Online Nursing Programs in Montana: Choosing the Right School
Ready to start nursing school in Montana? Use this guide to better understand what to expect on the path to becoming a nurse, the types of nursing programs Montana has to offer, and what to expect after graduation and beyond. Review salary info, compare top schools, and more.
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Nursing Health ScienceInside Online Nursing Programs in Montana
For prospective nursing students who prefer online coursework, Montana offers hybrid nursing programs which combine virtual classroom instruction with practical, face-to-face training through in-person clinicals, internships, or practicums.
While this style of learning may not work for everyone, the flexibility of hybrid programs allows students to tailor their education to best fit their needs by offering the ability to choose:
- Location: Face-to-face training can be done in a number of different clinical settings, including your current workplace.
- Schedule: Both weekday and weekend options are typically offered.
- Learning Format: Coursework can either be completed at set times (synchronous) or on your own schedule (asynchronous).
Let’s dive deeper into the various levels of nursing degrees and take a look at some of Montana’s top programs.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
For anyone interested in becoming a nurse, undergraduate programs provide a solid foundation by teaching basic nursing principles, hands-on clinical skills, and safe patient care practices. Furthermore, students can gain critical insight to help guide future career planning.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Becoming a CNA is one of the most efficient ways to enter the field of nursing. These programs help you learn basic patient care skills and often can help you get your foot in the door.
Example: Montana Technological University Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Cost: $1,450
- Length: 75 hours (50 hours online classroom instruction, 2-day weekend skills lab, 25 hours clinical instruction)
- Mode: Hybrid
Expert Insight
Even if you’re not 100% sure nursing is for you, becoming a CNA can help you make that decision. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be in healthcare when I started as CNA over 10 years ago, but after 6 months of real-world experience, I was confident I was on the right path.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Start building your nursing career with a strong foundation as a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPN programs tend to be slightly shorter than an associate degree and can often bridge to an RN or BSN. LPNs may choose to work in a variety of settings while pursuing their RN or BSN.
- Cost: $6,060/semester (12+ credits – cost includes tuition/fees, books, supplies & other course materials)
- Length: 40 credits (3 semesters of 13-14 credits each)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (also called an Associate of Science in Nursing or ASN) is the quickest way for students with no prior healthcare experience to become Registered Nurses. Most ADN programs last just two years and provide individuals with the classroom education and clinical experience needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation.
Example: Miles Community College Associate of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $203/credit hour (in Custer County), $263/credit hour in-state
- Length: 5 semesters (72 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are like traditional BSN programs in terms of content, but are designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to obtain their BSN within two years or less. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: University of Providence Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $1,126/credit hour
- Length: 12 months (54 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate-Level Nursing Programs
Are you curious about becoming a nurse practitioner or taking a stronger role in nursing leadership or education? If so, pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate in Nursing, or obtaining a post-master’s nursing certificate might be the right choice for you.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The standard MSN program takes around one to three years to complete and is designed for BSN-prepared nurses looking to increase their knowledge in a specific area. Depending on the chosen degree track, graduates are better suited for roles in leadership, education or informatics, and may also become Nurse Practitioners.
Example: Montana State University Master of Nursing Degree
- Cost: $467/credit hour (in-state residents)
- Length: 42 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are considered the pinnacle of nurse training and education, but DNP and PhD programs have a few key differences. DNP programs offer more hands-on training and leadership development and are ideal for practicing nurses who want advanced clinical or management skills. PhD programs focus on research and theory, well suited for future nurse educators at the postsecondary level.
Example: Montana State University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Cost: $470.69/credit hour
- Length: 3 years (full-time), 4 years (part-time)
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates programs are intended for advanced degree nurses looking to shift to a specialized area or concentration. These programs offer formal training to allow nurses to expand their knowledge without having to embark on another full degree.
Example: University of Providence Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Concentration Certificate
- Cost: $1,044/credit hour
- Length: 23 credits and 90 practicum hours
- Mode: Hybrid
Nursing Bridge Programs
Bridge programs are a great tool for students who have already earned a certification, license, or degree in nursing and want to build their knowledge base. These programs allow students to move through coursework and clinicals at a much quicker pace by eliminating educational and experiential redundancies.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are designed for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. By recognizing the education and hands-on experience already achieved by LPNs, bridge programs expediate the path towards an RN license which helps save them both time and money.
Example: University of Montana Missoula College LPN to RN Program
- Cost: $698.50/credit hour
- Length: One year
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN bridge programs are designed for working RNs who have only an associate degree and wish to expand their nursing education. In many cases, earning a BSN also opens up a number of job opportunities that graduates would not have otherwise qualified for.
Example: Salish Kootenai College RN to BSN Program
- Cost: $87 – $299/credit hour (depending on residency & heritage status)
- Length: 6 quarters part time, 3 quarters full time
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP programs are for those with a BSN seeking to earn their DNP more efficiently. These programs simplify the process by bundling both master’s and doctorate-level coursework into one degree path, allowing students to complete it much quicker.
Example: Montana State University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner Option
- Cost: $467/credit hour
- Length: 82 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Information & Requirements for RNs in Montana
The general requirements for becoming an RN in Montana are governed by the Montana Board of Nursing. Like most states, students must first graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before applying for licensure. These steps and beyond are detailed below.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Before becoming an RN in Montana, you need the necessary formal training from an accredited RN program that’s been approved by the Montana Board of Nursing. You can confirm which programs have this approval through the Montana Board of Nursing.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Prior to registering for the NCLEX-RN, you must complete the Licensure by Examination application, submit supporting documentation, and pay $100 to the Montana Board of Nursing.
Once approved, you’ll receive an ATT or Authorization to Test which makes you eligible to register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200, and after passing the test, your scores will be sent to the Montana Board of Nursing within 10-14 days.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
In order to finish the process of licensure, applicants will also need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. This can be done while in the process of working on your licensure application, but it’s important to remember that the Board must have your completed RN application within six months of receiving your fingerprint results.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
RN licenses expire every two years on December 31st and must be renewed. Renewal requirements include completing 24 hours of continuing education during the two-year period and paying a renewal fee of $100 to the Montana Board of Nursing.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Specialty certifications are a great option for seasoned nurses who find themselves drawn to a specific area of nursing such as pediatrics, critical care, or ambulatory care. While these often require additional coursework and passing a specialty exam, earning one can improve confidence, enhance job opportunities, and increase salary potential. Check out our quiz to see if there’s a specialty that might be a good fit for you!
Expert Insight
As someone who holds an orthopedic nursing certification and is currently working towards a med-surg nursing certification, I truly believe becoming certified is a no-brainer. Not only does it offer financial advantages, but the knowledge I gained significantly strengthened my expertise and confidence in the field.
Career & Salary Outlook for RNs in Montana
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $70,120 | $85,280 | $113,920 |
| Billings, MT | $70,120 | $82,300 | $116,610 |
| Bozeman, MT | $80,810 | $99,310 | $120,260 |
| Great Falls, MT | $68,290 | $78,290 | $98,250 |
| Helena, MT | $78,620 | $98,690 | $126,400 |
| Missoula, MT | $71,440 | $82,160 | $104,490 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Registered Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
Source: Projections Central
