Carroll College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
In Helena, Montana, Carroll College’s Department of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited BSN with clinical emphasis in the capital-city healthcare community, plus an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track for career changers—verify current ACNU enrollment on Carroll’s site. This guide uses Carroll’s published 2026–2027 tuition snapshot and Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX pass-rate tables for the latest cited cohort data.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Carroll combines a small liberal-arts campus in Helena with CCNE-accredited pre-licensure nursing, published NCLEX outcomes in Montana Board reports, and partnerships such as Benefis Health System (e.g., Commitment to Care loan support for eligible students—confirm eligibility with Carroll). If you are considering the accelerated track, check Carroll’s page for enrollment pauses or relaunch dates before planning your start term.
Overview & Why Students Choose Carroll College
Carroll College is a private Catholic liberal arts college in Helena, Montana’s capital, where the Department of Nursing delivers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) framed by the liberal arts. Clinical learning is concentrated in the Helena area—Carroll states that experiences span hospitals, public health, long-term care, schools, and other community settings, with many rotations close enough for strong faculty presence.
Prospective students can enter the traditional four-year BSN (including direct entry or pre-nursing progression) or, when offered, the Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Carroll often called the Accelerated Nursing (ACNU) track—for those who already hold a non-nursing degree. Carroll publicly noted a temporary pause of new enrollment for the May 2026 ACNU cohort with a planned Summer 2027 relaunch; always confirm the active calendar on Carroll’s accelerated nursing page before you plan a start date.
According to the Montana Board of Nursing registered nursing NCLEX pass rates publication, Carroll College reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 with 36 first-time test takers. For comparison in the same report, Montana’s overall first-time pass rate in 2024 was 92.60%. Confirm the latest cohort with the Montana Board of Nursing and Carroll.
Reasons students choose Carroll
NCLEX outcomes on the public record
Montana’s Board publishes school-level first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by calendar year, which lets you compare Carroll’s recent cohort performance to the statewide figure in the same document.
Holistic, liberal-arts nursing education
Carroll emphasizes integration of sciences, arts, and humanities into nursing practice—aligned with its small-college mission and BSN learning outcomes.
Capital-city clinical access
Helena anchors regional hospitals and community agencies; Carroll describes clinical progression from 200-level nursing courses onward, primarily in Helena.
Named workforce partnerships
Carroll highlights initiatives such as Commitment to Care with Benefis Health System for eligible nursing students—review current terms on Carroll’s site.
Accelerated option for career changers
The accelerated track targets students with prior degrees and compresses preparation into about 15 months when the cohort is running—verify enrollment status before you build a timeline.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following reflects Carroll’s public nursing pages and pathways materials. Carroll’s undergraduate nursing offering is pre-licensure BSN-level (traditional and accelerated); we did not find separate RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP programs published as part of this department on the pages reviewed—confirm graduate options on Carroll’s main academic catalog if your goal is advanced practice.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional BSN
Four-year baccalaureate nursing major for students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. Entry routes include direct entry (minimum 3.30 GPA and other criteria), pre-nursing with competitive admission to the major, Running Start/dual enrollment, and select transfer pathways—see Carroll’s Nursing Pathways page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN; ACNU)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Carroll the program is often called the Accelerated Nursing (ACNU) track. Designed for applicants who already hold a non-nursing associate or bachelor’s degree; Carroll describes about 15 months of study and substantial clinical/simulation hours. As published on Carroll’s accelerated page, new enrollment for the May 2026 cohort was temporarily paused during a program review, with a goal of relaunching in Summer 2027; confirm whether ACNU is accepting applications for your intended year.
Enrollment policies for the accelerated track can change with short notice. Before you budget time and money, read Carroll’s current Accelerated Nursing Track announcement and speak with admission or nursing program leadership.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates per Calendar Year table, Carroll College achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 among 36 first-time test takers. In the same publication, Carroll’s rates for prior calendar years were 100% (2023, n=55), 96.30% (2022, n=54), 95.35% (2021, n=43), and 100% (2020, n=39). Montana’s overall first-time pass rate in 2024 was 92.60% in that report—use the Board’s PDF for the same-year benchmark.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 100% (36 first-time testers, Carroll College—per MT BON calendar-year table) |
| Montana overall first-time pass rate (2024, same report) | 92.60% |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF) · Montana Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohort data with the Board and Carroll. |
Pass rates vary by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest first-time and overall pass rates with the Montana Board of Nursing and Carroll’s nursing outcomes disclosures.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Carroll College (Admission and International Student services, if applicable) and the Montana Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other minimum scores Carroll sets for degree admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluation if you completed prerequisites outside the U.S.
- Montana Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination after a Montana program, confirm any additional documentation for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing programs have strict attendance and background requirements; confirm F-1 or other visa compatibility with clinical placement rules.
This information is general guidance, not legal advice. Policies change—confirm with Carroll and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Carroll’s Nursing Pathways page describes direct entry, pre-nursing, Running Start/dual enrollment, transfer, and accelerated routes. Direct entry and pre-nursing are selective; meeting published minimums does not guarantee admission to the nursing major.
Application timeline (selected milestones)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-year direct entry (priority) | November 1 | Supplemental materials also due by this priority deadline; January 15 notification per Carroll pathways page. |
| Transfer / accelerated (examples) | Varies | Transfer nursing applicants: May 1 application deadline and June 15 notification cited for select cohorts; accelerated track—confirm ACNU enrollment status separately. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Direct-entry GPA threshold (published) | Minimum cumulative 3.30 for direct-entry consideration (plus math and science coursework rules) |
| Standardized exam | Pre-nursing major admission may require a standardized aptitude exam for competitive ranking when space is limited—confirm whether TEAS or another exam is active for your cycle. |
| Clinical readiness | Immunizations, background check, drug screen, BLS, and health insurance per Carroll clinical readiness materials. |
Accelerated applicants must complete listed science and general-education prerequisites (typically C- or better) before enrollment; see Carroll’s accelerated nursing page for the full list.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Carroll publishes a 2026–2027 undergraduate tuition and cost snapshot on its Tuition & Costs page. Figures below are billable direct costs before gift aid; your net price will depend on scholarships, grants, and loans.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12–19 credits) | $43,260 per academic year (2026–27, Carroll Tuition & Costs) |
| Housing & food (example budget) | $12,594 per year (double room, full meal plan—per Carroll chart) |
| Fixed fees | $1,452 per year (2026–27 snapshot) |
| Total direct (billable) charges | $57,306 per year before aid; Carroll lists average gift aid of $31,353 per year in the same snapshot—confirm your award with the Financial Aid Office. |
| Source | Carroll College — Tuition & Costs. Accelerated-track charges may differ; confirm program-specific billing with Carroll. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Carroll describes strong employer demand for its BSN graduates in marketing copy; for verifiable licensing outcomes, use board-reported NCLEX data and any Carroll consumer information disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 100% (36 first-time testers)—per Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year table. Confirm future cohorts with the Board and Carroll. |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here; see Carroll career outcomes or ask admission for graduate surveys. |
Is Carroll College the Right Fit for You?
Carroll fits students who want a small private college in Montana’s capital with a clearly defined BSN model and transparent state-board NCLEX reporting. It may be less suitable if you need a large public university price point without aid, or if you require a fully online pre-licensure program.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value liberal arts breadth alongside nursing major coursework and Catholic mission–aligned service opportunities.
- Want Helena-area clinical immersion and a department that emphasizes holistic care and community leadership.
- Are researching accelerated second-degree options when the ACNU track is enrolling and prerequisites are complete.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest published sticker price among Montana public colleges without considering Carroll’s gift-aid averages.
- Require an MSN/DNP or online RN-to-BSN completion from the same department—verify whether Carroll offers your intended pathway.
- Cannot relocate to Helena for an accelerated cohort when housing and intensive scheduling are required.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Helena serves as a regional hub for southwest Montana. Major acute-care employers include St. Peter’s Health (community-owned system with hospitals and clinics in Helena and the region). Carroll also promotes partnership programs with Benefis Health System in north-central Montana (e.g., workforce and loan-support initiatives for eligible students—confirm current agreements with Carroll). Rural health, public health, schools, and long-term care add breadth to clinical placements described on Carroll’s nursing pages.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| St. Peter’s Health | Large Helena-area hospital and clinic network; common destination for complex acute and community care rotations. |
| Benefis Health System | Great Falls–based system Carroll references for partnership programs; not in Helena but relevant to published nursing workforce initiatives. |
| Public health & community agencies | Carroll lists public health, schools, psychiatric, and home-visit experiences among clinical settings. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Carroll’s nursing students access simulation and skills labs on campus; the accelerated track page references a nursing simulation center, Holistic Health Lab and Learning Center, and campus apartments for accelerated students who must live locally through intensive terms. Student life includes NAIA athletics (“Fighting Saints”), campus ministry, and student organizations such as the Carroll College Student Nurses Association (CCSNA). Average class sizes are small—Carroll advertises roughly 12 students per class on its homepage—supporting faculty access in theory and clinical courses.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Helena, MT
- Address
- 1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625, US
- Main telephone
- (406) 447-4300 (toll-free 800-992-3648)
- Admission
- (406) 447-4384 · admission@carroll.edu
- Website
- carroll.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read Carroll’s Nursing Pathways page for your entry type (direct entry, pre-nursing, transfer, or accelerated).
- If you plan on direct entry, map the November 1 priority deadline and GPA/science requirements against your transcript.
- Check the Accelerated Nursing Track page for the latest enrollment status (including any pause or relaunch timeline).
- Download the Carroll catalog nursing sections for prerequisite and progression rules.
- Ask admission whether a standardized aptitude exam will be used for your pre-nursing application cycle.
- Bookmark the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF to monitor future calendar-year outcomes.
- List questions about clinical sites, simulation hours, and financial aid (including Benefis-related programs) for your financial aid appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carroll College a good school for nursing in Montana?
Carroll’s BSN is CCNE-accredited and Montana Board of Nursing–approved per the college’s public statements. Montana Board data show a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 (36 first-time testers, calendar-year report). Confirm current accreditation and outcomes with Carroll, CCNE, and the Montana Board of Nursing.
What nursing programs does Carroll College offer?
Carroll offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN and an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track (often called ACNU). Carroll publicly noted a temporary pause of new May 2026 ACNU enrollment with a planned Summer 2027 relaunch—verify whether the accelerated track is open for your year.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Carroll College?
According to the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX pass-rate publication, Carroll had a 100% first-time pass rate in 2024 with 36 first-time test takers. Confirm the latest calendar-year data on the Board’s site and with Carroll.
How much is undergraduate tuition at Carroll College (2026–2027)?
Carroll lists $43,260 per year in full-time undergraduate tuition (12–19 credits) for 2026–2027, with additional housing, fees, and total direct charges on its Tuition & Costs page. Your net price depends on aid—confirm with the Financial Aid Office.
What GPA do I need for direct entry to Carroll’s traditional BSN?
Carroll’s Nursing Pathways page lists direct entry eligibility including a minimum 3.30 GPA, math through Intermediate Algebra, and two years of science, with a November 1 priority deadline. Meeting minimums does not guarantee direct entry.
Does Carroll nursing require the TEAS?
Carroll’s pre-nursing pathway materials reference a possible standardized aptitude exam when the department uses competitive ranking; the public summary may not name a single test in every year. Confirm which exam (if any) applies to your application cycle with the Department of Nursing.
Is Carroll’s accelerated nursing track enrolling new students?
Carroll announced a pause of new enrollment for the May 2026 ACNU cohort and a goal of relaunching in Summer 2027. Current ACNU students were described as continuing on schedule. Check Carroll’s accelerated nursing page for updates.
Where do Carroll BSN students complete clinical rotations?
Carroll states that clinical experiences begin in 200-level nursing courses and occur in varied settings, primarily in Helena—including hospitals, public health, long-term care, schools, and behavioral health. Site lists rotate by course.
Does Carroll offer RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP nursing degrees?
This guide’s reviewed Carroll nursing pages center on the pre-licensure BSN and accelerated second-degree BSN. If you need RN-to-BSN completion or graduate nursing, search Carroll’s catalog or ask admission whether a separate program exists under another department.
How do I contact Carroll College admissions about nursing?
Carroll lists (406) 447-4384 and admission@carroll.edu for admission questions, with the main campus at 1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625.
References
- Carroll College — Nursing (BSN)carroll.edu/…/nursing-bsn/
- Carroll College — Nursing PathwaysNursing Pathways
- Carroll College — Accelerated Nursing TrackAccelerated Nursing Track
- Carroll College — Tuition and CostsTuition and Costs
- Carroll College — Academic programs (nursing)Academic programs / nursing
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF)new_nclex_rn.pdf
- Montana Board of Nursingboards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with Montana Board of Nursing publications, Carroll tuition figures, accelerated-track enrollment messaging, and program list accuracy.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Carroll College and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy