Explore the Best Online Nursing Schools in Montana
Here, you can find a comprehensive guide to the best nursing schools in Montana. We’ve spotlighted many of Montana’s top nursing programs (some with online options), what you can expect to make as a nurse and financial aid options.
Like many states, Montana needs more nurses at every level — from licensed practical nurses to advanced practice nurse practitioners. For example, from 2022 to 2032, the registered nursing field in Montana is estimated to grow by 14.8%, and the nurse practitioner field by a whopping 51.1%. If you want to help meet this demand, Montana has a variety of nursing programs, whether you have no prior healthcare training or are already a registered nurse. And best yet: Factoring in 21 key metrics, Montana was recently named the eighth-best state in the nation for nurses.
This guide provides insight into the types of nursing schools in Montana, including both traditional on-campus and hybrid programs. Keep scrolling to find the best online nursing programs in Montana.
University of Providence
Great Falls, Montana
Private
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, Montana
Public
Montana State University Billings
Billings, Montana
Public
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Montana
No matter your prior education or healthcare experience, a variety of nursing schools in Montana are available and specifically designed to fulfill your needs. This means you have options ranging from pre-licensure training to RN programs in Montana all the way up to doctoral-level education — and everything in between. Below is a broad overview of what Montana has to offer.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Montana
ADN Programs
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.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program consists of about 120 credits and takes most full-time students about four years to complete. In addition to learning about core nursing skills and knowledge, BSN students will take more theoretical and research-oriented classes. Therefore, a BSN degree is best for students who don’t have a nursing background but plan on taking on additional clinical and/or supervisory responsibilities as a registered nurse.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are similar to traditional BSN programs in terms of what students are expected to know when they graduate. However, as its name implies, accelerated BSN programs can be completed far more quickly. To achieve program completion in two years or less, most accelerated BSN programs are designed for those who already have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Montana for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are designed for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses but don’t want to have 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.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN bridge programs are designed for working RNs who have an associate degree and now wish to earn further education with a BSN degree. 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.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN bridge programs are similar to RN to BSN programs in that they’re designed for current RNs who want to take the next step in their careers, but they need a more advanced degree to do so. But instead of earning a BSN, the RNs will be working towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. This graduate degree is usually required for advanced practice nursing positions.
Example of Montana Nursing School with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Montana
MSN Programs
There are two main types of MSN programs, both of which allow graduates to take on teaching, advanced practice, and managerial roles in nursing. The standard MSN program is designed for BSN-prepared students, while the direct-entry MSN program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but are in a field other than nursing.
Example of Montana Nursing School with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are the pinnacle of nurse training and education. However, DNP and PhD programs differ dramatically in what they offer their graduates. DNP programs offer more hands-on training and leadership development. Therefore, it’s ideal for practicing nurses who want advanced clinical and management skills. PhD programs focus more on research and theory. As a result, it’s an ideal degree for future nurse educators at the postsecondary level.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
These graduate programs offer tailored skills and training without requiring students to spend the time and money for a full degree. Post-graduate certificates are intended for nurses who already have the degree they want but still need formal training to shift into a specialized area of nursing practice.
Examples of Montana Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Look at Online Nursing Programs in Montana
Even though nursing is an inherently hands-on profession, you may be interested in securing your degree from one of the online nursing programs in Montana. To effectively combine classroom instruction with practical learning from in-person training, many online nursing programs offer a hybrid format.
These 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 who are working as RNs while in school can complete these requirements at the same place where they work.
One consideration for students looking for online nursing programs in Montana is whether it has any on-campus requirements, such as labs or intensives. If so, these are typically held during the weekends. Another consideration for online nursing programs is whether the online coursework must be completed at set times (synchronously) or on the student’s own schedule (asynchronously).
Invest in Your Nursing Education: Financial Aid in Montana
Nursing is one of those rewarding fields where, as long as you graduate and pass any necessary licensing exams or certifications, you’re likely to obtain lucrative employment. But getting there can be expensive. Luckily, any of the common forms of financial aid are available to nursing students, such as grants, student loans, fellowships, and scholarships (some explicitly designated for nursing students). There are also some specific types of financial aid, such as the federal HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which will help you pay for your nursing degree if you agree to work at a healthcare facility with a shortage of healthcare professionals. For prospective nurses who want to work at a state hospital or prison, there’s the Montana Institutional Nursing Incentive Program, which is a loan reimbursement program.
Step-by-Step Guide: RN Licensing in Montana
As its name implies, registered nursing is a regulated profession, which means RNs will need the necessary certifications and/or licensing to practice. The applicable regulations exist at the state level, so if you’re thinking about becoming an RN in Montana, you’ll find these requirements at the Montana Board of Nursing. The general requirements for becoming an RN are similar for most states. There are two primary methods of becoming an RN in Montana. The first is “licensing by credentialing,” which means becoming an RN in Montana because you’re already an RN in another state. The second is “licensing by examination,” which refers to passing the NCLEX-RN exam and completing other steps, which we’ll discuss below.
Step #1: Complete an Approved Registered Nursing Program
Before becoming an RN in Montana, you need the necessary formal training. You can get this training by graduating from an 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 Montana Board of Nursing.
Step #2: Complete the RN Application and Pay the Necessary Fees
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.
Step #3: Register (and Pass) the NCLEX-RN Exam
After submitting your application to the Montana Board of Nursing, they’ll send you 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.
Step #4: Pass the Criminal Background Check
To complete this step, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints. You can do this 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. However, the Montana Board of Nursing must have your completed RN application within six months of them receiving your fingerprinting results.
Step #5: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Every two years, RNs must complete 24 contact hours’ worth 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.
RN Salary and Career Forecast in Montana
Montana offers Registered Nurses (RNs) a blend of strong earning potential and excellent job growth. Across the state, RNs earn a median salary of $79,170, with top earners making up to $104,970 annually. Billings leads the way with a median salary of $82,270 and high-end pay reaching $105,220. Missoula and Great Falls also offer competitive salaries, with medians of $77,760 and $76,070, respectively, making Montana an appealing option for RNs seeking rewarding opportunities in both urban and regional settings.
The job outlook in Montana is especially encouraging. RN positions are expected to grow by 14.8% through 2030, adding 1,530 new jobs for a total of 11,890. With around 750 annual openings from growth and turnover, the state offers steady opportunities for nurses ready to advance their careers. Whether you’re drawn to Montana’s smaller cities or its more rural healthcare facilities, the state provides a stable and rewarding environment for RNs. Explore the data below to learn more.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $64,530 | $79,170 | $104,970 |
| Billings, MT | $65,100 | $82,270 | $105,220 |
| Great Falls, MT | $63,390 | $76,070 | $91,830 |
| Missoula, MT | $64,190 | $77,760 | $102,850 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
