Nursing Schools in Montana – MT

By Karen Weil, allied health world contributing writer
Published: November, 21 2010

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Nursing schools in Montana have a dual function: They prepare students to enter the nursing field, and they also give practicing nurses the credentials they need to move into positions with more responsibility and higher pay. In Montana, nurses generally enter the profession as either a practical nurse, with a certificate from an approved program, or a registered professional nurse, with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Individuals with previous degrees in another field sometimes enter with a master's. The Montana Board of Nursing maintains a list of board-approved schools on their website. Initial programs include substantial clinical work as the program nears completion. Coursework of course varies by level, but it will typically cover the following:

Anatomy and physiology
Mental and behavioral health
Management of health conditions
Professional relationship
Scope of practice and professional decision making

Before licensure, candidates must pass the national board examination. There are two versions, one for LPNs, one for RNs. Education doesn’t necessarily end with the NCLEX, though. Some nurses go on to become nurse practitioners by getting a master’s degree in conjunction with education in an approved specialty area; they then take the appropriate certifying exam. At the APRN level, there are multiple examinations administered by separate organizations.