Best Nursing Schools in Montana

Carroll College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program blends rigorous clinical training with a liberal arts foundation, preparing graduates to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care. The curriculum covers essential topics like care of the childbearing family, pathophysiology and pharmacology, and nursing leadership and management. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements and are thoroughly prepared for the NCLEX licensure exam. Graduates are highly sought after by employers, often starting their careers within months. The program is consistently ranked #1 in Montana and has produced over 1,600 nurses who serve in diverse healthcare settings. Carroll offers strong financial support, including scholarships, grants, and a unique loan forgiveness partnership with Benefis Health System. With a focus on ethical practice and whole-person care, this BSN program is ideal for students seeking a meaningful nursing career in Montana and beyond.

• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Liberal arts foundation for nursing
• NCLEX preparation emphasized
• Loan forgiveness partnership with Benefis
• Employers' top pick for BSN grads
• Over 1,600 graduates prepared
• Scholarships and grants available

Montana Technological University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, offered through the award-winning Sherry Lesar School of Nursing, prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends traditional nursing coursework with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs, including a high-fidelity center that earned the prestigious Core Four Standards endorsement. Students complete nearly 1,000 clinical hours across over 35 partner facilities in Southwest Montana, gaining real-world skills in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers in diverse environments—from emergency rooms and intensive care units to school nursing and case management. The program also serves as a foundation for advanced degrees like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Recognized as the top BSN program in Montana and CCNE accredited, Montana Tech's nursing degree features strong career outcomes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning community. Students can also take advantage of the Nursing Scholar's Edge direct entry option for high-achieving Montana high school students. Beyond the classroom, Butte offers outdoor recreation and a vibrant arts scene, making it an ideal place to study and live.

• CCNE accredited
• 3.5 GPA minimum
• 1000 clinical hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Top BSN Nursing School in Montana
• First new four-year program in 78 years
• Core Four Standards Endorsement
• Partners with over 35 clinical affiliates
• Nursing Scholar's Edge Direct Entry
• Dedicated hands-on learning labs

Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, MT, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) for aspiring Registered Nurses (RNs). This two-semester, 28-credit program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to advance their careers. The curriculum prepares students to provide direct care in various healthcare settings, emphasizing patient assessment, care planning, and medical record maintenance. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for Montana licensure. With a strong job outlook, RNs can find opportunities in diverse healthcare environments. The program requires a background check and immunizations for admission. Costs and detailed admission guidelines are available on the college's website.

• Two-semester program
• 28 credits required
• For LPNs only
• NCLEX-RN exam eligible
• Montana licensure
• Background check needed
• Immunizations required
• Direct patient care focus
• Strong job outlook
• Diverse healthcare opportunities

The University of Montana's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is an intensive, four-semester program that prepares students for entry-level registered nursing practice. The curriculum blends lectures, simulations, and hands-on clinical rotations in acute care settings, covering adult health, maternal-child nursing, mental health concepts, and pharmacology. Students develop critical thinking and patient care skills under instructor supervision and preceptorship. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing. With a limited cohort of 18 students per semester, learners benefit from personalized attention and close faculty mentorship. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. The program emphasizes professionalism, safety, and evidence-based practice, preparing nurses to meet diverse patient needs in a dynamic healthcare environment.

• ACEN accredited
• 4-Semester program
• Starts fall/spring
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Approved by State Board of Nursing
• Limited to 18 students per semester
• Requires criminal background check
• Requires 10-panel drug screen
• Requires BLS Healthcare Provider

The Traditional BSN at Montana State University prepares students for registered nursing careers through a two-block curriculum: pre-nursing sciences and upper-division nursing courses. Students complete prerequisites like anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and psychology before applying to the nursing program. Once accepted, they train across five state-wide campuses in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula. The program emphasizes clinical readiness, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and a 90.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate (2025). Graduates pursue roles in acute care, flight nursing, school nursing, and military nursing. Montana high school graduates benefit from guaranteed direct entry. The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, accredited by CCNE, recently received a $101 million investment for new facilities, enhancing learning environments.

• CCNE accredited
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Five campus locations across Montana
• Montana Direct Entry for high school graduates
• New buildings with simulation laboratories
• Application via NursingCAS
• Background check and drug screening required
• Prerequisites must be within 15 years