RN Programs in Montana

The shortage of nurses in Montana makes it an ideal place to start a career as a registered nurse (RN). Students who graduate from RN programs in Montana are able to find work quickly because registered nurses are in high demand due to the nursing shortage.

RN schools in Montana are also facing a shortage of educators making Montana RN programs slightly difficult to get into, and some prospective students may be put on a waiting list even if they are accepted into a nursing program. Still, upon graduation, qualified registered are able to find work quickly as they enter into the health care industry.

It is possible to become an RN through two different degree programs in Montana. One of these is a two-year program that leads to an Associate of Science (RN) degree. The other is a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Both of these qualify graduates to take the national exam that is required to work as an RN.

RN Licensure in Montana

Registered Nurses in Montana must apply for licensure after graduating from an accredited RN program in the state. Before the license is issued, the graduate must pass the NCLEX-RN.

Montana RN Registry

Montana Board of Nursing

301 South Park, 4th Floor

P.O. Box 200513

Helena, MT 59620-0513

 

RN Jobs and Salary in Montana

The most in-demand RN positions are found in Montana’s more populated areas, such as Billings and somewhat in Missoula. Montana needs registered nurses in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, home health centers, and nursing homes. Montana’s registered nurses earn an average hourly wage of $27.10 and an average yearly wage of $56,380.

Below lists a few of Montana’s largest and most well-known employers of registered nurses:

Community Medical Center, Missoula

St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena

Providence Health & Services, Missoula

Billings Clinic, Billings

Helena Indian Alliance, Helena

Holy Rosary Healthcare, Miles City

RN Programs in Montana

Each of the RN programs in Montana has its own requirements for admission to the program. Applicants are encouraged to apply about one year in advance.

Montana State University-Bozeman

Department of Nursing

115 Sherrick Hall

P.O. Box 173560

Bozeman, MT 59717

 

This program leads to a BSN. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA, minimum ACT score of 22 or minimum SAT score of 1540, or the applicant must place in the upper half of the graduating class. Applicants must also have a satisfactory score on the International Baccalaureate Calculus exam or four years of high school math and three years of science classes with at least a 2.0 GPA.

 

Montana Tech of the University of Montana-Butte

Department of Nursing

25 Basin Creek Road

Butte, MT 59701

 

This is an Associate of Science (RN) program that practices a holistic approach to nursing education.

 

Montana State University-Northern

Department of Nursing

P.O. Box 7751

Havre, MT 59501

 

This is an Associate of Science (RN) program. Admission standards include an ACT score of 20 or above or SAT score of 1440 or above. Applicants may also have a high school GPA of 2.50 or better or rank in the upper half of their class. They must also have satisfactorily completed college preparatory classes in high school.

 

Carroll College

Department of Nursing

1601 N. Benton

Helena, MT 59625

 

This program leads to a BSN. This is a Catholic college, but people of many faiths attend this RN program.

 

Montana State University-Billings, COT

Department of Nursing

3803 Central Avenue

Billings, MT 59102

 

This is an Associate of Science (RN) program. College preparatory courses that were completed in high school are helpful, such as physiology, anatomy, and other science classes.

 

Miles Community College

Department of Nursing

2715 Dickinson Street

Miles City, MT 59301

 

This is an Associate of Science (RN) program. Students must maintain at least a C average in general education and nursing classes.

 

Montana State University-Great Falls, COT

Department of Nursing

2100 16th Avenue South

Great Falls, MT 59405

 

This is a two-year Associate of Science (RN) program.

 

Salish Kootenai College

Department of Nursing

P.O. Box 70

Pablo, MT 59855

 

Students may choose from either a two-year or four-year program at this RN school. These programs lead to either an Associate of Science (RN) or a BSN. Students may begin as pre-nursing students in the BSN program before acceptance in the RN program.

 

University of Montana-Missoula, COT

Department of Nursing

909 South Avenue West

Missoula, MT 59801

 

This school offers a two-year Associate of Science (RN) program. Students may opt out after one year to become Practical Nurses or continue for another year for their Associate’s Degree.

 

Flathead Valley Community College

Department of Nursing

777 Grandview Drive

Kalispell, MT 59901

 

An Associate of Science (RN) can be earned at this school.

 

University of Montana-Helena, COT

Department of Nursing

1115 North Roberts Street

Helena, MT 59601

 

This is a two-year Associate of Science (RN) program. Students must complete two semesters of pre-nursing courses.

For reviews and a full list of RN programs in the state, please visit Nursing Schools in Montana.