Nursing - Registered Nurse License in Montana
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Montana, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Montana is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $400. The state's rural geography creates strong demand for nurses, especially in critical access hospitals.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Nursing - Registered Nurse registration in Montana
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nursing - Registered Nurse license in Montana. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Montana licensing board.
Nursing - Registered Nurse Salary in Montana
Entry Level
$67,720
Median
$81,560
Experienced
$109,450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nursing - Registered Nurse in Montana.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Nursing - Registered Nurse Licensing in Montana: What to Know
Montana titles the license 'Nursing - Registered Nurse' and requires a degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and CE for renewal. Montana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Montana Board of Nursing oversees licensure. Montana's vast rural geography creates significant challenges for healthcare delivery — many communities are hours from the nearest hospital. Critical access hospitals and tribal health facilities are major employers. Travel nursing is popular for filling gaps in rural coverage. Billings and Missoula are the primary healthcare hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nursing - Registered Nurse license cost in Montana?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nursing - Registered Nurse license in Montana?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nursing - Registered Nurse license in Montana?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nursing - Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.