If you want to know how to become a nurse in Montana, there are several schools out there to help you do so. You can find some of the best nursing schools in Montana in the cities of: Billings, Missoula, Helena and more, as well as dozens of schools on the internet. With the help of nursing schools in Montana, you will get the career training you need to work in a clinic, hospital, doctor’s office, or other facility in the state. Read on to learn more about your options.
How to Become a Nurse in Montana
For the most part, you need to go to school to become a nurse in Montana. Some people only spend a couple years in college getting an associate’s degree, while others spend nearly a decade earning a doctorate. Think about the type of nurse you want to be (e.g. RN to BSN) and then decide what degree best suits your career plans. Whatever you choose, you need to make sure your degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These organizations will ensure that your education is top-notch.
Here are the most common types of nursing degrees in Montana, along with information about how long you may spend getting through them:
- Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years
After you complete your nursing programs in Montana, you will need to apply for a nursing license or a certification related to your profession. These will show future employers that you have the skills they are looking for. To learn more about certification and licensure exams in your MT, contact the Montana Nurses Association.
Tuition for Montana Nursing Schools
Tuition rates vary from one school to the next, but Montana’s tend to be in line with those of other schools in the country. If you refer to the timeframes in the section above, you can use the tuition rates below to approximate how much money you will spend on your degree in Montana. Note that there are always financial aid options that may reduce the impact of your school expenses. The list below is courtesy of the College Board.
- Public Two Year College: $3,158 per year
- Public Four Year University: $6,211 per year
- Private Four Year University: $21,056 per year
Job Prospects for Montana Nurses
There are many job opportunities for nurses in Montana. In particular, there is a need for nursing professionals who can work in remote, rural communities in the state. To predict how much money you might be able to earn as a nurse in Montana, you need to know what type of nursing you want to work in. Here are some statistics from the BLS:
- Nursing Assistant: $24,350 per year
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $37,810 per year
- Registered Nurse: $60,810 per year
- Nurse Practitioner: $93,300 per year
Work with the many nursing schools in Montana to reach your career goals as soon as possible.
Top Nursing Schools in Montana
Montana State University-Northern
Montana State University-Northern is located in the city of Havre. The university learning environment focuses on clinical learning, personal growth, and critical thinking. The school offers an introduction ASN program that challenges students to extend themselves as they learn the introductory course material that will prepare them to move into RN-BSN program. This will lead students to become registered nurses and will give them the necessary edge in our competitive workforce. The instruction students receive is provided in multiple forms: Online (only), Face-to-Face, or a combination of the two.
- Location: Havre, MT
- Tuition: $5,480
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 10,500
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Montana State University Nursing Programs: Associates Science Nursing (ASN), BS/BSN, RN to BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Montana State University – Bozeman
In the city of Bozeman, Montana, future students will find the Bozeman campus for Montana State University (MSU). The campus is a public four-year university offering students the options of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university employs over 700 faculty and staff. MSU currently offers over 50 undergraduate level programs, over 40 Master degree programs, and around 20 doctorate degrees for students to be able to enhance their knowledge and skills sets in their chosen vocation.
- Location: Bozeman, MT
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $3,279
- Non-Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $5,944
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 14,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Montana State University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Miles Community College
Miles Community College is located in Miles City, Montana, and offers a total of five semesters (assuming full-time) for students to earn an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN). This degree course is to help prepare students, via rigorous and challenging course material, to earn their Registered Nurse license. The classroom environment encourages personal and professional growth, a compassionate and caring climate that recognizes differences, with a commitment to open communication and excellence in learning as mutual respect between student and teacher is received and given.
- Location: Miles City, MT
- Tuition: $4,874
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 600
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Miles Community College Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-BSN, BS/BSN
Salish Kootenai College
Salish Kootenai College is located in Pablo, Montana and offers high quality higher educational learning for Native Americans throughout the United States. Their department of Life Sciences provides the necessary knowledge for students to pursue careers in: nursing, ecology, genetics, medical, and other science based vocations.
- Location: Pablo, MT
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $2,093
- Non-Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $3,821
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 1,000
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Salish Kootenai College Nursing Programs: Medical Assistant Associates, LPN
Montana Tech of the University of Montana
Montana Tech is located in Butte, Montana, and was established in the year of 1900 and was originally called Montana State School of Mines. Montana Tech is now composed of three colleges and one school that offer comprehensive, higher learning, academic courses. This school has earned its reputation of consistently ranking among the best institutions for reward, job placement, after graduation.
- Location: Butte, MT
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $4,200
- Non-Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $11,400
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 2,500+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Montana Tech Nursing Programs: Associates, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Carroll College
Carroll College is located in Helena, Montana, and is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Catholic Church. Carroll Colege’s academic programs have been recognized on regional and national level. The college’s emphasis is more about preparing their students for their career, rather than simply earning a degree.
- Location: Helena, MT
- Tuition (12 credit hours): $32,212
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 1,400
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Carroll College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Montana State University – Billings
The city of Billings, Montana is home to one of the campuses of Montana State University. This campus was previously known as Eastern Montana College, which was founded in 1927. This campus maintains educational integrity through its teaching excellence and determination for well-rounded unique training that prepares students for their future careers.
- Location: Billings, MT
- Resident Tuition (1 Semester): $2,905
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Montana State University Nursing Programs: Associate of Science Nursing (ASN), BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Flathead Valley Community College
Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) is located in Kalispell, Montana, which is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana. The college has two campuses located in: Kalispell and Libby. The college offers students high-quality academic courses that help them lead successful and promising careers. FVCC also extends to high school students the Running Start program for high school students to jump start their vocational careers before graduating from HS.
- Location: Kalispell, MT
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,848
- Out-of-District Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,848
- Out-of-State Tuition (12 credit hours): $4,320
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- College Accredited: Yes
- Flathead Valley Community College Nursing Programs: ASN, Practical Nursing, RN to BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Helena College University of Montana
Helena College University of Montana is located in Helena, Montana. The college is a public, comprehensive, two-year program offering students a lifelong pursuit toward personal educational goals. The College was formerly known as Helena College of Technology, which was established in 1939, and now offers more than 30 programs to enrolled students.
- Location: Helena, MT
- Student Enrollment: 1,300+
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,519
- Out-of-District Tuition (12 credit hours): $4,168
- Out-of-State Tuition (12 credit hours): $4,320
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- College Accredited: Yes
- Online Courses: Yes
- Helena College Nursing Programs: ASN, Practical Nursing
Missoula College University of Montana
Missoula College is located in Missoula and offers an excellent option for students seeking to become a nurse. Their nursing students have a high success rate in passing their NCLEX test; however, their knowledge in passing the test is much more profitable actually applying the knowledge in this chosen field. The schools Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) is determined to teach students and to prepare students to become compassionate, serving, and caring individuals as healthcare professionals in the communities they will reside.
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,805
- Non-Resident Tuition (12 credit hours): $6,275
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- College Accredited: Yes
- Online Courses: Yes
- Missoula College Nursing Programs: Associates
Little Big Horn College
Little Big Horn College is located in Crow Agency and is a public two-year college; although, the majority of its students are of the Crow Tribe of Indians. The institution does provide the following degrees: Associates of Arts, Associates of Science, and also other certificates that prepare its students for the challenges they will face in their chosen field of study.
- Location: Crow Agency, MT
- Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,200
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Little Big Horn College Nursing Programs: Life Science / Pre-Nursing
Dawson Community College
Dawson Community College is located in Glendive, Montana and has been providing academic excellence at an affordable cost. The college was founded in 1940 and is an accredited college.
- Location: Glendive, MT
- Tuition (12 credit hours): $1,380
- Out-of-State Tuition (12 credit hours): $2,412
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Little Big Horn College Nursing Programs: Allied Health and Nursing Focus