Community Integrated Health Care
Community integrated health is a newer approach to health care where paramedics and emergency medical technicians use their skills in a larger role to address community health needs. A CIH provider connects patients to appropriate community resources to reduce reliance on 911 and other emergency systems. Community integrated health also provides preventive health care and addresses medical needs in the home to reduce hospital transports for non-emergent care needs. Montana is embracing CIH to improve access to health care and enhance community-based preventive care.
The training is available to providers that are affiliated with an agency that has established or is starting a CIH program. Participants need to have at least one year of licensure at the following emergency medical service levels:
- Paramedic.
- Advanced EMT.
- EMT with endorsement.
- EMT.
The CIH training involves online coursework (done weekly on your own time and at your own pace), two four-hour interactive lectures, virtual tele-coaching check-ins and a minimum of 48 hours of clinical time. The clinical time is set up and approved by each participant's medical director. The state does not prescribe where those hours are completed, and the program does not oversee this aspect of your training.
E-learning
The online coursework covers:
- Intro to the CIH program and your roles and responsibilities as a CIH provider.
- Assessment and documentation of patient health and needs.
- Development and implementation of plans of care.
- Patient health, including supporting patients with disabilities, behavioral and mental health issues, and aging and end-of-life.
- Community needs assessment.
- Cultural considerations when working in Montana.
- Personal safety and wellness
Tele-coaching
The group coaching sessions provide opportunities to learn from your peers, connect with other CIH providers in Montana and obtain answers to your course-related questions. We will practice the skills you learned through the e-learning content, present scenarios and relevant case examples, and offer tools and strategies to help you build on your experience to enhance your confidence as a CIH provider.
Tele-coaching topics include:
- Motivational Interviewing.
- Patient needs assessment and patient assessment.
- Lab values and pathophysiology.
- Chronic disease management.
- Geriatrics, hospice and home health.
- Nutrition, immunizations and pharmacology.
- Working with children and youth.
- Other special topics.
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There is a textbook required for this training. You can purchase the textbook from or .
The Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC) will cover the cost of textbooks for the following program participants: CDC COVID-19 Health Equity Grant, Behavioral Health Training Program and Montana Family Support Program. If you are a participant in one of these programs, indicate so on the application form, and your textbook will be paid for by MORH/AHEC. If you are unsure of which program to select, reach out to your supervisor. For questions, email Sydney Pearce.
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Current training sessions are full. Join our waitlist and we will contact you if we offer another session.
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The Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC) may have scholarships available to cover the cost of tuition for eligible students. For more information, contact Dave McEvoy at dave.mcevoy@mso.umt.edu
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The Montana Board of Medical Directors established a 48-hour clinical requirement for CIH providers. The specifics, location, and scope of these clinical rotations are at the discretion of the CIH program's medical director to better tailor the clinical experience to the setting, and patient demographic that the CIH provider may be serving. The clinical experience can be decided by you and your medical director to best meet your educational needs.
The endorsement submission form is on the Montana Board of Medical Examiners website. Present your clinical hours to your CIH Medical Director for review, fill out the endorsement form and have the medical director sign it. Mail your submission, along with $10, to the address listed on the form.
Questions? Contact your CIH program's medical director or Dave McEvoy for more information.
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Community Integrated Health (CIH) Resources
Community Health Needs Assessment Report - This is an example of a CHNA.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers -
Rural Health Information Hub –
The CP-C Examination Overview and Community Paramedic Certification Renewal Information –
(866) 820-5437, To report a possible case of child abuse or neglect or need a referral
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Resources
City of Missoula –
Montana Board of Crime Control –
NAMI –
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources
TXT "mt" to 741-741, 24-hour crisis line for mental health emergencies
(800) 442-4673, National hotline for suicide and crisis
(800) 273-8255, text 838255
– Patient Safety Plan Template
– Suicide prevention online chat resource
– Skills, Tools, and Training
NAMI –
The and - a list of crisis resources if you or a responder you know needs help immediately
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Questions about this training? Please contact Dave McEvoy, dave.mcevoy@mso.umt.edu