Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Montana

With a range of titles and duties, Montana’s registered nurses fill a vital role in evidence-based patient care. The country’s aging population means that now is a great time to consider upgrading to a BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for more varied – and more lucrative – career options.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Montana

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Montana? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list considers quality, flexibility, and affordability. Whether you're working or have other commitments, these programs offer the balance you need. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that meets your goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT - Private 4-year - uprovidence.edu

Bachelor's - Online RN to BSN Program

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The University of Providence's Online RN to BSN Program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current roles. This 100% online program stands out for its accelerated completion time of just one year, offering a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework to accommodate busy schedules. Focused on equipping nurses with advanced skills in healthcare leadership, administration, and patient safety, the program opens doors to higher salaries and specialized nursing fields. Its design prioritizes flexibility and career advancement, ensuring students can immediately apply their learning in real-world settings. Highlights include no unnecessary prerequisites, making it accessible for all RNs ready to take the next step in their careers.

• 100% Online Program
• Flexible Learning Paths
• Complete in One Year
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Built for Working Nurses
• Skills in Healthcare Leadership
• No Unnecessary Prerequisites

#2

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT - Public 4-Year - msun.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion Program

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Montana State University-Northern's RN-BSN Completion Program is tailored for RNs seeking to elevate their nursing credentials through an accessible online platform. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments, and is ACEN accredited, ensuring high educational standards. It emphasizes leadership and community health, preparing graduates for advanced roles in nursing. The curriculum is designed to be completed in as little as 3 semesters full-time, with a part-time option extending up to 5 years. Admission requires a 2.50 GPA, and the program accepts applications monthly, offering a seamless transition into higher education for working nurses.

• Fully ACEN Accredited Program
• Online Flexible Learning Format
• 3 Semesters Full-Time Option
• 2.50 GPA Admission Requirement
• Distance Learning Available
• Monthly Application Acceptance
• Clinical Practicum in Local Area
• Builds on Previous Nursing Education

#3

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT - Public 4-Year - msubillings.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Degree Completion Program

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Montana State University Billings provides an RN to BSN Degree Completion Program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This 49-credit online curriculum is structured around the needs of working professionals, featuring accelerated 8-week courses that allow for completion in as little as three semesters. Emphasizing flexibility, the program accommodates both full and part-time students, integrating community and leadership projects into its clinical requirements. Admission necessitates an unencumbered RN license, with the added benefit of transfer credit evaluations for those with prior academic achievements. Accredited and designed to pave the way for graduate studies, this program stands out for its practical approach to nursing education.

• Online 49-credit nursing program
• Accelerated 8-week course blocks
• Flexible full/part-time options
• Requires unencumbered RN license
• Accredited nursing program
• Transfer credits considered
• Community and leadership clinical projects
• Prepares for graduate education

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

Fast & Affordable Program Options

At certain points in their career, many nurses may decide to go back to school to get their bachelor’s degree. However, this can sometimes prove to be more expensive and take longer than expected as nurses often have limited funds and time in their schedule to pursue academics. For this reason, many schools in Montana are now offering fully accredited online RN to BSN programs to offer maximum flexibility for students who want to complete their degree quickly, cheaply, and easily.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. In contrast, BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Montana:

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Montana. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

In addition to the speed of an RN to BSN program, many nurses can look forward to the general cost of these affordable, fast-paced educational pathways. Less time enrolled means that you’ll spend less money on tuition. While you may end up paying tens of thousands of dollars with a traditional BSN program, you will likely end up only paying half-price for an RN to BSN — or even less! Here are a few of the most affordable options for RN to BSN programs in Montana. As start researching programs, keep in mind the additional costs of going back to school such as textbooks and cost of living. Your prospective school may also allocate different tuitions based on residency status.

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Making the decision to return to complete your education is easy but you might be wondering about how to gain admittance to the accredited program of your choice. What follows are the general criteria that the state's schools are looking for in their RN to BSN candidates:

• Be admitted to your university in question and be ‘in good standing’
• Submit all official transcripts that pertain to your ADN, continuing education, and other degrees
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Provide government-issued identification with photo
• Provide a copy of your current RN in-state licensure OR proof of registration for the NCLEX-RN exam
• Provide up-to-date immunization documentation, as well as proof of health and liability insurance

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

The courses that form the structure of the RN to BSN programs is just as important as the clinical rounds and mentorship opportunities that are part of the coursework. For example, students at Montana’s University of Providence can expect upper-division courses like Nursing Research and Theories of Professionalism as parts of the curriculum they will undertake.

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Montana

Check out the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Montana by looking at our listings below.