Best Nursing Schools in Montana

2025 Best Nursing Schools in Montana

Finding the right nursing school in Montana is crucial for your future career, and one of the best ways to gauge a program's quality is by looking at NCLEX-RN pass rates. At registerednursing.org, we've ranked the best nursing schools in Montana based on these pass rates, helping you make an informed decision. Schools with higher pass rates often provide the education and support needed to succeed on this important exam. Choosing a school with a strong track record can give you a better chance at passing the NCLEX-RN and starting your nursing career on the right foot. For more details on how we compiled these rankings, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/. NCLEX pass rates were a key factor in our rankings because they reflect how well a school prepares its students for the challenges of nursing. A high pass rate suggests that the program offers quality instruction and resources. For aspiring nurses, selecting a school with higher pass rates can be a smart move toward ensuring their success in the field.

#1

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT - Public 4-Year - montana.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful nursing career. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on clinical training across five locations in Montana, providing students with experience in various healthcare environments. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA in courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, with a special Direct Entry option for Montana high school graduates maintaining a 3.0 GPA and no grades below C-. The program stands out with a 92.05% first-time NCLEX pass rate, showcasing the effectiveness of its curriculum in preparing graduates for the nursing field. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for admission, aligning with the bachelor's level program standards.

• Eight semesters to complete.
• Five campus locations across Montana.
• 3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement.
• Direct Entry for Montana high school grads.
• 92.05% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Diverse healthcare settings.
• Anatomy & Physiology I required.
• No grades below C- accepted.
• Practical skills development.

#2

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT - Public 4-Year - skc.edu

Bachelor's - Direct Admit BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Salish Kootenai College offers a Direct Admit BSN program that spans four years, providing students with a comprehensive nursing education on campus. This program stands out for its use of high-fidelity simulation and maintains small faculty-to-student ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in both urban and rural Montana hospitals, preparing them for a variety of nursing environments. Admission requires a NEX exam score of at least 138, with a deadline of March 31, 2025. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and supports students with financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam, a critical step towards becoming a Registered Nurse.

• 4-year BSN program
• Campus-based learning
• High-fidelity simulation
• Small faculty-to-student ratios
• Urban and rural clinical sites
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• NEX exam score requirement
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships offered
• Accredited by ACEN

*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Montana Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

The nursing degree you pursue will largely depend on your personal and professional aspirations. Many aspiring nurses opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options are affordable and can be completed in a relatively short time. Below, you can explore the differences between these programs and other available options.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re new to the nursing field and seeking the quickest route to start your career in Montana, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the ideal choice. Both the ADN and nursing diploma programs typically take one to two years to complete. For those with prior nursing experience, such as working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), enrolling in an LPN to RN bridge program may allow you to earn either an ADN or a BSN in a shorter time.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Montana include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Montana.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

At the entry-level, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the most sought-after degree by employers in Montana. These programs typically take around four years to complete and provide comprehensive training and education. However, if you already have nursing experience, an RN to BSN program could be a faster route. For individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field who want to transition into nursing, an Accelerated BSN program offers a streamlined path to earn your nursing degree in a shorter time frame.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Montana typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

Montana RN to BSN offer a valuable opportunity for nurses already working in the field who are looking to further their education. If you hold an ADN, an RN license, and some experience, you can enroll in this bridge program and earn your BSN in just two years—half the time it would take to complete a traditional BSN program. This is an excellent way for working nurses to enhance their qualifications without taking extended time off from their careers.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Some individuals may choose to pursue nursing later in their careers after already earning a bachelor’s degree in another field. Montana ABSN programs provide a great option for those looking to transition into nursing. With this program, you can leverage your existing degree and complete your BSN in as little as a year, allowing you to quickly shift into a fulfilling nursing career.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

For many students, graduate school represents the next step in their nursing career. Programs such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offer excellent opportunities for those seeking to enhance their professional value, increase earning potential, and gain more autonomy in their roles. Admission to most nursing graduate programs typically requires a BSN (or higher) and an active RN license. These advanced degrees open doors to leadership positions and specialized clinical practice.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Montana:

• Montana Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Montana MSN Program
• Montana RN to MSN Programs
• Montana Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Montana DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Montana

After completing your nursing education, obtaining your RN license is an essential step to start practicing in Montana. To become licensed, you’ll need to graduate with at least an ADN, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and submit your application to the Montana Board of Nursing. Once you’re licensed, you must complete continuing education requirements to maintain your credentials and stay up to date with the latest nursing practices.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Montana

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Montana Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Crucial to receiving licensure is graduating from an accredited program. RN program accreditation in the US is handled by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program is accredited by one of these two programs, it means that it has passed the state’s requirements concerning training and curriculum. If it has not been accredited, you will not be able to get licensed upon graduation.