Nursing Programs in Billings, MT
For those who appreciate solitude, a slow pace of life, and wide-open spaces, the town of Billings in Montana has much to offer. Set along the Yellowstone River, the small stand-alone city is home to ranchers and cowboys as well as shop owners and business professionals. Healthcare workers such as nurses are in big demand in rural Montana as its population is widely dispersed across the state. Due to the shortage of nursing professionals, RNs in and around Billings can earn $42 an hour, about 20% more than the national average according to Salary.com.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Billings
Rankings help nursing students evaluate programs by comparing key metrics like NCLEX pass rates. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Billings" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates to identify top-performing institutions. This objective approach provides clear data for informed decisions. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of yearly pass rate trends shows fluctuations in performance over time.
- 2020: 85% average pass rate with 300 students
- 2021: 88% average pass rate with 320 students
- 2022: 82% average pass rate with 310 students
Top Performing Schools
Top performing schools maintain high pass rates across multiple years.
- Billings College of Nursing: 94% average pass rate
- Montana State University Billings: 92% average pass rate
- Rocky Mountain College: 90% average pass rate
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size categories reveal differences in average pass rates.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 87% average pass rate
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 85% average pass rate
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 82% average pass rate
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Montana State University Billings provides a campus-based Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and covers essential nursing topics like patient care and health promotion. Admission is competitive and requires completion of prerequisites, though no ACT or SAT exam is specified. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the NLN CNEA. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 89.19% in 2024, 81.58% in 2023, and 92.11% in 2022, indicating consistent preparation for licensure. Graduates benefit from Montana's median RN wage of $59,900 and diverse job opportunities.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Competitive admission process
- Approved by Montana State Board
- Accredited by NLN CNEA
- Strong job growth
- Diverse employment opportunities
- Median wage $59,900 in MT
- Requires completion of prerequisites
Entry-Level ADN Programs in Billings, MT
If you care for others and have a knack for working and communicating with people from all walks of life, then you might consider a career in the stable yet evolving field of nursing. In Billings, Montana there are several ways to enter or advance in the field depending on your career goals and life circumstances. ADN and BSN programs start year round so anytime is a good time to enter or advance your career as a nurse.
ADN Programs
Nursing is a rewarding profession both for the financial security it provides and for the sense of accomplishment nursing professionals feel when helping others. City College at Montana State University, Billings offers a high-tech, hands-on Associate of Science in Nursing that preps and trains students for real-world nursing experience. Because the City College is affiliated with the larger state university, the ADN program allows seamless transfer of credits to the bachelor’s program should graduates opt for that later on in their careers. The accredited program trains and readies students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
RN to BSN Programs in Billings, MT
In your parents’ generation, going back to school to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing typically meant taking an unpaid sabbatical from your employer so you could attend daytime classes. Today, RNs in good standing in Billings, MT can opt for part-time, distance education options so that they can advance their careers without having to take a break from it.
RN to BSN Programs
Command a higher hourly wage and more respect from healthcare administrators and colleagues when you advance your RN education to earn a BSN. In rural Billings, MT, where the demand for RNs is already high, those with the BSN distinction can earn even more.
Find out more about Montana RN to BSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Billings, MT
Montana State University Billings
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 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
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Billings, MT
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Billings, MT
Billings, MT
Montana State University Billings
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Competitive admission process
- Approved by Montana State Board
- Accredited by NLN CNEA
- Strong job growth
- Diverse employment opportunities
