Montana’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Thinking about going into nursing? Montana is a great choice to start your nursing career. The national growth rate of nurses is 6% between 2021-2031, and Montana is right in line with that with a projected growth rate of 6% between 2020-2030. There are plenty of job opportunities, with a predicted 630 annual job openings for registered nurses (RNs) in Montana.
Ranked 25th for overall best state by US News, Montana has much to offer. Known as Big Sky Country, Montana has open spaces and some of the most scenic destinations. It has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, forests, and water. From Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, there are plenty of places to explore the outdoors.
Montana offers low income tax rates, making it a more affordable place to live when compared to its neighboring states. There is also no sales tax in Montana. The cost of living is just above the national average, but all the free outdoor activities you have at your doorstep make it worth living there.
Being ranked 20th in the nation for higher education makes Montana a suitable place to attend nursing school. Montana’s NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2022 was 82.61, which is higher than the national average.
The Best Nursing Schools in Montana
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Montana to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Montana based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Montana Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Montana ADN Nursing Program
Helena College University of Montana
Helena College University of Montana is a public community college in Helena, Montana. Their nursing program prepares graduates to become skilled nurses in various healthcare settings. They offer an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program (ASN) where students learn nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulation demonstrations, practice in the skills lab, and supervised training in clinical settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,590
Out-of-State: $9,863
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,590 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,863 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.43% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
97% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,433 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
63% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Montana ADN Nursing Program
City College at Montana State University
City College at Montana State University is a public community college located in Billings, Montana. They offer an ASN program that uses state-of-the-art technology to give students hands-on learning experiences. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for entry-level RN positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,198
Out-of-State: $19,924
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,198 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,924 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
92.11% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
4,057 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
#3 Montana ADN Nursing Program
Miles Community College
Miles Community College is a public community college in Miles City, Montana. They offer an ASN program that is 72 credits and is designed to prepare graduates for a career in nursing. Their program accepts 38 qualified students each year who are assigned to various clinical partner sites where they gain hands-on learning experiences while practicing their nursing skills.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,090
Out-of-State: $9,840
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,090 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,840 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
86.36% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
76% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
567 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
73% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Montana BSN Nursing Program
Montana Technological University
Montana Technological University, known as Montana Tech, is a public university in Butte, Montana. They offer a BSN program meeting the educational requirements to prepare students to be RNs. In 2022, they opened the Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center, which contains four simulation suites that can flex space to hospital, home, or office settings, debriefing rooms, and telehealth rooms. It also includes a nurse’s station and medication room. This facility provides hands-on, real-life scenarios for students to practice their nursing skills. Additional hands-on learning opportunities occur in the skills labs and clinical rotations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,400
Out-of-State: $22,570
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,400 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$22,570 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.06% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
80% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,280 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
28% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#2 Montana BSN Nursing Program
Carroll College
Carroll College is a private Catholic college located in Helena, Montana. They offer a BSN program that gives students a well-rounded education, allowing them to perfect their skillset and knowledge to respond to various problems. There are two tracks that students can choose from at Carroll College. The traditional track is designed for students pursuing their initial undergraduate baccalaureate degree. This track can be completed in four years when attending full-time. The accelerated track is for students who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in a non-nursing field and want to obtain a second bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Average Tuition
In-State: $58,633
Out-of-State: $58,633
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$58,633 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$58,633 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.3% |
| Admission Rate |
78% |
| Retention Rate |
80% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,098 |
| Institution Type |
Private Catholic College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
25% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Montana
When choosing a nursing program in Montana you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission, and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 10 ADN and 5 BSN programs in Montana are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Montana
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Montana estimates a nursing growth of 6% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
US News ranks Montana as the 25th best state overall, with healthcare ranking 35th. The state is ranked 36th for healthcare access, 36th for healthcare quality, and 32nd for public health. Being a nurse in Montana means you can make a significant impact on the health of your community.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Montana earn an average annual salary of $78,350, which is below the national average. However, having no sales tax in Montana allows your dollar to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Montana
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Montana is $78,350, and it employs 10,020 nurses. Montana also employs 730 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $119,960.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Montana for RNs |
| Billings, MT |
$81,580 |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area |
$79,450 |
| Missoula, MT |
$78,890 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Montana
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Montana Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Montana, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Montana:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first Montana RN license, you must renew it every two years. Montana RN licenses expire on December 31st every two years. RNs must complete 24 continuing education credits per two-year licensing period.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Montana:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Montana.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Montana APRN licenses must be renewed every two years before December 31st. Before renewal, APRNs must complete 24 continuing education credits during each two-year licensing renewal period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Montana
Is Montana a good place for nurses to work?
Montana is a great place to work. The state has an NCLEX-RN pass rate above the national average, proving the quality of the nursing programs. Working as a nurse in Montana allows you to make a healthy impact on your community.
Is Montana a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Montana is a compact state for nursing. This means that RNs issued by your primary state of residence will be recognized in Montana and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in Montana?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your Montana RN license, you must renew it every two years before December 31st. Before license renewal, you must complete 24 continuing education credits per two-year licensing period.
How much does a Montana RN license cost?
Montana licensing fees by examination are $100. Licensing fee by endorsement in Montana is $200. To renew your Montana RN license, it costs $100.
