[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With many affordable nursing programs boasting an almost 90% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate, nursing schools in Montana can prepare nurses for success.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores how to become a nurse in Montana, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools in Montana.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Montana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top accredited nursing schools in Montana and explore the best program options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Montana, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Montana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students should research an institution’s tuition, program length, and financial aid options. Applicants should also verify the[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”] institution’s nursing accreditation status[/hen-ui-link] and review NCLEX pass rates, both of which can indicate program strength.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Montana[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Montana nursing programs offer the fifth lowest average tuition rate for in-state residents, according to a 2020 report by CollegeScorecard. When coupled with an NCLEX pass rate of 89.1%, Montana makes a great state for students to become either a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The state is part of the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact [/hen-ui-link](NLC). As part of the NLC, Montana and 36 other states have agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Being part of the nursing compact makes it easier for nurses to qualify for a license in Montana with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license also do not have to pay license renewal fees, and they can provide [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]telehealth nursing[/hen-ui-link] care to patients across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Montana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an average annual salary of $70,530, RNs in Montana [hen-ui-link href=”/state/montana/rn-salary/” target=”_blank”]earn[/hen-ui-link] just under the national median of $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse practitioners (NPs) fare slightly better, earning an average yearly salary of $114,370, slightly more than the national median of $117,670. Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/state/montana/rn-salary/”]RN salaries in Montana[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Montana’s cost-of-living index is 94, compared to the U.S. base index of 100. Therefore, a nurse’s salary in Montana can stretch farther.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Montana also expects an increase in the demand for nurses. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/index.php/Projections/LongTerm” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link], the state could see a 10.4% increase in employment, higher than the growth rates for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying areas in Montana for nurses are located in some of the state’s most populated regions. These include Billings in the southeastern portion of the state and Great Falls, centrally located northeast of Helena.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Montana[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Billings[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$74,460[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Great Falls[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,630[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Montana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state RN licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link] in Montana are similar to those in other states, which includes completing a state board-approved nursing program, passing the appropriate certification exam, and completing a background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/things-nurses-should-know-about-continuing-education/”]continuing nursing education requirements[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license and continue working as a nurse in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Montana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become a nurse in Montana?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of time it takes to become a nurse in Montana depends on the academic path. If enrolled in an associate nursing program, students can become licensed to practice within two years. A bachelor’s nursing program takes four years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] program typically takes two years to complete when enrolled full time after earning a bachelor’s and gaining two years of clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Does Montana need nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to a report released by Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/proven-strategies-to-survive-the-nursing-shortage-2022/”]nursing worker shortages continue to persist[/hen-ui-link] throughout the state. With approximately 18% of RNs planning on retiring or leaving the field within the next few years due to the strain of COVID-19, Montana will continue to need nurses for the foreseeable future.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the salary range for nurses in Montana?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, half of all Montana RNs earn salaries ranging between $59,410 and $80,510. The average annual RN salary is $70,530. To increase their salary, nurses can expand on their education, focus on specialties, or switch practice settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is Montana a Nurse Compact State?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Montana joined the NLC in 2015. Nurses in the state may earn multistate licenses allowing them to practice in other compact states. Nurses moving to Montana from other compact states must apply for primary licensure in Montana.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]