Olivia Chen, NP
June 4, 2025
LPNs work as basic patient care providers under the oversight of Registered Nurses and physicians. The state of Montana depends heavily on Licensed Practical Nurses because its vast rural territories face challenges in accessing healthcare services in certain areas. These nursing professionals deliver patient care throughout different healthcare environments including hospitals and community clinics and long-term care facilities. LPNs maintain high-quality healthcare services for people living in both urban centers and rural regions through their presence.
Helena, MT - Public 2-Year - helenacollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Helena College University of Montana offers a Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Science program, designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings. This hybrid program combines online didactic courses with in-person labs and clinicals, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate, 100% retention/completion rate, and 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation, the program stands out for its excellence. Admission is competitive, with 16 students accepted annually. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, making graduates eligible for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Prerequisite courses are available through Helena College or Bitterroot College.
Great Falls, MT - Public 2-Year - gfcmsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nurse program at Great Falls College MSU provides comprehensive training for aspiring entry-level practical nurses, preparing students to deliver safe and effective patient care. With a hybrid learning format and flexible full-time or part-time options, students can complete the program in two consecutive semesters after prerequisite courses. The program's total cost is approximately $8,575, covering tuition, fees, uniforms, and supplies. Admission requires specific prerequisite courses, including human biology or anatomy, psychology, and writing, with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Graduates are prepared to take the national licensure examination and pursue careers in diverse healthcare settings.
Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Montana State University Billings offers a flexible pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through a hybrid distance learning format. Students can complete most coursework online with select campus visits and local clinical experiences. The program is fully approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Competitive admission requires prerequisite course completion and selection through a points-based system. With a median wage of $42,950 in Montana and strong 12% job growth, this program provides an accessible entry point into healthcare careers.
Kalispell, MT - Public 2-Year - fvcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, MT, offers a Practical Nurse program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. This four-semester, 52-credit program prepares students for a rewarding career as licensed practical nurses. The curriculum includes prerequisite courses followed by two semesters of full-time study focused on patient care in various settings. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure in Montana. The program emphasizes hands-on training, with employment opportunities in clinics, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses, and program details, including costs, are available online.
Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Montana in Missoula offers an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing, designed for those aiming to enter the nursing field. This campus-based program requires a high school diploma, completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.75, and specific grade requirements in science courses. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a mix of lectures, simulations, and clinical practice. Graduates can work in various healthcare settings under supervision. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and patient care, with a focus on meeting Montana's nursing standards.
The LPN programs in Montana provide students with adaptable educational pathways which meet their specific requirements. The clinical nature of the field makes it impossible to complete an LPN program fully online yet most institutions use hybrid educational approaches. Students in hybrid LPN programs study online lectures and coursework yet they need to attend traditional classroom laboratory sessions and clinical training sessions. Students from rural locations or those who need to manage work-life responsibilities find this educational approach highly beneficial. The curriculum at various educational institutions includes weekend and evening courses that enhance student scheduling options. These educational pathways work best for students who cannot attend standard daytime educational sessions. Some educational institutions provide fast-track enrollment options through their accelerated programs for students who fulfill admission prerequisites. The diverse educational options at nursing schools in Montana provide practical nursing education to students with different learning needs and schedules across the state.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Helena College University of Montana |
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| Flathead Valley Community College |
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| The University of Montana |
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| Certifying Board | Montana Board of Nursing, Professional Licensing Bureau, Department of Labor & Industry |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Completion of a Montana Board-approved practical nursing education program |
| Application & Fees | $100 licensure-by-examination fee (add $25 if requesting a temporary permit), $200 NCLEX-PN registration fee to Pearson VUE, plus fingerprint-based background check |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically granted within 30 days of passing NCLEX and receipt of all required documents |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years on December 31 with a $100 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | No mandatory continuing education contact hours required for LPN renewal in Montana |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $200 endorsement application fee, submit verification of an active unrestricted LPN license via Nursys, fingerprint CBC, and supporting documentation. |
The employment situation for LPNs in Montana remains steady while they earn average wages that are highest in rural regions with limited access to healthcare. The typical yearly salary for LPNs in Montana reaches approximately forty-three thousand dollars with an average hourly rate of twenty dollars. The compensation for LPNs depends on their work experience as well as their location and the type of healthcare facility where they work. The main employers of LPNs include long-term care centers, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. The job market for LPNs shows positive growth projections because of the aging population and ongoing healthcare requirements throughout urban and rural areas. The demand for LPNs remains high because small towns and frontier communities require more healthcare services due to their limited access. Several healthcare facilities actively seek LPNs to meet their patient care staffing requirements. The profession attracts people because it offers a good income together with reliable benefits and stable job security. The profession of LPN in Montana provides financial benefits and personal satisfaction to those who want to build a stable career with advancement possibilities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Montana | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,604 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $54,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,951 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls College Montana State University |
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| Helena College University of Montana |
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| Montana State University Billings |
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LPN serves as an excellent starting position for nursing careers since it provides various opportunities for career progression. Several LPNs in Montana choose LPN-to-RN bridge programs to gain Associate or Bachelor’s degrees in nursing which leads to Registered Nurse licensure. The programs utilize the LPN’s existing education along with their work experience to create a faster route toward obtaining additional licenses. The educational institutions provide adaptable learning programs with distance learning components for students who need to balance work responsibilities. LPNs can pursue specialized certifications in gerontology, IV therapy and wound care after RN pathways to boost their professional expertise. Experienced LPNs often move into leadership positions by managing patient care teams or working as charge nurses in long-term care facilities. Career advancement benefits from ongoing education along with professional development workshops and mentorship opportunities. LPNs in Montana have different career advancement paths which include higher responsibility and better pay and specialized practice options.
Additional Nursing Programs in Montana
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