LPN Programs in Montana – Schools, Salary, and License Info

LPN Programs in Montana

To do things right, means you have to follow the rules.

That might take you longer but it will definitely bring you to the right place.

The state of Montana also is trying to establish its healthcare through rules, policies, and procedures.

Consequently, the best healthcare services are given to patients.

In particular, Nursing has achieved great progress in Montana.

The Bureau Labor of Statistics suggests a 12% employment growth in the LPN field by the beginning of 2026.

This is not a surprise, considering the nice salaries in the state so far.

Hence the hourly salary per LPN there is #18.98.

The annual salary of $39,490.

While in total, there will be $4,540 less per year compared to the national US average.

Details on Montana LPN Schools & Classes

Montana offers high-quality nursing programs to its students.

The average time frame for a particular program is 1 to 2 years.

It is only the attendance that determines the length.

Part-time programs will usually take longer.

While full-time programs will generally take a short amount of time to complete.

However, 3 semesters will be required for both parties.

Attending an LPN program means you have to study and take courses on different topics.

These courses and labs are all part of the curriculum set by the state.

The main ones include:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Nursing Pharmacology
  • Gerontology and Community Nursing
  • Adult Health Nursing
  • Nursing Care of Women and Children
  • Leadership Issues for Practical Nurses

Accreditation

In the wide range of LPN study requirements is also the school and its accreditation.

Accreditation always but always ensures a high-quality program.

There are some sets of standards a school has to meet and accreditation is crucial.

In Montana, two organizations will be in charge of that.

Through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and Montana Board in nursing, you will have access to these schools.

Admission Requirements

The program you choose to study as an LPN is a personal matter.

However, you have to meet a few standards to be admitted to it.

From the requirements you need to meet while applying are these:

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Completion of any/all prerequisite courses
  • Previous hands-on healthcare experience in the last 5 years
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Copy of TEAS test
  • Personal interview with nursing faculty/staff

Tuition and Costs

Nothing is as hard as we think it will be.

We usually fear something because we’re afraid we can’t manage it.

But the cost of an education should not be one of these fears.

Let me tell you why.

Well, in Montana, like in other US states, you as a student have to pay a set of expenses.

These include tuition, mandatory fees, and other learning materials.

However, if you think you’re broke and cannot manage to pay the cost at all, the schools may offer help to you.

They will usually do that through loans, scholarships, and similar financial aids.

An example of the general cost of an LPN program in Montana is MSU Billings City College.

To go there for nursing you have to pay $6,653.

This price is considered to be for the residents.

In this price, the cost of supplies and housing is not included.

Montana LPN Licensing Requirements

Getting the license is the culmination of your LPN studies.

To reach that point, the student has to send an application to the state.

He or she can do so after having finished the LPN program and applied for the NCLEX-PN exam as well.

Along with the application, the applicant must send also the following documents:

  • Official transcript from state-approved nursing program sent directly from the school
  • Proof of registration (ATT) for the NCLEX

Every LPN license has its own end.

They expire every year, on December 31.

To make a renewal, 24 hours of added education must be taken.

This has to be done every two years.

NCLEX Exam Information

NCLEX-PN exam is a must to LPN license. Though, students can take the practical test before taking the final one, of still not ready.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Montana is a member of the ENLC.

The compact is so flexible that it makes it possible for the LPNs to finish their nursing practice in a particular state that is also a member of the compact.

They can do so without needing another license whatsoever.

For those nurses who are from states outside the compact, the state of Montana offers a solution to apply for an LPN license.

They can do so by endorsement.

In the application form, they have to attach the following documents:

  • Proof of current license in another US state for at least the last 2 years
  • Official transcripts from the state-approved nursing program
  • Proof of having passed the NCLEX exam
  • Course-by-course review (foreign applicants)
  • English proficiency (foreign applicants)

LPN Salaries in Montana

LPN Salaries in Montana differ mostly from the location.

Other factors such as work experience, education as well as additional skills are to be mentioned too.

Normally, the more qualified, the higher the salary you get.

Quality always pays!

Annual Salary Range:
$40K
$44K
$49K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
LocationAvg. Annual Salary
Billings$46,693
Missoula$40,297
Great Falls$42,272
Butte-Silver Bow$40,297
Bozeman$40,297
Helena$41,028
Kalispell$43,271
Havre$41,540
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County$40,297
Miles City$45,962

Regional Salary in Montana

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Billings, MT480$50,870$24.46$60,180$36,640
Great Falls, MT160$52,120$25.06$61,620$45,000
Missoula, MT280$54,060$25.99$64,610$42,860
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

The Best LPN Schools in Montana

There are five LPN Schools across Montana.

With such a small number, it could be easier for you to choose.

However, take a close look at them below!

School NameAddress
Blackfeet Community College504 SE Boundary St, Browning, MT 59417
City College of Montana State University - Billings1500 University Dr, Billings, MT 59101
Flathead Valley Community College777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901
Great Falls College2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405
Helena College1115 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601

USA LPN Programs by State


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