Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, formats, and outcomes for every approved Montana LPN program.
How do you pinpoint a Montana LPN program that is affordable, well-regarded by employers, and actually prepares you for the NCLEX-PN? With a small set of LPN programs offered mainly through community colleges and public universities, Montana's options are compact but cover the state's major population centers. Great Falls College MSU, for example, advertises a total program cost of $9,745, one of the lowest in the state. Rural healthcare employers depend heavily on these graduates, so program reputation matters. However, NCLEX pass rates can be hard to find, and enrollment is competitive where data is public. It's essential to compare tuition, clinical placement reach, and licensure success directly before committing.
Montana offers a focused set of practical nursing programs that balance affordability with hands-on training. The following schools stand out for their net price, graduate outcomes, and flexibility, whether you prefer a campus-based experience or a hybrid schedule that fits around work and family obligations.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Stackable credential seekers | |
Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell delivers a Practical Nurse program that is now structured as a stackable Certificate of Applied Science, feeding directly into the college's RN associate degree path. The four-semester, campus-based curriculum blends prerequisite coursework with full-time clinical study, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam across acute, long-term, and community settings. With low in-state tuition and a net price of $8,099, it is among the most affordable LPN pathways in Montana.
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| #2 | Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls, MT | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Cost-conscious working adults | |
Great Falls College Montana State University offers a hybrid Practical Nurse Certificate of Applied Science that combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Full-time students can finish in two semesters, while a part-time pathway accommodates working learners. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN and is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, with outcomes like a 10-year median earnings of $38,034 highlighting solid long-term value.
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| #3 | Helena College University of Montana | Helena, MT | $12,000/yr (net price) | Personalized small-cohort learners | |
Helena College University of Montana runs a highly regarded Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Science that boasts a 100% licensure pass rate and job placement record. The hybrid program combines synchronous online classes with in-person labs and clinical rotations in doctors' offices, urgent care centers, and long-term care facilities. With a tiny cohort of just 16 students and an institutional net price of $11,593, it offers close-knit mentorship and strong earning potential, as evidenced by a 10-year median salary of $40,738.
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| #4 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Montana in Missoula offers an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing that emphasizes a mix of lectures, simulations, and clinical practice. The campus-based program requires a 2.75 GPA and science grades of B or higher, and limits each cohort to 20 students. Graduates benefit from UM's larger nursing ecosystem, with pathways to higher credentials, though the higher net price of $16,784 is offset by a 10-year median salary of $44,511.
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| #5 | Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | $17,000/yr (net price) | ||
Montana State University Billings delivers a hybrid Practical Nursing certificate with online coursework, limited on-campus visits, and clinical placements across Montana. Graduates report entry-level wages averaging $54,385 and benefit from a strong employment pipeline with Billings Clinic and other regional providers. The program also maps into MSU Billings' ASN and BSN degrees, making it a strategic first step for those planning to advance their nursing career.
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The path to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Montana follows a clear, five-step process. You'll need to meet prerequisites, complete an approved program, pass the NCLEX-PN, apply for licensure, and then begin your career.
Financing your LPN education in Montana calls for a strategic blend of state grants, employer partnerships, and targeted scholarships. Program tuition at community colleges and technical schools typically falls in the affordable range for in-state students, but every dollar saved through aid lightens the load after graduation. The key is knowing where to look and whom to ask.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry administers workforce development grants that can cover tuition for high-demand fields like practical nursing. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program, for example, provides tuition support for students in certain health disciplines. Additionally, Montana’s tribal colleges often offer tuition waivers or reduced rates for tribal members and, in some cases, extend need-based aid to all practical nursing students. Contacting the financial aid office at any campus early in the application process is the surest way to uncover these options.
LPN program websites at Montana community colleges and technical schools publish their own scholarship lists, which may include awards funded by alumni, local businesses, or general institutional funds. Many hospitals and healthcare employers in the state offer tuition reimbursement partnerships. For instance, hospitals in the Billings service area sometimes provide up to $2,000 per year through the Billings Clinic Foundation Health Care Scholarship for students committed to working in the region. The Foundation also awards vocational/trades scholarships specifically for practical nursing, with similar amounts. Always ask program coordinators about current employer partnerships; these are often updated annually and can make a substantial dent in total cost.
For additional funding, directly contact the Montana Healthcare Foundation and the Montana Nurses Association. These organizations manage grants and scholarships that may not appear on general search platforms. The Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship, administered by the Montana Health Care Association, awards $2,500 to Montana residents working in long-term care settings. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must apply by February 28. The Montana Community Foundation offers the Kay McMillan Nursing Scholarship, awarding $500 to $1,500 to students with a 2.0 GPA; with five to seven awards each year, the March 31 deadline makes it an accessible target. On the federal level, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers full tuition and fees along with a monthly stipend for students who commit to work in underserved areas after licensure.
A step-by-step guide to finding state-specific financial aid is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) under the 'Students' section. That page links to Montana’s higher education assistance authority and walks through the FAFSA process, Pell Grant eligibility, and how to identify additional state grants. Combine these federal tools with local scholarships to build a funding package that minimizes debt and lets you focus on what matters: completing your LPN program and starting your nursing career.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are the most direct measure of how well a program prepares students for licensure. In Montana, tracking down these rates requires a bit of legwork, but the effort pays off when choosing a program with a strong track record.
The primary source is the Montana Board of Nursing, which publishes annual education reports that include per-program NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates. Head to the Board’s website and look under the “Education” or “Statistics” section; reports are typically posted as PDFs and cover the most recent testing cycle. If the latest report isn’t available yet, previous years still offer a reliable trend line.
Many LPN programs also post their pass rates directly on their program webpages. If you can’t find the information online, call or email the admissions office. Program staff are often willing to share their first-time pass rates and may provide context about recent changes that affect results, such as a curriculum update or a smaller cohort size.
Comparing a program’s performance to national figures helps you gauge its strength. According to NCSBN data, the first-time pass rate for US-educated NCLEX-PN test-takers in 2025 was 86.6% nationally, with an overall pass rate of 77.3% when repeat test-takers are included. In the first quarter of 2026, those numbers shifted slightly to 86.0% for first-time test-takers and 76.9% overall.1
A Montana program that consistently outperforms these national first-time averages is delivering solid preparation. If a program’s rate lags well behind, especially below 80%, it’s worth asking hard questions about tutoring resources, faculty experience, and how the school supports students who need a second attempt.
Not all programs make their pass rates easy to locate, and some smaller schools may not be included in statewide aggregate reports. If you can’t find a program’s data after checking the Board of Nursing site and contacting the school directly, treat that lack of transparency as a caution sign. Accrediting bodies like ACEN expect programs to maintain and disclose certain benchmarks, so a school committed to quality should be open about its results.
The Montana Board of Nursing’s annual report sometimes groups results together for all approved programs, which can give you a statewide view. Paired with individual program data, this broader picture helps you see whether a school is an outlier, for better or worse, and how it stacks up over multiple years.
Montana LPN programs fall into two primary delivery formats: traditional campus-based and hybrid with online didactic instruction. All practical nursing programs demand in-person clinical hours regardless of how lectures are delivered. The table below compares key features to help you choose the path that fits your life and learning style.
Delivery Format Schedule Flexibility Clinical Requirements Typical Time to Completion Suitability for Working Adults Example Programs
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Montana LPNs earn a median annual wage of $48,480 according to the latest BLS state data, offering new graduates a solid financial starting point. While entry-level earnings often begin a bit lower, the profession rewards experience with steady increases, and many employers offer shift differentials and overtime that push take-home pay higher.
Montana’s licensed practical nurses earned a median annual wage of approximately $56,000 in 2023, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ statewide hourly median of $26 to $27 per hour. This translates to an hourly rate of about $26.50, though actual paychecks depend heavily on location, facility type, and years on the job.
Earnings vary notably by region. In Billings, the state’s largest city, LPNs see median hourly wages between $27 and $29, roughly $56,000 to $60,000 annually. Missoula LPNs earn about $26 to $28 per hour, while Great Falls shows medians from $25 to $27. Nonmetropolitan areas, which cover much of rural Montana, have hourly medians ranging from $24 to $26. While the raw numbers are lower, the cost of living in these communities often offsets the difference, and many employers offer additional incentives to fill crucial healthcare gaps.
Nationally, the BLS projects only a 3% increase in LPN positions from 2024 to 2034, slower than many other fields. Yet Montana’s demographics point to sustained demand: an aging population, chronic disease prevalence, and a shortage of providers in frontier counties all push local need higher. Rural long-term care homes, critical access hospitals, and clinics frequently report vacancies that go unfilled for months, making new LPN graduates highly sought after.
One practical result of that demand is compensation beyond base pay. It is common for rural Montana facilities to offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, or even housing stipends to attract licensed practical nurses. This can dramatically improve the first-year financial picture for graduates willing to serve in underserved areas.
Although federal data does not yet break out one- and two-year earnings specifically for LPN completers in Montana, broader institutional metrics offer a signal of long-term value. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, students who attended the University of Montana, which houses a practical nursing program, had median earnings of $44,511 ten years after entry. Montana State University Billings alumni reported $44,296, while Helena College graduates saw $40,738 and Flathead Valley Community College alumni earned $38,520. These figures, which span all programs at each school, illustrate that Montana public colleges deliver earnings that outpace the state’s overall median for high school graduates.
For prospective LPNs, the combination of stable regional wages, low educational debt (many programs cost under $15,000), and high demand ensures that practical nursing remains a sound entry point into healthcare.
The first place to look for LPN-to-RN bridge programs is the Montana Board of Nursing website. They maintain a current directory of approved nursing education programs across the state, including LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN options. Reviewing this list ensures any program you consider meets Montana’s educational standards for licensure. The Board also publishes information on credit transfer policies and articulation agreements, which can clarify how your existing LPN credits might apply toward an RN degree. Because curricula and approval statuses can change, make it a habit to check back regularly.
Once you have a list of approved schools, visit each institution’s nursing department webpage directly and compare their LPN education requirements. Montana University System campuses and community colleges often update their program catalogs annually with the latest admission requirements, course sequences, and tuition. Look for terms like “LPN to RN bridge,” “advanced placement nursing,” or “transition track.” You may find online, hybrid, or traditional on-campus formats, but the specifics vary by school. Remember that a program’s own LPN graduates sometimes receive preferential credit transfer, so if you completed your LPN at a particular college, ask about internal pathways.
Websites give a solid overview, but a phone call or email to the admissions or nursing department can confirm details that aren’t always posted. Ask directly about:
Programs often adjust enrollment capacity or prerequisites, so speaking with a staff member ensures you have the most accurate, personalized information.
When planning your educational path, supplement school-specific data with broader resources. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) provides occupational outlooks and wage data for RNs in Montana, which can help you weigh the return on investment of a bridge program. The Montana Nurses Association also offers career guidance, networking events, and updates on legislative changes that affect nursing education. Combining these tools with direct research and exploring lpn scholarships and grants will give you a well-rounded view of your options and help you select a bridge pathway that aligns with your career goals.
Montana LPN programs are selective and require careful preparation to meet admission standards. Each school sets its own criteria, but sharing common elements helps you build a strong application.
Admissions are point-based at several schools, including Great Falls College MSU and City College at MSU Billings. Strong TEAS scores, a high GPA in prerequisites, and healthcare experience add points. While institutional admit rates can look welcoming, the University of Montana’s overall acceptance rate sits at 96%, this number reflects the entire university, not the nursing program. Practical nursing cohorts are intentionally small: Helena College admits only 16 students each spring, and the University of Montana caps enrollment at 20 per term. Many programs require all prerequisites to be finished before you apply, which eliminates applicants who are still wrapping up coursework.
Below are answers to common questions about practical nursing programs and the LPN career path in Montana, drawn from program-specific data and state workforce statistics.
