Best Nursing Programs in Montana (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 164 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Montana. The fastest listed completion time is 18 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 91.0% first-time pass rate. RNs in Montana earn $73,840/year on average (BLS).
164
Programs
38
Schools
18 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
91.0%
Avg NCLEX (4)
99
Online / Hybrid
$74K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Montana nursing programs at a glance
- 164 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Montana (0 LPN, 2 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 99 online or hybrid programs serve Montana students (1 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Montana: $73,840 (BLS) · 6.2% projected job growth through 2032.
Montana nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 164 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 2 ADN · 8 BSN · 67 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University — 18 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 91.0% average across 4 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 95 online · 4 hybrid · 1 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $73,840/yr (BLS) · 6.2% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Montana
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Showing 100 of 164 programs from our directory for Montana.
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How to choose a nursing program in Montana
Montana is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (164 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Montana ($73,840/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Montana is projected to grow 6.2% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Montana means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Montana directory, the fastest listed completion time is 18 months. We track 164 accredited nursing programs in Montana — including 10 entry-level RN pathways. Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Montana is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota.
Key takeaways
- Screen Montana programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Montana.
- Montana is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Montana lists 10 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Montana spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 99 online or hybrid programs serve Montana students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $73,840 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Montana
Programs by Degree Type
67
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Montana
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Missoula College – University of Montana | 1 | ADN | 90.0% | View |
| Montana State University – College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 91.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Montana?
There are 164 accredited nursing programs available in Montana across 38 schools — including 0 LPN, 2 ADN, 8 BSN, 67 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Montana?
Nursing program tuition in Montana starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Montana?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Montana can be completed in 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Montana?
Registered nurses in Montana earn an average of $73,840 per year ($36/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Montana is projected to grow 6.2% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Montana?
Yes. There are 99 online and hybrid nursing programs (95 fully online, 4 hybrid) available to Montana residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Montana.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Montana?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 4 programs with data: 91.0%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Montana?
To practice nursing in Montana, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Montana Board of Nursing. Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 24 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Montana?
Yes. Like most states, Montana is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 6.2% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Montana?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Montana vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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