MSN Programs in Montana

Montana MSN Programs

It might be said that nurses are the foundation of the medical world. These healthcare professionals are the faces that patients and residents see every day, and carry much of the responsibility of providing direct care. While this is rewarding, some registered nurses wish to expand on their current roles. For those who feel this way, Montana MSN programs are a great opportunity.

MSN programs in Montana can often be entered into as a registered nurse either with an associate's or bachelor's degree, though the former requires additional coursework. These degrees allow students to specialize in a specific area of nursing, which expands on the previous nursing education. Graduates of these programs can go on to become advanced practice nurses or work in education or administration, depending on the specialty chosen. The first step is to find the program which best fits.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Those who prefer to learn in a classroom setting should look into the traditional MSN programs that Montana has to offer. This format allows students to attend classes with others and to learn face-to-face from an instructor. Some individuals enjoy this interaction and the opportunity to network with fellow nursing students. These programs require students to travel to campus at scheduled times to attend classes, which might be challenging for some.

Online MSN programs offer greater flexibility than classroom programs, as students can complete coursework anywhere and at any time. There is no need to travel to campus for lectures. These programs are accredited by the same organizations as the campus-based programs, and are equally reputable.

Kaplan University offers one example of an online MSN program. This particular program allows students to choose from the following areas of study: Executive Leader or Informatics, Adult NP, Family NP, and Nurse Education. Each specialty area has its own curriculum, which ranges from 65-100 credits, depending on the chosen track.

Indiana Wesleyan University offers another online MSN program that is available in Montana. This university offers the following master's degree options online for nurses: an MSN MBA joint program and the MSN in the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education specialty tracks. The MSN has a curriculum that consists of 41 credit hours, regardless of specialization. The MSN MBA program curriculum is 60 credits.

Admission Requirements

Though admission requirements vary by program, Montana MSN applicants should expect schools to ask for the following:

  • BSN from accredited program with a 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Current resume/CV
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Scholarly writing sample
  • At least one year of professional nursing experience
  • TOEFL for those who do not speak English as a first language

Tuition

The cost of tuition is different for each MSN program. Wesleyan University charges an estimated $21,320 for MSN tuition, and approximately $32,760 to complete the MSN MBA program. Kaplan University's MSN program tuition ranges from $23,920-$36,800, as tuition is charged per credit, and the number of credits required by each specialization varies.

Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in Montana