difference in my career.”
— Lauren, MPAS ’23 – Physician Assistant, Montana
For many students, a supervised clinical experience becomes the bridge to their first PA position.
How Preceptors Describe Our Students
Preceptors who work with PA students from multiple programs consistently point to Rocky Mountain College students as prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute from day one.
Emergency Medicine – Williston, ND
“RMC does it again! Giving me amazing preceptees!! … This student was absolutely amazing… It’s not often you get a student who so naturally becomes part of the team, but he did exactly that. He jumped right in, offered help before being asked, and stayed calm and focused in situations that would overwhelm many people… He was comforting, patient, and an incredible listener… He has the perfect balance of intelligence, compassion, work ethic, and humility… Any department would be incredibly lucky to have him.”
Surgery – Bozeman, MT
“This student was a joy to precept from start to finish. She quickly evolved into an independent PA… Her knowledge base was far superior to that of her peers and rotating medical students… She was allowed to scrub in many cases with a notoriously difficult surgeon that usually doesn’t allow PA students… She is ready to practice medicine now… I only offer a transplant elective to the top students. Only three offers so far. And this RMC student is one of them. Fantastic job
Dermatology – Helena, MT
“This student arrived at this rotation prepared to work hard accompanied by a hard-won fund of knowledge that prepared her to learn dermatology most effectively… She immediately became part of the office family… Our clinic has hosted medical students, nurse practitioner students, and many PA students. She is a tribute to the rigorous education received at Rocky Mountain College and will always shine brightly as a member of our team. I would recommend her for any job, anywhere when she becomes a licensed physician assistant.”
Preceptors repeatedly emphasize that Rocky students are smart, competent, compassionate, and ready to function as part of the team.
Where You Can Practice
Physician Assistants can work in virtually any medical specialty, offering immense career flexibility across surgical, inpatient, and outpatient settings. PAs also specialize in dermatology, oncology, psychiatry, and critical care.
Graduates of the MPAS program most commonly work in:
- Family medicine and primary care
- Emergency medicine and hospital-based roles
- Orthopedics and surgical specialties
- Cardiology and Psychiatry
- Other outpatient and inpatient specialties across the region
Many alumni choose to remain in Montana or nearby states, serving rural and smaller communities where PAs are central to the healthcare team.
By the Numbers: PANCE & Employment
While stories and preceptor feedback show how graduates perform day-to-day, we also know applicants want to see clear results.
PANCE Success
Over the most recent five-year period:
97%
Five-year first-time PANCE pass rate for Rocky Mountain College MPAS graduates
92%
As compared to nationwide of a Five-year national first-time PANCE pass rate
These results reflect that RMC MPAS instills a strong foundation in the medical knowledge and clinical reasoning that PAs are expected to demonstrate.
Employment & Early Roles
Graduates are successfully stepping into roles that fit their goals and community needs.
- Employed in a mix of primary care, emergency care, orthopedic, surgical, and specialty positions across Montana and neighboring states.
- Many secure offers from sites where they completed supervised clinical experiences, easing the transition from student to practicing PA.
National PA Certification (PANCE) Results
Only graduates from ARC-PA accredited PA programs are eligible to sit for the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination) and become licensed to practice. The PANCE is the entry-level exam PAs must pass to become nationally certified. Over the past five years, the program's average pass rate for first-time PANCE testing is 97 percent. Follow these links for the current NCCPA PANCE report and Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report.
| Graduated Classes | Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| Entering class size | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| Graduates | 48 | 46 | 46 |
| * Attrition rate | 0% | 4% | 4% |
| ** Graduation rate | 100% | 96% | 96% |
Quality Ratings from the Field
Standardized surveys from preceptors and employers show exceptional readiness (Scored on a 5-point scale where 5 = Excellent). For more detailed information on program defined competencies, click here.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The MPAS program regularly reviews:
- PANCE performance
- Graduation and attrition trends
- Didactic student surveys
- Preceptor and employer evaluations
- Alumni feedback after one year in practice
We use this information to refine coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and student support. Our goal is simple: when you graduate, you are ready to care for patients, pass your certification exam, and begin a meaningful career—especially in the communities that need you most.
