Salish Kootenai College Nursing: Programs, Costs & Requirements (2026)
On the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Montana, Salish Kootenai College (SKC) offers a four-year Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an online RN-BSN completion program—both listed in the 2025–2026 SKC catalog. First-time NCLEX-RN outcomes below are from the Montana Board of Nursing; tuition figures from the catalog tuition table. Confirm deadlines and requirements with nursing.skc.edu.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Salish Kootenai College’s nursing department emphasizes culturally congruent care, small cohorts, and clinical experience across western Montana hospitals and community sites—while publishing a four-year BSN curriculum (185 credits) and ACEN-accredited RN-BSN completion in the 2025–2026 catalog. Tuition is tiered by tribal enrollment and residency on the official Undergraduate Tuition and Fees page.
Overview & Why Students Choose Salish Kootenai College
Salish Kootenai College (SKC) is a tribal college on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Montana, chartered to serve Native American students and open to all learners. The Nursing Department offers a four-year Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for RN licensure and an online RN-BSN for licensed RNs—both described in the 2025–2026 SKC catalog. The department emphasizes culturally congruent care, small cohorts, and clinical experience in western Montana hospitals and community settings.
According to the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rate tables, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Salish Kootenai College was 83.33% in 2024 (18 first-time test takers). The Board did not list SKC for prior calendar years in that table. Montana’s aggregate first-time pass rate in the same report was 92.60%. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and SKC.
Reasons students choose SKC
BSN pre-licensure on campus
The Direct Admit BSN is a four-year, cohort-based path with a published year-by-year curriculum (including NCLEX preparation in the senior year) on nursing.skc.edu.
ACEN-accredited nursing programs
SKC states both BSN options are accredited by ACEN, with Continuing Accreditation for the BSN through October 2027 per the accreditation page; the Direct Admit BSN is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Named regional clinical partners
The college lists examples such as Providence St. Patrick and Community Medical Center (Missoula), Logan Health (Kalispell), and other western Montana facilities—confirm current contracts with the nursing department.
Online RN-BSN for working RNs
Licensed RNs with an ADN can complete the asynchronous RN-BSN with faculty advising and a capstone quality-improvement project—see RN-BSN program.
Nursing Programs Offered
The 2025–2026 SKC catalog — Nursing Department lists two programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 185 credits, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN), 180 credits. Details and admission steps are on nursing.skc.edu. SKC does not list a stand-alone ADN or ASN pre-licensure degree in that catalog section—pre-licensure students enter the four-year BSN.
Pre-licensure
Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year, cohort-based curriculum: early entry begins nursing coursework immediately after admission; transfer students may enter as sophomores when space allows. The published plan includes sciences and general education in years one–two, then medical–surgical, maternal/child, mental health, leadership, population health, and NURS 485 NCLEX Preparation in year four. Total 185 credits per catalog. Clinical experiences include regional hospitals named on the Direct Admit BSN page.
Post-licensure
RN-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
For licensed RNs who already hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a prior institution. Delivered fully online and asynchronous with optional synchronous meetings; typical completion 3–6 quarters depending on pace. Includes a capstone / quality improvement project per RN-BSN program.
Program names and credit totals are taken from the 2025–2026 SKC catalog nursing department section and nursing.skc.edu. If the catalog is updated, confirm the current plan of study with the nursing department.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Montana Board of Nursing publication Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates Per Calendar Year (PDF), first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Salish Kootenai College were:
- 2024: 83.33% (18 first-time test takers)
- 2020–2023: N/A in the Board table (no program-level first-time testers listed for Salish Kootenai College in those years)
For 2024, the same report lists Montana’s aggregate first-time pass rate as 92.60% (689 first-time test takers statewide) and the national rate as 91.16%. SKC’s first year of program-level reporting in this table aligns with BSN graduates entering the NCLEX pipeline; confirm newer cohorts with the Montana Board of Nursing and SKC.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024) | 83.33% (18 first-time testers; Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year report) |
| Montana aggregate (2024, same report) | 92.60% first-time (689 testers statewide) |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF). Confirm current data with the Board and Salish Kootenai College. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Montana Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
SKC’s nursing pages emphasize U.S. licensure and Montana Board approval; international-student or foreign-educated nurse policies are not fully spelled out in the sections reviewed for this guide. Montana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact; SKC notes graduates should verify multi-state NCLEX eligibility per the accreditation page.
- English-language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or alternatives) for admission and clinical clearance.
- Transcript / credential evaluation (e.g., WES or board-approved evaluators) if coursework was completed outside the U.S.
- Montana Board of Nursing: NCLEX-RN eligibility, background checks, and any additional steps for internationally educated applicants.
- Visa & clinical placement: whether the program can support your immigration status for required clinical hours.
This section is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Verify with Salish Kootenai College admissions, the nursing department, and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
General admission to SKC runs through the college’s admissions process; the Direct Admit BSN uses a separate nursing application. The Direct Admit BSN page lists Step One: Preparing & Taking the NLN NEX Exam—not ATI TEAS—followed by SKC admission, financial aid, the nursing program application, interviews, and verified credentials. Nursing announcements have referenced a spring application deadline around March 31 for the next academic year (confirm the current cycle on nursing.skc.edu). A federal background check is required annually; certain convictions may disqualify applicants from clinical or licensure per program pages.
Application timeline
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Admit BSN | Spring application for fall start; SKC has published March 31 deadlines (e.g., 2025–2026 cycle) | See SKC nursing announcement and nursing office for the active year. |
| RN-BSN | Quarterly entry; deadlines vary by term | See nursing.skc.edu / RN-BSN. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Entrance exam (Direct Admit BSN) | NLN NEX described as step one on the Direct Admit BSN page |
| Typical GPA range | Not publicly disclosed in a single table on the pages reviewed |
| TEAS / HESI | Not used for the pathway described on the Direct Admit BSN page (TEAS not listed; NEX is) |
| Clinical clearance | Background check, immunizations, and other requirements per nursing application and handbook |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate tuition (2025–2026): The SKC catalog — Undergraduate Tuition and Fees lists per-credit tuition by category: for example $87.00 per credit (enrolled tribal member), $106.00 (Indian descendant), $148.00 (Montana resident), and $299.00 (out of state) at the 1-credit row, with 12–18 credit full-time caps per quarter (e.g., $1,776.00 tuition for Montana resident at 12–18 credits). Quarterly fees are added on top (registration, technology, activities, per-credit fees, etc.). Nursing students also pay a $300 nursing program quarterly fee per the same catalog and skc.edu/tuition-and-fees.
Financial aid: Contact financial_aid@skc.edu and file the FAFSA for federal aid. Total cost depends on credit load, category, housing, and fees—use the Total Quarterly Cost rows in the catalog for budgeting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Example per-credit tuition (1 cr, 2025–26) | $148 MT resident; $87 enrolled tribal; $299 out of state (catalog table) |
| Nursing program fee | $300 per quarter (catalog “Other Possible Fees”) |
| Source | SKC Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2025–2026); skc.edu/tuition-and-fees. Confirm current amounts with the Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: See the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate section for Montana Board of Nursing figures. The SKC catalog cites BLS mean wage for RNs in Montana (May 2023 example in catalog text) for career context—confirm current figures at BLS. Job placement percentages for SKC nursing graduates were not stated on the pages reviewed; ask the college for consumer information or outcomes disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (2024) | 83.33% (18 testers; Montana Board of Nursing PDF) |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX report (PDF); confirm with SKC. |
Is Salish Kootenai College the Right Fit for You?
SKC fits students who want a tribal college on the Flathead Reservation, a four-year BSN with named western Montana clinical partners, or an online RN-BSN after licensure—while accepting NLN NEX and selective nursing admission for the Direct Admit path.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want culturally congruent nursing education and small cohorts in a mission-driven setting.
- Plan to work in tribal, rural, or IHS systems where a BSN is often required for federal roles.
- Prefer a published four-year BSN curriculum (or need flexible online RN-BSN as a licensed RN).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a two-year ADN only—SKC’s catalog emphasizes BSN pathways rather than a stand-alone associate ADN.
- Expect a single large urban campus for every rotation—many sites are regional (Missoula, Kalispell, etc.) with travel.
- Cannot meet physical demands (lifting, long shifts) described on the Direct Admit BSN page.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Pablo is on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Lake County, northwest Montana. SKC’s Direct Admit BSN page names examples of clinical sites including Providence St. Patrick Hospital and Community Medical Center (Missoula), Logan Health (Kalispell), Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (Hamilton), St. Luke Community Healthcare (Ronan), St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson), Clark Fork Valley Hospital (Plains), plus extended care, schools, and community health. Tribal and IHS systems remain important employers for nurses serving Native communities across Montana.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional hospitals | Examples listed by SKC span Missoula, Kalispell, Hamilton, Ronan, Polson, and Plains—confirm current contracts with the nursing department. |
| Regional demand | Montana continues to recruit RNs in rural and community settings; BSN preparation supports eligibility for many federal and tribal employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
SKC promotes small class sizes and high-fidelity simulation (per nursing marketing pages). The four-year BSN is cohort-based with a structured campus curriculum in years one–three and clinical rotations across the region. RN-BSN students study online. Campus life includes cultural programming and student activities; see skc.edu for current events and housing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Pablo, MT (Flathead Indian Reservation)
- Address
- 58138 US Highway 93, Pablo, MT 59855, US
- Main telephone
- (406) 275-4800
- Nursing (applications)
- Tara_Hout@skc.edu · (406) 275-4922 (per SKC nursing announcement)
- Financial aid
- financial_aid@skc.edu
- Website
- skc.edu
Official links
Your next steps checklist
- Read Direct Admit BSN and download the current nursing application (PDF from nursing announcements when available).
- Register for and prepare for the NLN NEX exam as described on the Direct Admit BSN page, then complete general SKC admission and financial aid.
- Email Tara_Hout@skc.edu or call 406-275-4922 to confirm deadlines (e.g., spring March 31 patterns) for your target cohort.
- File the FAFSA and contact financial_aid@skc.edu about aid and scholarships.
- Bookmark the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX report for outcome trends.
- Plan for travel to assigned clinical sites in western Montana as directed by the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Salish Kootenai College offer?
The 2025–2026 SKC catalog lists Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and RN-BSN—a four-year pre-licensure BSN and an online completion program for licensed RNs. See the catalog Nursing Department and nursing.skc.edu.
What was the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Salish Kootenai College in 2024?
According to the Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year report, the first-time pass rate was 83.33% with 18 first-time test takers in 2024. Confirm newer cohorts with the Board and SKC.
Is Salish Kootenai College nursing accredited?
SKC states both BSN options are ACEN-accredited, with Continuing Accreditation for the BSN through October 2027 per nursing.skc.edu. The Direct Admit BSN is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing. Verify with ACEN and the Board.
How much is undergraduate tuition at Salish Kootenai College?
The 2025–2026 Undergraduate Tuition and Fees page lists per-credit rates by category (e.g., $148 Montana resident per credit at the 1-credit row) plus quarterly fees and a $300 nursing program fee per quarter.
Does Salish Kootenai College require TEAS for the BSN?
The Direct Admit BSN page lists NLN NEX as the first step—not ATI TEAS. Confirm current requirements in the nursing application packet.
Where is Salish Kootenai College located?
Main campus: 58138 US Highway 93, Pablo, MT 59855, on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Where do Salish Kootenai College nursing students do clinicals?
Examples on the Direct Admit BSN page include hospitals in Missoula, Kalispell, Hamilton, Ronan, Polson, and Plains—confirm active sites with the nursing department.
When is the nursing application deadline at SKC?
SKC has published spring deadlines around March 31 for the next academic year (see nursing announcements). Confirm the current calendar on nursing.skc.edu.
Does Salish Kootenai College offer an ADN program?
The 2025–2026 catalog nursing section lists BSN and RN-BSN only—not a stand-alone ADN. RN-BSN applicants need an ADN (or equivalent) and RN licensure from elsewhere.
References
- Salish Kootenai College — Nursing departmentnursing.skc.edu
- SKC catalog — Nursing Department (2025–2026)skc.smartcatalogiq.com
- SKC catalog — Undergraduate Tuition and Feesskc.smartcatalogiq.com
- SKC — Tuition and Fees (overview)skc.edu/tuition-and-fees
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF)boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
- Montana Board of Nursing — Educationboards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing/education
- ACEN — search programsacenursing.org/search-programs
- National Council of State Boards of Nursingncsbn.org
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 the Montana Board of Nursing PDF, program list alignment with the SKC catalog and nursing.skc.edu, and tuition sourcing from the 2025–2026 catalog.
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 Salish Kootenai College and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy