One of the attractive aspects of a nursing career is the rapid path to employment. Nursing students need only two years to earn an associate’s degree in either registered nursing (RN) or licensed practical nursing (LPN). A certificate program to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is even shorter, just a few months in length. Montana’s vocational, career, and community colleges offer high-quality and affordable nursing programs for all three career paths. Below we profile several options in depth.
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Highlands College’s CNA certificate program is offered three times per year and can be completed in just one semester. Local healthcare employers like Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and Billings Clinic are constantly hiring new CNAs. The median annual income of a Montana CNA is $23,940.
Kalispell’s community college offers both LPN and RN associate’s degree programs. RN students can transfer into Flathead Valley from other educational institutions through the Registered Nurse Transfer Program. Graduates can seek employment with significant Montana healthcare providers like St. Peter’s Hospital and St. Vincent Healthcare.
Miles Community College
Miles offers an associate of science degree in nursing, which can be completed after two years of full-time study. However, a part-time option is also available for students juggling employment or family responsibilities. Students with financial concerns will be thrilled to learn that the tuition at Miles is usually less than $3,000 per year for in-state residents.
To help Montana’s aspiring nurses make a well-informed decision, we have compiled below a full list of the state’s vocational, career, and community colleges for nursing.