How To Become a Nurse in Montana 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) work in healthcare settings delivering patient care, and the number of RN positions are increasing more than most roles. You can become a licensed registered nurse in Montana by completing a few requirements within one or two years. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse and start your nursing career.

What Does an RN Do?

Registered nurses have varying tasks, depending on where they work and their role. Some of the most common nursing jobs involve tasks like:

• educating patients
• conducting health assessments
• performing tests
• collaborating with doctors

There are other nursing roles, such as the licensed practical nurse (LPN) and the nurse practitioner (NP) role, which each require a different level of education. A certified registered nurse sometimes oversees LPNs and nursing aides and may choose to specialize in certain fields of medicine (e.g., pediatric care).

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Montana?

Traditional RN programs take around two years of full-time study to complete, but some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online. To become an RN, you can complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an equivalent associate's degree program within two years. There are also bachelor's level RN preparation programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Montana

There are a couple of steps you'll need to take to earn your RN license, including meeting the educational requirements for nurses and taking a nursing exam. Below are the steps to becoming a certified registered nurse in Montana.

Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

You need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent (i.e., GED) to begin nursing school. Your nursing program will build on the foundation of your prior education, utilizing some of the concepts that you have previously learned. In addition, the admissions office of your nursing school will likely look at your prior GPA when adding you to the program.

Step 2: Complete A State-Approved Program

To qualify for a nursing license, you have to complete an accredited nursing program that meets the requirements of the state board of nursing. These nursing education programs combine didactic coursework with hands-on practice, such as lab exercises and on-site clinical experience. State-approved programs include the required components, but those that aren't approved may not.

Step 3: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you complete your nursing degree program, whether for an associate or bachelor's degree, you need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX-RN exam is designed for RNs and is required for licensure. The state board of nursing will review your NCLEX score to ensure that you possess at least the minimum competencies required to be licensed.

Step 4: Apply for Your License

The Montana Board of Nursing accepts RN licensure applications online, and new RNs apply through the ''RN by examination'' application process. When you apply for your license, you need to submit your academic transcripts, as well as fingerprints for conducting a criminal background check. Montana participates in the nursing license compact, so your RN license is also valid in other states that participate in the compact.

Step 5: Maintain License

RN licenses are renewed every other year in Montana, and renewals must be submitted by the end of the year. Montana does not require continuing education hours for license renewal, but the state board does offer free online resources to continually improve nursing skills and knowledge. Many nurses also choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and advance to nurse practitioner roles.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Montana

You can complete your nursing education through both traditional and online nursing programs. Below are some of the best programs approved by the Montana Board of Nursing for RN licensure.

1. Aaniih Nakoda College

Aaniih Nakoda College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program that emphasizes cultural sensitivity and holistic healthcare. Nursing students explore evidence-based practices as well as integrate indigenous considerations and traditions. The on-campus program can be completed in four semesters and includes coursework in pediatric care and gerontology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $70 per credit (in-state); $70 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Great Falls College Montana State University

Great Falls College Montana State University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program that takes four semesters to complete. Within the on-campus program, students develop skills for safe and effective patient care in various settings. The program accepts 30 students every year and includes classes such as mental health nursing concepts and pathophysiology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $132 per credit (in-state); $502 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) as well as an RN to BSN program. Students can start the ASN program in the spring or fall semester, and it takes five semesters to complete. Once licensed as RNs, students can enroll in the hybrid RN to BSN program, which further develops nursing competencies across three semesters of study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $220 per credit (in-state); $645 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4. Blackfeet Community College

Blackfeet Community College offers a BSN program at its Browning campus that prepares students for roles as registered nurses. Students develop nursing skills for providing effective patient care as well as patient advocacy. Across eight semesters, students take classes like developmental psychology, nursing foundations, surgical care, and ethics in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $120 per credit (in-state); $120 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. University of Montana

The University of Montana offers several nursing programs that prepare students for RN licensure, including an ASN at its Missoula College location. ASN students take coursework in adult nursing, pharmacology, child and family care, and introductory psychology. The school also offers pre-nursing programs at the Missoula and Mountain campuses, which include the foundational coursework that students can transfer into an RN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $267 per credit (in-state); $1,023 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Montana

The field of nursing is growing twice as fast in Montana as it is nationally, with an expected 15% increase in RN positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average RN salary in Montana is $81,560, making it one of the higher-paying careers. Even entry-level registered nurses typically earn more than the average salary across professions, and those who continue on to earn master's degrees are among the highest-paid nurses.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Montana

If you are thinking about pursuing a role in registered nursing, take the time to determine what program features are going to make the most sense for you. Review the top FAQs about Montana nursing to better understand what to look for.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Montana?

Your RN program cost will depend on the required credit hours as well as the tuition rate and applicable fees. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and consider choosing among online colleges that accept FAFSA. You can also apply for numerous scholarships and other financial aid offered by private organizations, including nursing specific awards.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing programs are open to students who have a high school diploma or an equivalent � but some programs may require you to have completed a couple of general education courses (e.g., mathematics). You can complete a variety of self-paced nursing prerequisites online to meet the admission requirements of schools that require them.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is through an associate's degree program for students who do not have prior college coursework. Students who already have a bachelor's degree can typically become RNs sooner by completing an accelerated BSN program, which grants transfer credits for previous coursework.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

Public health professions require a specific level of competency and skill, so all registered nursing programs require hands-on and clinical practice hours. The easiest nursing degree is usually one that offers flexibility within the program, and using the best laptop for nursing students further reduces the program difficulty.

Find a Nursing Degree

You can discover more great nursing programs on other Learn.org pages. Contact schools that interest you to find out more.