Montana Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in Montana can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term Montana education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Montana Registered Nurse?
Montana Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in Montana before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Montana nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Montana.
To help students search for the best nursing school in Montana, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in Montana?
- Is Montana a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in Montana?
- How much does nursing school in Montana cost?
- Is it hard to get into a Montana nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in Montana.
How do I become a nurse in Montana?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Montana, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Montana practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Montana Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Montana, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Montana registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Montana Board of Nursing.
Is Montana a nursing compact state?
Yes, Montana is part of the nursing license compact. Montana recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a Montana Licensed Practical Nurse or a Montana Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in Montana?
The amount of time you spend in a Montana nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Montana Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Montana. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Montana, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of Montana, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Montana nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in Montana cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in Montana will cost between $3,000 to $6,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Montana cost more between $5,000 to $7,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Montana, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a Montana nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Montana nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Montana provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 60% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Montana nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In Montana
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Montana. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Montana Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any Montana nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Aaniiih Nakoda College
269 Blackfeet Avenue,
Harlem,
MT
59526
406-353-2607
Aaniiih Nakoda College is a Public institution with a campus in Harlem, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Harlem, Montana campus for Aaniiih Nakoda College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 115. In-state tuition and fees were $2,410 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,410
- Acceptance Rate Open
Blackfeet Community College
504 SE Boundary St,
Browning,
MT
59417
406-338-5441
Blackfeet Community College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Browning, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Browning, Montana campus for Blackfeet Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 346. In-state tuition and fees were $3,610 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $3,610
- Acceptance Rate Open
Carroll College
1601 North Benton Ave,
Helena,
MT
59625
406-447-4300
Carroll College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Helena, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Helena, Montana campus for Carroll College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,168. In-state tuition and fees were $39,028 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $39,028
- Room and Board $11,182
- Acceptance Rate 78%
- ACT Score 13-29
Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Dr,
Kalispell,
MT
59901
406-756-3822
Flathead Valley Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Kalispell, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Kalispell, Montana campus for Flathead Valley Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,129. In-state tuition and fees were $5,840 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,840
- Room and Board $8,472
- Acceptance Rate Open
Fort Peck Community College
605 Indian Street,
Poplar,
MT
59255
406-768-6300
Fort Peck Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Poplar, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Poplar, Montana campus for Fort Peck Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 697. In-state tuition and fees were $2,250 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: PRE
- Tuition Cost $2,250
- Acceptance Rate Open
Great Falls College Montana State University
2100 16th Avenue South,
Great Falls,
MT
59405
406-268-3700
Great Falls College Montana State University is a Public institution with a campus in Great Falls, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Great Falls, Montana campus for Great Falls College Montana State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,192. In-state tuition and fees were $3,532 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $3,532
- Acceptance Rate Open
Helena College University of Montana
1115 North Roberts Street,
Helena,
MT
59601
406-447-6900
Helena College University of Montana is a Public institution with a campus in Helena, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Helena, Montana campus for Helena College University of Montana is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,423. In-state tuition and fees were $3,590 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $3,590
- Acceptance Rate Open
Highlands College of Montana Tech
25 Basin Creek Rd,
Butte,
MT
59701
406-496-3711
Highlands College of Montana Tech is a Public institution with a campus in Butte, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Butte, Montana campus for Highlands College of Montana Tech is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 655. In-state tuition and fees were $3,670 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: CNA
- Tuition Cost $3,670
- Room and Board $10,741
- Acceptance Rate Open
Little Big Horn College
8645 South Weaver Drive,
Crow Agency,
MT
59022
406-638-3104
Little Big Horn College is a Public institution with a campus in Crow Agency, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Crow Agency, Montana campus for Little Big Horn College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 296. In-state tuition and fees were $3,200 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: PRE
- Tuition Cost $3,200
- Acceptance Rate Open
Miles Community College
2715 Dickinson Street,
Miles City,
MT
59301
800-541-9281
Miles Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Miles City, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Miles City, Montana campus for Miles Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 583. In-state tuition and fees were $6,242 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $6,242
- Room and Board $8,300
- Acceptance Rate Open
Missoula College - University of Montana
1205 East Broadway Street,
Missoula,
MT
59802
406-243-7811
Missoula College - University of Montana is a Public institution with a campus in Missoula, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Missoula, Montana campus for Missoula College - University of Montana is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,955. In-state tuition and fees were $7,719 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $7,719
- Room and Board $11,608
- Acceptance Rate 95%
Montana State University
Culbertson Hall,
Bozeman,
MT
59717
406-994-0211
Montana State University is a Public institution with a campus in Bozeman, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Bozeman, Montana campus for Montana State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 16,681. In-state tuition and fees were $7,727 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition Cost $7,727
- Room and Board $11,300
- Acceptance Rate 73%
- ACT Score 20-27
Montana State University - Billings
1500 University Drive,
Billings,
MT
59101
406-657-2011
Montana State University - Billings is a Public institution with a campus in Billings, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Billings, Montana campus for Montana State University - Billings is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,057. In-state tuition and fees were $6,198 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $6,198
- Room and Board $8,348
- Acceptance Rate Open
Montana State University - Northern
300 13th St West,
Havre,
MT
59501
406-265-3700
Montana State University - Northern is a Public institution with a campus in Havre, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Havre, Montana campus for Montana State University - Northern is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,140. In-state tuition and fees were $5,955 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $5,955
- Room and Board $6,470
- Acceptance Rate Open
Montana Technological University
1300 West Park Street,
Butte,
MT
59701
406-496-4256
Montana Technological University is a Public institution with a campus in Butte, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Butte, Montana campus for Montana Technological University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,625. In-state tuition and fees were $7,580 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN
- Tuition Cost $7,580
- Room and Board $10,741
- Acceptance Rate 89%
- ACT Score 19-25
Salish Kootenai College
58138 US Highway 93,
Pablo,
MT
59855
406-275-4931
Salish Kootenai College is a Public institution with a campus in Pablo, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Pablo, Montana campus for Salish Kootenai College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 619. In-state tuition and fees were $6,399 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN
- Tuition Cost $6,399
- Room and Board $7,020
- Acceptance Rate Open
Stone Child College
8294 Upper Box Elder Road,
Box Elder,
MT
59521
406-395-4875
Stone Child College is a Public institution with a campus in Box Elder, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Box Elder, Montana campus for Stone Child College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 281. In-state tuition and fees were $2,645 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: PRE
- Tuition Cost $2,645
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of Providence
1301 20th Street South,
Great Falls,
MT
59405
406-761-8210
University of Providence is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Great Falls, Montana. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Montana Board of Nursing. The Great Falls, Montana campus for University of Providence is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 955. In-state tuition and fees were $27,606 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $27,606
- Room and Board $10,233
- Acceptance Rate 95%
- ACT Score 17-22
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of Montana nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in Montana and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: June 1, 2025
References:
- Montana Nursing License Requirements. State of Montana, Board of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Montana State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of Montana Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Montana Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.