Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Montana

With a range of titles and duties, Montana’s registered nurses fill a vital role in evidence-based patient care. The country’s aging population means that now is a great time to consider upgrading to a BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for more varied – and more lucrative – career options.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Montana

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the top online RN to BSN programs across Montana, providing crucial guidance for registered nurses seeking to advance their education through distance learning pathways. These online programs offer incredible flexibility for working nurses who want to continue their professional development without disrupting their current employment. Montana's nursing landscape continues to evolve, and these virtual educational opportunities enable nurses to enhance their credentials, expand their clinical knowledge, and potentially increase their career opportunities. The state's online RN to BSN programs provide accessible, high-quality education that meets rigorous academic standards while accommodating the complex schedules of healthcare professionals. These programs are designed to seamlessly bridge practical nursing experience with advanced theoretical training. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.

#1

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT - Private 4-year - uprovidence.edu

Bachelor's - Online RN to BSN Program

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The University of Providence's online RN to BSN program presents a dynamic educational pathway tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This accelerated program enables nurses to complete their bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months, accommodating the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals. With both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, students can seamlessly integrate academic growth with professional responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical skills in healthcare leadership, patient safety, and comprehensive nursing practice. The program stands out for its flexibility, requiring no unnecessary prerequisites and offering comprehensive support for working nurses aiming to expand their clinical knowledge and career opportunities.

• 100% Online Program
• Flexible Learning Paths
• Complete in One Year
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Built for Working Nurses
• Skills in Healthcare Leadership
• No Unnecessary Prerequisites

#2

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT - Public 4-Year - msun.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion Program

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Montana State University-Northern's online RN-BSN Completion Program provides registered nurses a strategic pathway to elevate their professional credentials. Targeting working healthcare professionals, the program offers unprecedented flexibility with a dynamic curriculum spanning 3 semesters full-time or extending up to 5 years part-time. Students benefit from ACEN accreditation, emphasizing leadership, community health, and advanced clinical practice skills. The program maintains a modest 2.50 GPA admission requirement and facilitates clinical practicum opportunities within students' local healthcare environments. With monthly application acceptance and distance learning capabilities, nurses can seamlessly balance academic advancement and professional responsibilities without disrupting their current employment.

• Fully ACEN Accredited Program
• Online Flexible Learning Format
• 3 Semesters Full-Time Option
• 2.50 GPA Admission Requirement
• Distance Learning Available
• Monthly Application Acceptance
• Clinical Practicum in Local Area
• Builds on Previous Nursing Education

#3

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Degree Completion Program

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Montana State University Billings delivers a comprehensive online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program tailored for working nurses seeking professional growth. The 49-credit program strategically employs accelerated 8-week course blocks, enabling flexible full and part-time study paths. Students benefit from transfer credit opportunities and must maintain an unencumbered RN license. The curriculum emphasizes community engagement, leadership development, and advanced clinical project experiences. Graduates are well-positioned for administrative roles, diverse practice environments, and potential graduate-level education. The program's online format accommodates busy healthcare professionals, allowing seamless integration of academic advancement with ongoing clinical responsibilities.

• Online 49-credit nursing program
• Accelerated 8-week course blocks
• Flexible full/part-time options
• Requires unencumbered RN license
• Accredited nursing program
• Transfer credits considered
• Community and leadership clinical projects
• Prepares for graduate education

*Citation: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

At certain points in their career, many nurses may decide to go back to school to get their bachelor’s degree. However, this can sometimes prove to be more expensive and take longer than expected as nurses often have limited funds and time in their schedule to pursue academics. For this reason, many schools in Montana are now offering fully accredited online RN to BSN programs to offer maximum flexibility for students who want to complete their degree quickly, cheaply, and easily.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. In contrast, BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Montana:

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Montana. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

In addition to the speed of an RN to BSN program, many nurses can look forward to the general cost of these affordable, fast-paced educational pathways. Less time enrolled means that you’ll spend less money on tuition. While you may end up paying tens of thousands of dollars with a traditional BSN program, you will likely end up only paying half-price for an RN to BSN — or even less! Here are a few of the most affordable options for RN to BSN programs in Montana. As start researching programs, keep in mind the additional costs of going back to school such as textbooks and cost of living. Your prospective school may also allocate different tuitions based on residency status.

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Making the decision to return to complete your education is easy but you might be wondering about how to gain admittance to the accredited program of your choice. What follows are the general criteria that the state's schools are looking for in their RN to BSN candidates:

• Be admitted to your university in question and be ‘in good standing’
• Submit all official transcripts that pertain to your ADN, continuing education, and other degrees
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Provide government-issued identification with photo
• Provide a copy of your current RN in-state licensure OR proof of registration for the NCLEX-RN exam
• Provide up-to-date immunization documentation, as well as proof of health and liability insurance

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

The courses that form the structure of the RN to BSN programs is just as important as the clinical rounds and mentorship opportunities that are part of the coursework. For example, students at Montana’s University of Providence can expect upper-division courses like Nursing Research and Theories of Professionalism as parts of the curriculum they will undertake.

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Montana

Check out the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Montana by looking at our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Billings RN to BSN Programs