Community Integrated Health (CIH) is a newer approach to healthcare where paramedics and EMTs (emergency medical technicians) use their skills in a larger role to address community health needs. A CIH Provider (CIHP) will connect patients to appropriate community resources that better serve patients than the 911 system. These might include mental health and follow-up care for chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and asthma. CIH provides preventative healthcare and addresses medical needs in the home to reduce hospital transports for non-emergent care needs. Montana is embracing the CIH movement as a way to improve access to healthcare, enhance community-based preventative care, and provide additional opportunities for EMTs and paramedics to care for their communities.

This training is designed to provide you with the tools to become a community-integrated healthcare provider. This CIH training is designed for providers that are affiliated with an agency that has either established or is starting a CIH program. The CIH training is available to those with at least one year of licensure at the following EMS (emergency medical service) levels:

• Paramedic
• Advanced EMT (AEMT)
• EMT with endorsement
• EMT

The CIH training involves online coursework (done weekly but on your own time, at your own pace), two four-hour interactive lectures, zoom tele-coaching check-ins, and a minimum of 48 hours of clinical time. The clinical time is set up and approved by each CIHP student's medical director.  The state does not prescribe where those hours are completed; the program does not oversee this aspect of your training.

Student Conduct

While students in the CIH Training should be highly motivated professionals, it is a good idea to outline expectations for proper behavior and participation at the beginning of the course:

1. Every student will be expected to be on time for lectures and tele-coaching sessions.
2. Unexpected absences and late starts must be communicated to the instructor for the class in advance.
3. Students must attend a minimum of 6 of the tele-coaching sessions to receive a final grade and pass the course.
4. Students are responsible for the information provided in each class if a class is missed.  
5. All students are expected to actively participate in classroom discussions via tele-coaching.
6. All assignments must be completed on time unless directly negotiated in advance with the instructor grading or reviewing that assignment.
7. Students are expected to be respectful of all opinions and keep an open mind.
8. Students should communicate directly with the instructors and/or the course coordinator in the event of any issues, concerns, or need for clarification.

Current eLearning and tele-coaching

In 2024, only one training is currently planned for January-April. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in another CIH training later in the year, please fill out this waitlist form so we can contact you if we can offer another CIH training in 2024. 

CIH Waitlist