Locum CRNA Jobs in Montana

What Life Is Like in the State of Montana

Montana offers a unique blend of vast landscapes, frontier-style independence, and a growing healthcare infrastructure that relies heavily on traveling clinicians, including locum CRNAs. With the nation’s fourth-largest landmass but one of its smallest populations, Montana’s hospitals and surgical centers are spread across wide distances. This creates steady demand for CRNAs in both rural critical access hospitals and regional medical hubs such as Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Kalispell. Many facilities depend on locum anesthesia providers to keep OR schedules stable, maintain OB services, and respond to seasonal population surges tied to tourism and outdoor recreation.

Life for locum CRNAs in Montana ranges from small, closely knit communities in the eastern plains to fast-growing mountain towns near Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. The state’s low population density, abundant wildlife, and rugged terrain attract clinicians who value outdoor adventure, independence, and work environments where anesthesia providers often play large, hands-on roles in patient care. Assignments typically appeal to CRNAs seeking autonomy, variety, and meaningful contributions to rural healthcare access.

1. CRNA Work Environment

• Diverse Practice Settings:
  • Large regional systems such as Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, Logan Health in Kalispell, Benefis Health System in Great Falls, and Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula form the core of high-acuity care in the state.
  • CRNAs frequently work in critical access hospitals across the central and eastern plains, where surgical volume varies but provider shortages make locum coverage crucial.
  • Ambulatory surgery centers exist in larger cities, offering outpatient cases with predictable schedules and efficient workflows.
  • Seasonal tourism drives surgical demand in certain regions, particularly around ski towns, national park gateways, and areas with large summer populations.
• Supervision Model and CRNA Scope:
  • Montana is an opt-out state where CRNAs may practice without physician supervision, granting high levels of autonomy depending on facility policies.
  • CRNAs often serve as primary anesthesia providers in rural hospitals, managing everything from pre-op assessment to emergent airway care.
  • Larger hospitals typically blend CRNAs and anesthesiologists in team models but still offer broad hands-on practice and regional anesthesia opportunities.
  • The Montana Association of Nurse Anesthetists supports CRNAs statewide through education, professional advocacy, and legislative updates.
• Case Mix and Clinical Expectations:
  • Regional hospitals perform general surgery, orthopedics, OB, ENT, urology, GI, and occasionally trauma or high-acuity specialties.
  • Critical access hospitals often manage low-volume but essential procedures including endoscopy, basic general surgery, and emergency cases.
  • Some facilities expect locum CRNAs to take call, manage OB anesthesia independently, and support emergency airway management.
  • Assignments in popular recreation regions like Bozeman and Kalispell may include orthopedic trauma, sports injuries, and high surgical demand during peak seasons.

2. Montana Licensing and Travel Notes

• Montana is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing CRNAs with compact RN licenses to obtain quicker credentialing; APRN recognition still requires application but typically processes smoothly.
• Licensure turnaround typically ranges from 2–5 weeks depending on background verification and documentation.
• Most locum agencies provide malpractice coverage, especially for rural assignments where scope is broad and call responsibilities are common.
• Major airports include Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Missoula International Airport (MSO), and Glacier Park International Airport (FCA).
• Drivers should prepare for winter travel, long distances between towns, and wildlife encounters on rural highways, especially at night.

3. Cost of Living

• Housing and Lodging:
  • Montana’s cost of living varies significantly. Rapidly developing cities like Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell are more expensive due to population growth and tourism.
  • Eastern and central Montana remain relatively affordable, with accessible rentals and modest housing options for locum clinicians.
  • Short-term furnished housing can be limited in rural areas, so agencies or facilities often assist with local arrangements.
  • Seasonal housing constraints may apply in tourist regions, especially near national parks and ski destinations.
• Daily Expenses:
  • Groceries, fuel, and utilities can be higher in remote areas due to transportation costs.
  • Restaurants and amenities are widely available in larger cities but sparse in rural communities; many locals cook at home and rely on local markets.
  • Despite certain regional costs, most locum providers find Montana financially manageable, particularly when assignments include stipends or lodging coverage.

4. Major Cities and Assignment Locations

• Billings:
  • The state’s largest medical hub anchored by Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare.
  • Locum CRNAs here encounter high surgical volume, trauma services, and a full spectrum of adult and pediatric care.
  • Billings draws locums who prefer urban conveniences within a rugged outdoor environment.
• Missoula:
  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital and Community Medical Center form the city’s main healthcare centers.
  • Case mix includes general surgery, OB, orthopedics, GI, and occasional trauma-related care.
  • Missoula’s vibrant culture, university community, and arts scene enhance the locum experience.
• Bozeman and Southwest Montana:
  • Bozeman Health supports one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, with significant surgical expansion in recent years.
  • Assignments may include orthopedic trauma, sports-related procedures, and busy outpatient services.
  • Proximity to Yellowstone National Park attracts both short-term and longer-term locums seeking recreation during downtime.
• Great Falls:
  • Benefis Health System anchors central Montana’s care, providing a diverse surgical portfolio and regional referral services.
  • Locum CRNAs here enjoy predictable OR scheduling, strong anesthesia teams, and accessibility to several smaller surrounding hospitals.
• Kalispell and Northwest Montana:
  • Logan Health in Kalispell offers high-demand surgical services and supports a wide regional population.
  • The proximity to Glacier National Park brings seasonal population increases and heightened demand for surgical care.
  • Assignments appeal to locums seeking mountain landscapes, hiking, and winter sports access.
• Rural Eastern and Central Montana:
  • Critical access hospitals in towns such as Miles City, Glendive, Lewistown, and Havre depend heavily on locum CRNAs.
  • Cases include general surgery, endoscopy, OB (in select hospitals), and emergency airway management.
  • Locums in these areas often enjoy strong team relationships and a deep sense of community impact.

5. Lifestyle and Recreation

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Montana is known for world-class outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, fly fishing, rafting, and camping.
  • Popular destinations include Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and the Beartooth Highway.
  • Locum providers often extend assignments to enjoy seasonal recreation during off-days.
• Climate Considerations:
  • Montana experiences long, cold winters with significant snowfall, especially in mountain areas.
  • Summers are warm and dry, ideal for outdoor activities but can include wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
  • Locum CRNAs should prepare for road closures, winter travel delays, and weather variability.
• Local Culture:
  • Montana’s culture emphasizes independence, community, and appreciation for the outdoors.
  • Locums often find hospital staff welcoming but accustomed to self-sufficient work styles common in frontier environments.
  • Dining ranges from small-town cafes to modern restaurants in cities like Bozeman and Missoula.

6. Things CRNAs Should Know

• Transportation and Commuting:
  • A rental car is required for nearly all assignments due to long distances between facilities and limited public transportation.
  • Locums must be prepared for winter driving and variable weather conditions.
  • Some rural routes have limited cell service, so planning travel during daylight hours is recommended.
• Healthcare System Needs:
  • Rural anesthesia shortages make locum CRNAs critical to sustaining surgical services across the state.
  • Facilities are accustomed to onboarding locum providers and may streamline credentialing for urgent coverage needs.
  • In small hospitals, CRNAs may handle broader responsibilities including OB, emergency airways, and occasional solo coverage.
• Professional Community:
  • The Montana Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MTANA) offers statewide educational events and legislative advocacy.
  • Locum CRNAs usually integrate well into Montana’s collaborative care teams, particularly where staff shortages heighten appreciation for visiting clinicians.
  • Understanding regional expectations and preparing for wide-ranging practice scenarios ensures smoother assignment transitions.