MSN Programs in Montana – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a Montana RN who’s aiming to broaden your professional horizons? Check out the opportunities that come from earning a degree from one of the MSN programs in Montana! Montana’s nursing master’s programs allow you to specialize in concentrations like advanced nurse practice, nursing leadership, and nursing education, which are in high demand. In fact, employment opportunities for MSN-educated RNs in the Big Sky State are projected to increase by more than 50 percent over the next 10 years. Many Master’s of Science in Nursing tracks in the Big Sky State are offered online, too. Your salary as an MSN will average $121,470 annually. Keep reading to find out more about the best MSN programs in Montana.

WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN MONTANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Montana (Online & Campus) for 2026.

1. Montana State University - Bozeman

Programs Offered: BSN-to-MN

BSN-to-MN Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader

BSN-to-MN Program Details: If you are an RN interested in advancing your career and becoming a Clinical Nurse Leader, the BSN-to-MN degree at Montana State University could be the perfect choice for you! The program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses. It will prepare you for roles such as patient advocate, information or outcomes manager, nurse educator, team leader, systems analyst, and risk anticipator.

The program offers three admission cycles each year, in the spring, summer, and fall, and features a distance-learning format, making it an excellent choice for working professionals. The study plan comprises 42 credits. You will take advanced courses in Health Assessment, Physiology & Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. You will also take courses such as Advanced Nursing Leadership & Roles, Ethics, Law, & Policy, Advocacy in Healthcare, Finance & Budget in Healthcare Systems, and Evidence-Based Practice.

The curriculum also includes the Clinical Nurse Leader Practicum and Lab. Through these experiences, you will learn to collaborate with interprofessional teams, analyze aggregate data, and demonstrate the ability to delegate, coach, and supervise healthcare teams in the performance of nursing care. Additionally, each student in this MSN program in Montana completes and defends a Professional Project.

BSN-to-MN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-MN program at Montana State University, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program, which included clinical experiences in nursing leadership and management, and have a current, unencumbered RN license. You must submit three personal essay responses, three professional references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Your transcripts should reflect a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and research.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Anyone who knows me or has read articles I’ve written knows that I encourage all nurses to challenge themselves and engage in continuous learning. One of the things I like about Montana State University’s nursing program is that you have lots of options. For instance, while enrolled in the BSN-to-MN Clinical Nurse Leader program, you may concurrently study to earn a Certificate in Nursing Education. As a nurse educator and someone who has worked in nursing leadership, I can tell you that the more you learn and apply yourself, and the more certifications (etc.) you have, the more marketable you become, which means you can set yourself up for better-paying jobs and higher positions.
• If you are interested in meeting the ever-changing needs of patients in rural areas, MSU is an excellent choice. The Montana State University College of Nursing is a national leader in rural nursing research, paving the way for graduates to respond to patient needs in Montana and across the country.
• As a student in the MSN program at Montana State University, you will have opportunities to participate in faculty-led study abroad programs. The School of Nursing offers students the chance to participate in clinical rotations, nursing research, and service-learning projects in countries around the world, including Kenya and Guatemala.
• Montana State University offers a supplemental student support program, the Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP), for Alaska Native and Native American students. The program’s goals are to increase enrollment of American Indian students and to build a strong pool of nurses prepared for management, practice, and leadership within Indian populations.

2. University of Providence - Great Falls

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: The University of Providence offers another excellent option for nurses seeking high-quality MSN programs in Montana. The program offers two specialty concentrations: Nurse Educator and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

The Nurse Educator concentration has two admission points in the spring and fall semesters and takes 12 months to complete. The program features a 33-credit curriculum, including classes such as Innovative Teaching & Evaluation Strategies, Curriculum Development & Analysis, and Informatics & Healthcare Technologies. This pathway includes a total of 135 practicum hours, consisting of 45 clinical practice hours and 90 nurse education hours.

If you are interested in pursuing a clinical role and enjoy providing care for adults and older adults, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a great option. The program is full-time and takes 24 months to complete. Admission occurs in the spring and fall semesters annually. The AGPCNP pathway combines asynchronous, online courses with in-person practicum experiences. The program requires the completion of 45 credits, including 12 MSN core course credits and 34 AGPCNP specialty course credits. A total of 570 clinical hours is included in the study plan.

MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program at the University of Providence must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and hold a current, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a Personal Statement, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are submitted via NursingCAS, through which you will also upload transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum college GPA of 3.0 is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Providence employs a Clinical Coordinator to assist students with securing practicum sites and preceptors, which means you can focus on your studies without the worry of meeting clinical requirements for the program.
• One of the best ways to determine the quality of an advanced practice nursing program, such as the MSN Nurse Educator and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP programs at the University of Providence, is to assess how well graduates perform on national certification examinations. This is an important factor because you must be certified to practice. At U-P, graduates consistently score above average on national exams, indicating a solid program that prepares students well for success.
• At the University of Providence, you will learn from world-class nursing faculty. The School of Nursing promotes collaborative, collegial relationships among faculty and students. Faculty bring decades of experience and insight to the programs, creating a transformative and distinctive learning experience.
• The University of Providence is committed to making education accessible to all potential students. The school offers various financial aid options to help reduce and/or offset the cost of obtaining a degree. For instance, U-P offers merit, institutional, and competitive scholarships, work-study programs, and payment plans. Financial aid advisors can help determine the type of aid for which you are eligible and assist you in completing appropriate applications for aid.


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3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Montana?

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