Nursing in Montana

Montana’s nursing schools are mostly found in a handful of larger towns such as Missoula, Billings, Great Falls, and Helena. While the state lists 15 nursing programs across 19 cities, the real spread is uneven. 

The state’s nursing workforce sees solid demand, with about 9,740 registered nurse jobs statewide. Big hospital systems; including Providence St. Patrick in Missoula and Billings Clinic... employ most nurses in Montana’s urban areas, offering competitive salaries. Nurses in these cities can earn over $100,000 depending on experience. In contrast, rural nurses earn less but face higher job availability due to ongoing shortages. Licensed practical nurse positions are common in long-term care but more limited in hospitals. Montana’s no membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact means nurses must go through separate licensing processes if working across state lines, adding a hurdle for regional mobility.

Montana nursing programs report NCLEX pass rates averaging 87.1%, with most public and university-related programs scoring near or above 90%. Smaller or more specialized LPN programs sometimes post pass rates in the low 80s, reflecting program differences. These results are improving following curriculum updates and strengthened clinical partnerships. Tuition tends to be lower than the national average. Community college ADN or LPN programs commonly cost under $13,000 total, while BSN programs at public universities range from about $8,000 to $15,000 per year for in-state students. Private schools may charge significantly more. While Montana’s overall cost of living remains modest, differences between cities affect affordability for students and nurses alike.