Online Nursing Programs in Montana: Choosing the Right School
Ready to start nursing school in Montana? Learn about nursing programs with online options and what to expect on the way to becoming a nurse. This guide provides insight into the types of nursing schools in Montana, focusing on programs with online options for hybrid learning, as well as what to expect after you graduate. Take your first steps toward an online nursing degree today.
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Inside Online Nursing Programs in Montana
Even though nursing is a hands-on profession, you can enroll in online nursing programs in Montana that combine virtual classroom instruction with practical, in-person learning in a hybrid format.
Hybrid nursing school curriculums allow students to complete some coursework online but obtain hands-on training through in-person clinicals, internships, or practicums. For added convenience, many online Montana nursing programs let students choose where they complete these experiential learning requirements. Often, students working as RNs while in school can complete these requirements at their workplace.
On-campus requirements, such as labs or intensives typically offered on weekends, are also a consideration for students looking for online nursing programs in Montana. You should also consider online class format and whether coursework must be completed at set times (synchronously) or on your own schedule (asynchronously). Take a closer look at top programs in Montana at the various levels of nursing degrees.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
As you learn more about becoming a nurse, consider your starting point and where you’d like to land to plot your trajectory. For those without a bachelor’s degree (or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline), undergraduate programs are often the best place to start.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Becoming a CNA is one of the most efficient ways to enter the field of nursing. Montana Tech’s program has three annual start dates, making it possible to begin when you’re ready. You’ll finish 50 hours of coursework online, attend a two-day weekend skills lab, and complete 25 hours in a clinical setting.
Example: Montana Technological University Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Cost: $1,450
- Length: 75 hours (online classroom instruction, weekend skills lab, clinical instruction)
- Mode: Hybrid
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. Coursework qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-PN, providing you with a pathway to continue working as an LPN if you choose to continue your education.
- Cost: $4,270/semester (12+ credits)
- 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 ideal for students with no prior healthcare experience who want to become a registered nurse as quickly as possible. Most ADN programs last just two years, which allows individuals to sit for their NCLEX-RN exams two years sooner than if they enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. An ADN is the standard entry-level degree to start a nursing career.
Example: Miles Community College Associate of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $193/credit hour (in Custer County), $251/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 can be completed more quickly. To achieve program completion in two years or less, most accelerated BSN programs are designed for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Example: University of Providence Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $1,052/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, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctorate, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD might be for you. Read on to learn more about these degree options, and post-degree certificates for additional expertise.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
There are two main types of MSN programs, both allowing graduates to take on teaching, advanced practice, and managerial roles in nursing. The standard MSN program is designed for BSN-prepared students who are looking to increase their knowledge base and work to become a nurse practitioner or assume other leadership roles in nursing.
Example: Montana State University Master of Nursing Degree
- Cost: $470.69/credit hour
- Length: 42 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are the pinnacle of nurse training and education. However, DNP and PhD programs differ in outcomes. 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
These post-graduate programs offer tailored skills and training for students who want to expand their knowledge without embarking on another full degree. Post-graduate certificates are intended for advanced degree nurses who already have the credential they want but still need formal training to shift to a specialized area or concentration of nursing practice.
Example: University of Providence Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Concentration Certificate
- Cost: $974/credit hour
- Length: 23 credits and 90 practicum hours
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
For students who have already earned a certification, license, or degree in nursing and want to build their knowledge base, bridge programs are an excellent tool. They assume an existing level of knowledge that eliminates educational redundancies so you can move through coursework and clinicals at a pace that is commensurate with your experience.
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 but don’t need to relearn many of the topics covered in their LPN training. Instead, LPN bridge programs recognize the education and hands-on experience already achieved by LPNs, saving them time and money by expediting the path to a higher degree and, ultimately, the RN title.
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 an associate degree and wish to earn further education with a BSN. Many of these RNs will need to secure a bachelor’s degree to qualify for certain jobs or to make it easier to pursue a graduate nursing degree.
Example: Salish Kootenai College RN to BSN Program
- Cost: $290.25 – $348.25, depending on 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 who know that they want to conclude their studies at the doctoral level. While you will complete master’s-level coursework along the way, you won’t need to go through two application processes (for your master’s and then doctorate). By bundling the coursework into one degree path, you can earn your DNP more efficiently.
Example: Montana State University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner Option
- Cost: $470.69/credit hour
- Length: 82 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Information & Requirements for RNs in Montana
The general requirements for becoming an RN in Montana are similar to most states, and are through the Montana Board of Nursing. For nursing school graduates, you will most likely be applying for “licensing by examination,” which refers to passing the NCLEX-RN exam and completing other steps, outlined below.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Before becoming an RN in Montana, you need the necessary formal training. You can get this training by graduating 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. Generally, if a nursing program has programmatic nursing accreditation, it also will be approved by the Board.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Applying for an RN license in Montana through the examination pathway will cost $100. You must also complete the application and provide supporting documentation, such as your nursing school transcripts.
After submitting your application to the Montana Board of Nursing, you’ll receive an ATT or Authorization to Test. This makes you eligible to register to take the NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson VUE. It costs $200 to take the NCLEX-RN, and after passing the test, your scores are sent to the Montana Board of Nursing.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Once you have passed your NCLEX-RN, Pearson VUE will report your scores to the Montana Board of Nursing, which is part of finishing the process of licensure. Applicants will also need to pass a criminal background check. To complete this step, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints with your local participating law enforcement agency or with the Montana Department of Justice. You can complete the fingerprinting requirement while working on your application to the Montana Board of Nursing, but the Board of Nursing must have your completed RN application within six months of them receiving your fingerprinting results.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Every two years in Montana, RNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education. This requirement applies to newly minted RNs, although these requirements are prorated to reflect that a new RN may not have had a license for the entire 24-month continuing education reporting period. There’s also no limit to how many continuing education classes you can take at one time. This means you can space out your education over several months or take them all in a more compressed timeframe.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Once you’ve been working for a while as a nurse, you might find yourself more interested in a specific area of nursing or working with a particular population. Whether you’re called to pediatrics, labor and delivery, critical or acute care, ambulatory care, or emergency medicine, there’s a specialty certification to help you upskill and improve your employability for the job you want. Check out our quiz to see if there’s a specialty that might be a good fit for you!
Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in Montana
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $67,720 | $81,560 | $109,450 |
| Billings, MT | $67,720 | $85,580 | $109,450 |
| Bozeman, MT | $77,750 | $86,000 | $119,220 |
| Great Falls, MT | $65,830 | $75,470 | $99,140 |
| Helena, MT | $70,250 | $87,630 | $124,300 |
| Missoula, MT | $68,720 | $79,210 | $101,580 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| 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
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Schools in Montana
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $19,625 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Providence
- The University of Providence Nursing program offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing that blends online learning with in-person skill labs and clinical immersions for flexible, efficient completion.
- Students benefit from a cohort-based RN to BSN degree-completion track designed for working RNs, with courses offered one day per week and faculty-led nursing instruction integrating evidence-based practice.
- The program emphasizes developing professional nurse leaders equipped to manage healthcare change, with a curriculum grounded in compassion, ethics, patient safety vigilance, and collaborative inter-professional practice.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $19,625 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $9,477 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Montana State University
- The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing offers five campuses across Montana, allowing students to rank campus preferences and providing diverse geographic options for clinical experiences and education.
- The program provides a dedicated support program specifically for Native American students, promoting inclusivity and cultural support within nursing education.
- The College emphasizes rural primary care nursing, preparing students to meet critical healthcare needs in underserved rural communities with specialized curriculum and clinical placements.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $9,477 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $8,199 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Montana
- Montana State University's Nursing program offers a fully online RN to BSN completion pathway with flexible start dates and locally mentored clinical hours, enabling students to balance study with current employment and community engagement.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Montana State Board of Nursing, ensuring graduates are prepared for leadership roles, advanced clinical practices, and graduate education.
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online program at Montana State University-Bozeman includes specialized tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery, with clinical practicums completed at approved healthcare sites near the student's location, promoting accessibility without relocation.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $8,199 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MTProgram Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,541 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Montana State University Billings
- Montana State University Billings Nursing program offers clinical placements in students' local communities, allowing for hands-on experience close to home and reducing travel burdens.
- The Practical Nursing certificate features a hybrid model with online coursework combined with limited, intensive on-campus lab days, balancing flexibility with essential in-person training.
- The program includes a competitive application process ensuring committed cohort selection and provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, supporting strong exam readiness.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $2,541 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,466 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Montana Technological University
- Montana Tech's Nursing program maintains exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates of 95-100%, significantly above state and national averages, highlighting strong student success in licensure.
- The program supports student-athletes uniquely by providing a dedicated nursing advisor to balance demanding clinical coursework and athletics, enabling continued athletic participation during rigorous study.
- Montana Tech offers advanced simulation training with specialized rooms including simulation, debriefing, telehealth, and medication areas, enhancing realistic clinical preparation in diverse healthcare scenarios.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,466 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,225 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 6/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salish Kootenai College
- Salish Kootenai College Nursing program features small faculty-to-student ratios and patient-centered clinical placements in diverse rural and urban healthcare settings, enhancing personalized learning and hands-on experience.
- The program maintains high standards with goals of at least 85% NCLEX first-time pass rate and 90% job placement within six months of graduation, demonstrating strong outcomes for licensure and employment.
- SKC Nursing is nationally recognized for leading in graduating Native American Registered Nurses and supporting students with individualized education tailored to rural and tribal community healthcare needs.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $1,225 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 6/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,802 Avg. Aid Amount
- 17% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Blackfeet Community College
- The BFCC Nursing program offers high clinical placement rates in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring practical, hands-on experience for students.
- It provides strong employer partnerships, enhancing job placement opportunities upon graduation through connections with local hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Students benefit from personalized faculty expertise and mentorship, supporting a comprehensive learning environment tailored to individual career goals.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,802 Avg. Aid Amount
- 17% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $5,736 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Miles Community College
- Miles Community College’s Nursing Program offers strong community and healthcare facility partnerships in Eastern Montana, facilitating hands-on clinical experiences and workforce connections.
- The program emphasizes preparing students comprehensively to pass the NCLEX boards and earn RN licensure, ensuring career readiness upon graduation.
- The nursing curriculum includes specialized clinical courses focused on advanced patient care skills like ECG interpretation and complex pharmacologic regimens, enhancing critical care competencies.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $5,736 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,208 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Montana State University-Northern
- MSU-Northern’s Nursing program offers small class sizes with personalized mentoring and one-on-one tutoring from experienced faculty, enhancing individual student success.
- The program provides advanced hands-on training through state-of-the-art simulation labs including virtual reality (Meta Quest VR) and an Advanced Stroke Life Support Training Center, preparing students for complex clinical scenarios.
- The RN-BSN Completion program’s online format enables working nurses to advance their education while maintaining employment and residency in their communities, supporting flexible career progression.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,208 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $26,961 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Carroll College
- The Carroll College Nursing BSN program features the E.L. Wiegand Nursing Simulation Center, offering high-fidelity simulation experiences from sophomore year to reduce graduate performance anxiety in clinical settings.
- Students gain approximately 850 hours of diverse clinical experience starting in their first semester, including hospitals, public health, long-term care, and psychiatric facilities, ensuring readiness for professional nursing roles.
- The program offers multiple entry options including an accelerated nursing track for post-baccalaureate students, allowing flexible pathways tailored to students' backgrounds and career timelines.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $26,961 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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