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.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

For registered nurses looking to take advantage of the expanded employment and salary opportunities that a BSN can lead do, Iowa offers a slew of RN to BSN programs that can help them reach these goals. Flexible, convenient, and with many online options, RN to BSN programs are growing in popularity as healthcare employers move to hire more BSN-educated RNs. Finding a great online program, however, can be stressful; that's why we've ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in Iowa. Peruse our rankings below and you'll be one step closer to your dream career.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA

Developed from the Essentials for Professional Nursing Practice and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a top-notch online RN to BSN. The long-established school readies ambitious nurses to lead their teams and provide superior patient care.

Quick Facts:
  • A non-profit, completely online RN-BSN program
  • A nearly 100-year-old nursing school
  • Prepares competent and compassionate nurses
2.

The University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

The University of Iowa's online RN-to-BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers with flexibility. Tailored for working professionals, it emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice. With renowned faculty and a supportive learning environment, UI prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

Quick Facts:
  • Fall start and spring start
  • Offered in a fully online format, providing flexibility for working nurses
  • Part-time options are available for students who need a more flexible schedule.
3.

Saint Luke's College UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA

Saint Luke's College UnityPoint Health offers a top-notch online RN-to-BSN program, seamlessly merging flexibility with academic rigor. Designed for working nurses, the program prioritizes career advancement and leadership development. With a focus on innovative online education, Saint Luke's College prepares nurses for success in today's ever-evolving healthcare industry.

Quick Facts:
  • Seamless transition to BSN
  • Learner-focused program
  • Flexible full and part time schedules
4.

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA

Nurses can have a greater impact on the quality of care patients receive by earning their bachelor's online at Mount Mercy University. The RN to BSN degree completion program includes understandings from liberal arts and sciences as well as core nursing skills.

Quick Facts:
  • Can be completed in less than 2 years
  • Nine start dates annually
  • Built on strong Catholic traditions
5.

Northwestern College

Orange City, IA

Northwestern College's online RN to BSN program educates students on treating and caring for the entire patient. The Christ-based curriculum covers Lifespan Health Assessment, Nursing Informatics, and Shalom with Diverse Populations.

Quick Facts:
  • A Christ-centered college
  • Seamless credit transfer experience
  • Practice experiences are completed in the workplace

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:

SchoolDegree NameLength
Montana State University NorthernOnline RN to BSN3 Semesters
Montana State University BillingsRN to BSN3 Semesters

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.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Montana State University BillingsRN to BSN$6,198 per year (Resident)

$19,924 per year (Non-resident)

Montana State University NorthernOnline RN to BSN$5,955 per year (Resident)

$18,665 per year (Non-resident)

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.

2024 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, MT

College of Allied Health Professions
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 657-2011

Butte, MT

Nursing Department
1300 West Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 496-4392

Great Falls, MT

Department of Nursing
1301 20th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
(800) 856-9544

Havre, MT

Department of Nursing
300 13th Street West
Havre, MT 59501
(800) 662-6132

Pablo, MT

Nursing Department
58138 US-93
Pablo, MT 59855

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.