Compare Montana's top ABSN programs: costs, prerequisites, clinicals, and NCLEX pass rates to launch your nursing career faster.
Montana’s registered nurse unemployment rate was just 2.1 percent in 2024, while employers averaged over 1,100 RN job openings per month. For career changers with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN offers the fastest path to licensure, condensing prelicensure nursing education into 12 to 18 months of intensive coursework and clinical rotations. Two CCNE-accredited programs, one public and one private, currently serve the state, each with distinct admissions timelines and tuition structures. With both a public land-grant and a private liberal arts option, Montana’s ABSN landscape requires career changers to weigh cohort size, cost, and clinical access carefully.
Montana currently has three accredited accelerated BSN programs, each with a distinct structure and focus. Carroll College and Montana State University lead with strong NCLEX pass rates and long-standing BSN tracks, while the University of Providence adds a hybrid option for students who need online coursework combined with in-person labs. All three programs prepare second-degree seekers for RN licensure and are approved by the Montana Board of Nursing.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | ~$24,000/yr (est.) | Career changers wanting supportive cohorts | |
Carroll College in Helena offers a 15-month accelerated nursing track known for small cohorts and a 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate in 2023. The program takes a holistic approach, combining 850 clinical hours with hands-on simulation and personalized faculty support. Carroll recently reduced total ABSN tuition to $55,000 for the 2026 cohort, and now accepts applicants with an associate degree, making it more accessible for Montana residents.
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| #2 | Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | $22,000/yr | Students needing statewide campus options | |
Montana State University delivers its accelerated BSN across five campus locations, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula, serving students statewide. The three-semester, campus-based program requires a prior bachelor’s degree and culminates in one year, with a recent 93% NCLEX first-time pass rate. Graduates benefit from MSU’s CCNE accreditation and median earnings of $53,263.
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| #3 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Working adults wanting hybrid format | |
The University of Providence in Great Falls offers a 12-month hybrid ABSN that blends online coursework with in-person skill labs and clinical immersions. Clinical rotations take place throughout Montana and Alaska, supported by the university’s Providence Health partnership, which provides tuition discounts. With a 2.8 GPA minimum and a spring start, this program attracts working adults and career changers seeking flexibility.
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NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are a critical measure of how well a nursing program prepares graduates for professional licensure. For 2023, the most recent year available from the Montana Board of Nursing, both accredited accelerated BSN programs delivered strong outcomes. Carroll College's ABSN graduates achieved a perfect 100% pass rate, while Montana State University's ABSN cohort achieved 93.14%, surpassing the Montana statewide average of 91.71%.
Montana is home to two CCNE-accredited accelerated BSN programs, offered by Montana State University and Carroll College. Both are designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and combine intensive coursework with hands-on clinicals. Here is a snapshot of what to expect.
Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you can apply for a multistate RN license after graduating and passing the NCLEX. This license is valid in over 40 states, letting you practice across state lines without extra applications, a huge boost for career mobility.
Balancing the flexibility of online coursework with the hands-on demands of nursing clinicals is the crux of evaluating hybrid and online ABSN programs. While many accelerated nursing programs promote remote learning components, no ABSN program can be completed entirely online because all include required in-person skills labs, simulations, and clinical rotations.
In an ABSN context, "hybrid" usually signals that a portion of didactic theory courses is delivered asynchronously or via live remote sessions, while campus attendance remains mandatory for lab intensives and clinical experiences. Even when lectures are online, students should expect to travel to campus multiple times per term or to participate in full-day clinical placements at healthcare facilities that may be located across the state. The promise of "online" coursework should never be interpreted as a fully remote program.
Montana has two primary ABSN pathways: the program at Montana State University, which has historically followed a campus-based delivery model, and the offering at Carroll College, which may incorporate hybrid elements. Because program formats can shift year to year, it is essential to verify current structures directly with each school. Campus-based programs typically require regular in-person attendance for lectures, lab skills practice, and simulation exercises, while hybrid models may consolidate on-campus requirements into periodic intensives. However, both require the same clinical hour commitments, so location near healthcare partners remains a factor.
Montana residents who are open to relocating or commuting may find additional hybrid ABSN options in neighboring states. Schools in Washington, Idaho, North Dakota, and Wyoming occasionally offer programs that accept out-of-state students and deliver theoretical content online, while requiring clinical rotations within the host state or, sometimes, near the student's home community. Before applying, carefully review out-of-state tuition rates, any state-specific licensure approval for clinical placements, and whether the program can arrange clinical sites outside its home state. Contact the admissions offices of each program to ask about hybrid availability and residency-related restrictions.
Gaining admission to an ABSN program in Montana requires meeting clear academic thresholds and understanding each school's timeline. While both Montana State University and Carroll College offer accelerated paths, the details differ, making it essential to tailor your application accordingly.
Both MSU and Carroll require a regionally accredited non-nursing bachelor's degree.1 For Montana State University's ABSN, the minimum overall GPA is 2.751, and applicants must earn a 3.0 average across prerequisite courses1. Admitted students at MSU often present stronger profiles; the program does not publish specific averages, but the competitive nature of the cohort rewards higher cumulative and science grades. Carroll College's ABSN similarly demands a prior degree, though specific grade thresholds are not publicly detailed. Prospective students should contact Carroll's admissions office directly to confirm current GPA expectations.
Prerequisites must be completed before the program starts, with no in-progress coursework accepted at the time of enrollment. While MSU does not publish a rigid recency rule, many nursing programs in the region encourage science prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) to be finished within 7 years of application. Candidates with older coursework should plan to retake those courses or confirm acceptance with the program advisor. Carroll's policy on recency is not publicly listed, so a conversation with admissions staff is advisable.
Montana State University operates on a single fall cohort, making timing critical: - Priority deadline: January 52 - Final deadline: July 15 - Cohort start: August
Submitting by the priority date is strongly recommended, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the later pool is highly competitive. Interviews are not currently part of MSU's ABSN admission process. Carroll College typically admits for a fall start as well, but official deadlines and interview requirements are not published online. Reach out to the nursing department for the most current information.
Demand for accelerated nursing spots in Montana far exceeds capacity. MSU typically admits around 24 students per cohort, creating a selective admissions environment. The program does not release an exact acceptance rate, but the small cohort size means even candidates meeting minimums should treat the process as competitive. Carroll College's ABSN capacity is similar, with a cohort size near 30, although acceptance data remains internal. Both schools recommend early prerequisite planning and a complete application well before final deadlines to strengthen your standing.
Understanding the prerequisite requirements is a critical first step toward enrolling in an accelerated BSN program in Montana. While the specifics can vary between schools, a consistent set of foundational courses forms the backbone of most ABSN admission checklists.
Most accelerated BSN programs in Montana expect applicants to complete foundational science and liberal arts courses before starting nursing coursework. The list below reflects prerequisites that appear frequently, though each school's catalog should be consulted for exact requirements.
In addition to these core courses, applicants may need to satisfy general education credits in English composition, humanities, or public speaking. The total number of prerequisite credits depends on the ABSN program's structure and the applicant's prior degree.
Prerequisite completion is not always a check-the-box exercise. Many nursing schools in Montana enforce recency policies, meaning science courses such as anatomy and microbiology must be taken within a specified number of years, often five to seven. A minimum grade of C or higher is standard, though competitive programs may look for B grades or better in key sciences. Because these policies can change and are not always fully detailed online, contacting the admissions office directly is the most reliable way to confirm what will satisfy requirements.
While each ABSN program sets its own prerequisite criteria, the Montana Board of Nursing provides context on state-wide educational standards that influence admission decisions. The board's website may include information on approved nursing programs and licensure pathways, which can help candidates understand how prerequisite coursework aligns with eventual NCLEX eligibility. Checking this resource can also reveal recent regulatory updates affecting nursing education in the state.
Prospective students sometimes find the most practical prerequisite advice from those who have recently navigated the process. Online nursing forums, social media groups, and the Montana Nurses Association can be valuable channels for connecting with current ABSN students or graduates. Their experiences often shed light on nuances like how strictly recency policies are enforced or which local community colleges offer the most transferable prerequisite courses. However, always verify any informal guidance against official program websites and admissions counselors.
Montana's registered nurse unemployment rate was just 2.1 percent in 2024, while employers posted an average of 1,128 RN job openings per month. Many rural counties are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, and state workforce reports indicate demand for nurses will continue rising, making accelerated pathways especially valuable for career changers throughout Montana.
Montana State University's accelerated BSN is a public program with a defined cost structure. The total program cost, spanning four consecutive semesters, is estimated at $93,600.1 Tuition and fees typically fall between $60,000 and $70,000, with the exact amount depending on residency status.2 MSU offers a significant in-state tuition discount, which can reduce tuition by thousands of dollars compared to the out-of-state rate.3 Books and supplies add roughly $564 per semester, but this figure varies slightly based on course requirements.4
MSU participates in federal financial aid programs and encourages all ABSN applicants to file the FAFSA. In addition, the university awards nursing-specific scholarships through the College of Nursing, with awards based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both.1
Carroll College, a private liberal arts institution, charges a flat tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. At the time of writing, Carroll had not published a separate, itemized ABSN cost breakdown on its website. The college's standard undergraduate tuition provides a baseline, but the accelerated BSN is a concentrated, year-round program that may carry a customized fee schedule. Prospective students should contact Carroll's Office of Financial Aid directly to request a current total cost estimate, including any program-specific fees, clinical charges, or technology fees that may not appear in general institutional pricing.
Because Carroll is private, no in-state tuition discount is available. However, the college does provide institutional grants and scholarships that can reduce the net cost for qualifying students.
Beyond tuition, both programs call for similar out-of-pocket investments. Using MSU's figures as a reference, plan on approximately $1,100 to $1,500 for textbooks and online resources over the four semesters. Other expenses typically include uniforms, a stethoscope, clinical supplies, immunizations, a drug screening, a background check, and CPR certification, which together can add $800 to $1,200. The NCLEX-RN exam fee of $200 plus state licensure application costs should also be budgeted toward the end of the program. While Carroll does not list a per-semester book allowance, students can expect a comparable range.
Location strongly influences the total cost. Bozeman, home to MSU, has seen rapid growth and a competitive housing market. A one-bedroom apartment in Bozeman often rents for $1,500 to $1,800 per month, with utilities and groceries running above national averages. MSU's estimated cost of attendance includes room, board, transportation, and personal expenses, but students who share housing or live with family can lower their personal budgets.
Helena, where Carroll College is situated, generally offers lower living costs. A one-bedroom apartment in Helena typically rents for $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Day-to-day expenses like groceries, fuel, and childcare also tend to be more affordable. Both programs are full-time and require significant clinical hours, so working part-time during the program is challenging. Including a realistic living-expense buffer in the financial plan helps prevent mid-program disruption.
Both schools accept federal financial aid, and students should submit the FAFSA early. MSU offers College of Nursing scholarships, and Carroll provides institutional need-based and merit aid that can apply to the ABSN. Some Montana healthcare employers offer tuition-reimbursement or loan-forgiveness programs for nursing students. For example, Billings Clinic, Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, and the larger health systems in Missoula and Great Falls sometimes provide a tuition-assistance benefit for employees, or a commitment-based scholarship where the graduate agrees to work for the system after licensure. Prospective students already employed in a healthcare setting should ask their human resources department about these opportunities, as they can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket ABSN costs.
Where do ABSN students in Montana complete their clinical rotations, and which healthcare systems partner with the programs? The answer depends on the school and campus, but both Montana State University and Carroll College work with major hospitals, regional clinics, and rural facilities across the state.
Montana State University operates its accelerated BSN program from five campus locations: Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula. Because the program uses a statewide, multi-campus model, clinical placements are distributed across the regions served by each campus. Students typically train in a mix of acute care hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and specialty outpatient clinics. The College of Nursing maintains a current roster of clinical partnership sites, and prospective students are encouraged to check the program’s clinical education page for the most up-to-date list.
Carroll College, located in Helena, places ABSN students in facilities throughout the capital region and beyond. Major healthcare partners mentioned by the college include Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare, along with a network of rural hospitals and primary care sites. For the most accurate and current list of clinical affiliations, contacting admissions directly or reviewing the clinical affiliation page is the best approach, as contracts and site availability can change between cohorts.
Both programs incorporate rural clinical experiences to prepare nurses for Montana’s unique healthcare landscape. Students should expect at least some rotations in critical access hospitals, frontier clinics, or Indian Health Service facilities. The Montana Board of Nursing1 and the Montana Hospital Association can provide additional context on rural health training requirements, but the definitive source for a particular program is the school’s clinical handbook and curriculum overview. These documents outline the geographic range, travel expectations, and the number of rural hours required.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about accelerated BSN programs in Montana. Whether you are considering a career change or just starting your research, these FAQs will help clarify the key points about program options, requirements, and outcomes.
