Top Montana Nursing Schools and Programs

Top Montana Nursing Schools and Programs

When it comes to pursuing a nursing career in Montana, the state offers numerous affordable programs with an impressive National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate of almost 90%. This guide delves into the top nursing schools in Montana, outlining the process of earning a degree, obtaining licensure, and finding employment within the state. Discover valuable insights on how to become a nurse in Montana, explore the salary and job outlook, and get detailed information on the leading nursing programs available. Gain insights into the top accredited nursing schools in Montana and explore the various program options tailored for prospective nurses.

The Best Nursing Schools in Montana

Ranking Methodology:
A data-driven methodology is employed to rank the best nursing schools in Montana, simplifying the process for individuals seeking programs that align with their needs. The methodology considers key metrics such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Data is sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), ensuring accuracy and reliability. The information provided is current as of the publication date of this article, and program-specific details may vary.

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#1 Carroll College

Location: Helena, MT
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Carroll College stands out with its esteemed bachelor’s in nursing program, offering both traditional and accelerated formats, with the latter being completed in just 15 months. The majority of clinical experiences are conducted in Helena, commencing at the 200-level.

– Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Helena, MT
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $37,830 per year
– Admission Requirements: Composite ACT score of 24 or new SAT score of 1190; minimum 3.30 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,325 for bachelor’s graduates (according to College Scorecard)

Financial Details:
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $36,182
– Out-of-state: $36,182
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $13,536
– Out-of-state: $13,536
– Retention Rate: 84%
– Admission Rate: 73%
– Students Enrolled: 1,108
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 56%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

Top Nursing Programs in Montana: A Comprehensive Guide

#2 Montana Technological University

Location: Butte, MT
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Montana Tech, recognized as one of the premier nursing schools in Montana, offers a bachelor’s in nursing in both pre- and post-licensure formats. Course topics encompass nursing for healthy aging, mental health nursing, and a patient-centered healthcare perspective.

– Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; pre- or post-licensure
– Campus: Butte, MT
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $7,580 per year
– Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; completion of an approved CPR course
– Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,415 for bachelor’s graduates (according to College Scorecard)

Financial Details:
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $5,707
– Out-of-state: $20,791
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $4,706
– Out-of-state: $18,035
– Retention Rate: 80%
– Admission Rate: 97%
– Students Enrolled: 1,650
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 73%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#3 Blackfeet Community College

Location: Browning, MT
Duration: 2 years
Format: Campus

As a private, tribal-land grant college, Blackfeet Community College offers a bachelor’s in nursing program, preparing learners for the NCLEX. The program adopts a partly-online format, covering diverse topics such as Piikani language for healthcare professionals, developmental psychology, and basic human nutrition.

– Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Browning, MT
– Type: Private
– Tuition: $120 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; 28 credits of prerequisite coursework
– Minimum Time Commitment: 48
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 33.3%

Financial Details:
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $2,640
– Out-of-state: $2,640
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: 82%
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 417
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: Not provided
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides valuable information on the top nursing programs in Montana, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their nursing education and career paths.

#4 Montana State University

Bozeman, MT
4 years
Online

Montana State University (MSU) provides a fully-online master’s in nursing program designed to prepare learners for the clinical nurse leader (CNL) certification examination. This comprehensive program allows students to earn a nursing education certificate alongside their master’s degree. While the majority of the program is conducted online, students are required to travel to the Bozeman campus for an in-person assessment at the beginning of each fall semester.

– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Bozeman, MT
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $283 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $5,654
– Out-of-state: $25,087
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $5,089
– Out-of-state: $19,660
– Retention Rate: 78%
– Admission Rate: 81%
– Students Enrolled: 16,218
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 94%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#5 Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT
2 years
Online + Campus

Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) offers a 73-credit associate in nursing program designed to prepare students for in-state RN work. The curriculum covers essential topics such as health and illness of child and family, managing client care for the RN, and microbiology for health sciences. This rigorous program equips students with the skills needed to provide direct care to clients, individuals, and groups.

– Program: Associate of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Kalispell, MT
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
– Tuition: $138 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 2.75 GPA; completion of Kaplan nursing school entrance exam
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76%
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $5,376
– Out-of-state: $10,800
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: 63%
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 2,049
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 30%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#6 Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT
2 years
Online + Campus

Helena College University of Montana offers a 72-credit associate degree in nursing, preparing students for RN licensure. The program follows a lab-intensive format, integrating lectures, independent study, skills lab practice, and clinical experience. Additionally, the school provides a certificate of applied science in practical nursing, available in a hybrid format.

– Programs: Associate of Science in Registered Nursing
– Campus: Helena, MT
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $108.59 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 2.75 GPA; completion of TEAS with a minimum score of 70
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.9%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,318 for bachelor’s graduates (according to College Scorecard)
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $2,606
– Out-of-state: $8,608
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: 56%
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 1,324
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 40%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#7 Miles Community College

Miles City, MT
2 years
Online + Campus

Miles Community College offers a 72-credit associate in nursing program, preparing learners for RN licensure within 4-5 semesters. The program accepts 38 nursing students annually, closing enrollment after reaching this limit. Course topics encompass health and illness of maternal nursing, mental health concepts, and foundations of nursing clinical.

– Program: Associate of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Miles City, MT
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $146 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.7%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,260 for bachelor’s graduates (according to College Scorecard)
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,200
– Out-of-state: $7,800
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: 65%
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 567
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 73%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#8 Great Falls College Montana State University

Great Falls, MT
2 years
Online + Campus

Great Falls College MSU offers an associate in nursing program to prepare learners for RN licensure. Elective course topics include tools for nursing success, fundamentals of abnormal psychology, and basic human nutrition. The school also provides a certificate of applied science in practical nursing, available in a hybrid format.

– Program: Associate of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Great Falls, MT
– Type: Public
– Tuition: $118 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam; minimum 2.5 GPA; completion of an approved CPR program
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.3%
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $2,752
– Out-of-state: $9,644
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: 59%
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 1,071
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 63%
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

#9 Aaniiih Nakoda College

Harlem, MT
4 years
Campus

Aaniiih Nakoda College, a public, tribal land-grant community college based in Agency, offers an associate

in nursing program focused on preparing future RNs to serve American Indian populations. The curriculum covers diverse topics, including mental health nursing, managing client care, and Aaniiih or Nakoda language studies. The program concludes with an NCLEX prep course.

– Program: Associate of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Agency, MT
– Type: Public
– Tuition: $70 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $1,740
– Out-of-state: $1,740
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: Not provided
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 143
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: Not provided
– Accreditation: Yes (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Montana

Prospective students should thoroughly research an institution’s tuition, program length, and financial aid options. Additionally, applicants should verify the institution’s nursing accreditation status and review NCLEX pass rates, both of which can serve as indicators of program strength.

Why Become a Nurse in Montana

Montana nursing programs offer the fifth lowest average tuition rate for in-state residents, as reported in a 2020 study by CollegeScorecard. Coupled with an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 89.1%, Montana stands out as an excellent state for students aspiring to become registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

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Furthermore, Montana is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement among 37 states, including Montana, that establishes a set of rules and procedures for licensed RNs to follow. Being part of the nursing compact streamlines the licensure process for nurses, reducing paperwork and eliminating license renewal fees for those with an NLC license. Additionally, nurses with an NLC license can provide telehealth nursing care to patients across state lines.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Montana

Registered Nurses (RNs) in Montana earn an average annual salary of $70,530, just below the national median of $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Montana fare slightly better, with an average yearly salary of $114,370, slightly higher than the national median of $117,670. The cost-of-living index in Montana is 94, compared to the U.S. base index of 100, allowing a nurse’s salary to stretch farther.

Montana anticipates an increase in the demand for nurses, with Projections Central indicating a 10.4% growth in employment, surpassing the growth rates for all occupations. The highest-paying areas for nurses in Montana are found in some of the state’s most populated regions, including Billings in the southeast and Great Falls, located northeast of Helena.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Montana

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
Billings	$74,460
Great Falls	$68,630

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Montana

The requirements for obtaining RN and APRN licenses in Montana closely mirror those in other states. The process involves completing a state board-approved nursing program, passing the relevant certification exam, and undergoing a background check.

Both RNs and APRNs must fulfill ongoing nursing education requirements to keep their license active and continue practicing as nurses in the state.

RN Requirements

1. Education: Registered nurses in Montana must graduate from a board-approved nurse education program. This can include earning an associate degree in nursing or pursuing a bachelor’s nursing degree.

2. NCLEX-RN Exam: Graduates from both associate and bachelor’s programs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, a requirement for RN licensure in Montana.

3. Licensure Period: Montana RN licenses are valid for two years, expiring on December 31 of every second year.

4. Continuing Education: RNs must complete at least 24 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year licensure period, equivalent to one hour per month of licensure.

5. Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Montana is part of the NLC since 2015, allowing nurses to apply for a multistate license for practice in other compact states without additional licensure. However, if nurses establish primary residence in Montana, they must apply for a Montana license.

APRN Requirements

1. Education: APRNs in Montana must hold both an APRN license and a valid RN license. They need a graduate-level nursing degree from an accredited program, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

2. Clinical Training: APRN programs typically require candidates to hold a valid RN license for admission, and clinical training is often completed during the program.

3. Certification: APRNs must earn certification from a board-approved national certifying body, specific to their role (e.g., NP, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist).

4. License Renewal: APRNs must renew their licenses every two years, meeting RN license requirements, including 24 hours of continuing education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Montana

1. How long does it take to become a nurse in Montana?

The timeframe to become a nurse in Montana varies based on the academic path. An associate nursing program takes about two years, while a bachelor’s program requires four years. A master of science in nursing program typically takes two years full-time after completing a bachelor’s and gaining two years of clinical experience.

2. Does Montana need nurses?

Yes, according to Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry, there is an ongoing shortage of nursing workers in the state. Approximately 18% of RNs plan to retire or leave the field in the next few years, creating a continued need for nurses.

3. What is the salary range for nurses in Montana?

According to the BLS, Montana RNs earn an average annual salary of $70,530, with salaries ranging between $59,410 and $80,510 for half of the RNs. Nurses can increase their salary by advancing their education, specializing, or changing practice settings.

4. Is Montana a Nurse Compact State?

Yes, Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state since 2015. Nurses in Montana can obtain multistate licenses, allowing them to practice in other compact states. Nurses moving to Montana from other compact states must apply for primary licensure in Montana.