Flathead Valley Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
In Kalispell and at the Lincoln County campus when offered, Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) runs CNA, Practical Nursing (LPN), and a selective Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) for RN licensure, plus pre-nursing transfer planning. NCLEX figures below come from the Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year reports; tuition from FVCC Tuition & Fees 2025–2026. Confirm deadlines and requirements with admissions and the nursing program.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
FVCC stacks entry-level credentials (CNA, then LPN certificate, then ASN for RN) in northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley, with simulation-heavy instruction and clinical rotations tied to regional employers. The ASN program also lists RN-to-BSN articulation partners for after licensure.
Overview & Why Students Choose Flathead Valley Community College
Flathead Valley Community College serves northwest Montana from Kalispell (with select offerings in Lincoln County when enrollment supports them). Nursing is limited enrollment and selective: applicants submit program-specific packets, meet prerequisite GPA rules, and sit for the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam for ASN and Practical Nursing. The college publishes pathways from CNA through LPN (Certificate of Applied Science) to ASN for RN licensure, plus pre-nursing transfer advising for students who plan to apply to BSN programs elsewhere.
According to the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN report, FVCC’s 2024 first-time pass rate was 95.65% with 23 first-time test takers—above the 92.60% statewide rate in the same report. PN outcomes appear in the Board’s NCLEX-PN file. Confirm newer cohorts with the Board and FVCC.
Reasons students choose FVCC
Stackable credentials
Students can progress from CNA training through LPN and into the ASN without assuming every pathway fits every learner—each program has its own admission rules.
Official NCLEX reporting
Montana publishes calendar-year first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates by school, so you can compare cohort performance with state and national lines in the same PDF tables.
NLN CNEA–accredited ASN
FVCC states its associate nursing program is accredited by NLN CNEA (through June 30, 2026) and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing for NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Flathead Valley clinical context
Programs emphasize rural and community care needs in northwest Montana, with simulation supporting skills before hospital and community clinical rotations.
Nursing Programs Offered
FVCC separates pre-licensure nursing tracks from transfer planning. Use the official Nursing landing page and catalog for the latest credit maps.
Pre-licensure & entry credentials
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Short certificate pathway to prepare for nurse-aide competency evaluation and work in acute and long-term care—listed under FVCC nursing programs as a starting point for many students.
Practical Nursing (CAS)
41-credit Certificate of Applied Science across three semesters (one prerequisite term plus two nursing terms). Prepares for NCLEX-PN; approved by the Montana Board of Nursing per FVCC.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Approximately two years after prerequisites; selective admission with Kaplan entrance exam. Graduates take NCLEX-RN. FVCC notes the ASN may run at the Lincoln County Campus when resources allow.
Transfer preparation (not a nursing license program)
Pre-nursing / nursing transfer preparation helps students complete prerequisites and general education before applying to a BSN program at another institution—confirm course acceptance with your target university.
Post-licensure partnerships
After RN licensure, FVCC references RN-to-BSN partnerships (for example Chamberlain, Grand Canyon University, Montana State University–Northern, and Post University); verify current agreements with advising.
FVCC does not award a four-year BSN on campus; students who want a BSN typically transfer or enroll in an online RN-to-BSN completion program after licensure.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX pass rates per calendar year (same official report for state and national benchmarks), first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Flathead Valley Community College were:
- 2024: 95.65% (23 first-time test takers). Montana all-program average 92.60%; national 91.16% in the same table.
- 2023: 95.00% (20 test takers); Montana 91.71%.
- 2022: 84.21% (19 test takers); Montana 82.61%.
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
Per the Board’s NCLEX-PN report, FVCC’s first-time pass rate for 2024 was reported as all first-time candidates passed (8 first-time test takers—small cohort). Montana’s all-program PN average was 100.00% that year with 48 testers statewide; national 88.38%. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and FVCC.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024) | 95.65% (23 testers); MT BON calendar-year report |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (2024) | Board report: 100% of program first-time candidates (8 testers); confirm with MT BON |
| Source | Montana BON — NCLEX-RN (PDF); NCLEX-PN (PDF). Confirm current data with the Montana Board of Nursing and FVCC. |
Pass rates change by cohort. Always confirm the latest rates with the Montana Board of Nursing and Flathead Valley Community College.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Montana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact; FVCC’s ASN page references compact-state practice after Montana licensure. International applicants and internationally educated nurses must verify English proficiency, transcript or credential evaluation, F-1 or other visa rules, and clinical placement eligibility with FVCC and the Montana Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or other) for your program and visa type.
- Credential evaluation if you completed prior nursing coursework outside the U.S.
- Montana Board of Nursing: NCLEX eligibility, background checks, and endorsement rules.
- Immigration & clinical sites: confirm that required rotations are available for your status.
This section is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with FVCC admissions, the international office (if applicable), and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
FVCC states nursing admission requires an additional application beyond general enrollment, with limited seats and competitive review. ASN and Practical Nursing applicants must take the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam and pay a $20 non-refundable application processing fee (per program pages).
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Applications are accepted once per year. Minimum expectations published on the RN program page include: selective GPA 2.75 across four prerequisite courses; minimum grades of B- in BIOH 201, C or higher in CHMY 121, M 140 or M 121, and WRIT 101 (no C-); science courses within five years of acceptance unless an exception is approved; Kaplan exam; and after acceptance, health insurance (FVCC Student Health Center coverage does not qualify), background check, and immunizations. Nursing courses and BIOH 211 require B- or higher to continue.
Practical Nursing (CAS)
Also annual application cycle. Prerequisites include BIOH 104, M 094~ (see catalog for math placement), PSYX 100, WRIT 101 with C or better; selective GPA ≥ 2.50 in prerequisites; human biology within five years; Kaplan; health insurance, background check, and immunizations for final acceptance.
Application timeline
| Program | Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASN | Annual application cycle | See RN Application Packet (PDF) for deadlines. |
| Practical Nursing | Annual application cycle | See PN Application Packet (PDF). |
| Lincoln County ASN | Offered when enrollment/resources allow | Confirm with nursing department. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Entrance exam | Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam (ASN & PN per FVCC program pages—not ATI TEAS). |
| After acceptance | Background check, immunizations, proof of health insurance per program pages. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition & Fees 2025–2026: FVCC charges tuition per credit hour with separate tiers: In-District (legal residents of Flathead or Lincoln Counties), Out-of-District (Montana residents outside those counties), Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and Out-of-State. Mandatory fees (infrastructure, technology, activity, equipment, and—at 6+ credits on the Flathead campus—health center) are bundled in the college’s published totals.
Example totals (Flathead County Campus, 1 credit row): In-district $205.16; out-of-district Montana $261.42; out-of-state $494.73 per the Tuition & Fees 2025–2026 table. Your program’s total cost depends on credit load per term, campus, labs, books, housing, and personal expenses—use FVCC’s financial aid office for a personalized budget.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Per-credit example (1 cr, 2025–26) | In-district ~$205.16; MT out-of-district ~$261.42; out-of-state ~$494.73 (Flathead County Campus table) |
| 12-credit band (in-district total) | ~$2,511.92 before course-specific fees (same FVCC table) |
| Source | FVCC Tuition & Fees 2025–2026; Business Office (406) 756-3831 for future semesters. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
FVCC states its ASN program consistently exceeds the national average on first-time NCLEX pass rates and points readers to the Montana Board of Nursing for official figures. Job placement percentages for nursing graduates were not stated on the pages reviewed for this guide; confirm with career services or consumer information disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (2024) | 95.65% (23 testers); Montana Board calendar-year report |
| NCLEX-PN first-time (2024) | Board report: all program first-time candidates passed (8 testers); confirm with MT BON |
| Source | MT BON NCLEX-RN (PDF); NCLEX-PN (PDF); FVCC ASN program |
Is Flathead Valley Community College the Right Fit for You?
FVCC fits learners who want affordable per-credit tuition in Montana’s community college system, can meet selective nursing admission (Kaplan, prerequisites, GPA), and intend to practice in rural and community settings across the Flathead region or beyond via the NLC.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want CNA → LPN → ASN options within one community college’s catalog.
- Plan to stay in northwest Montana or compact-participating states for early employment.
- Value transparent Board-published NCLEX data for comparison.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a four-year BSN on one campus without transferring.
- Cannot meet selective prerequisite GPA or Kaplan expectations.
- Prefer fully online pre-licensure nursing—FVCC programs are delivered in person with clinical rotations.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Kalispell anchors the Flathead Valley’s health care network, including Logan Health (regional hospital and specialty services) and surrounding clinics, long-term care, and home health agencies serving Flathead and Lincoln Counties. Rural Montana continues to need RNs and LPNs across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Specific clinical sites are assigned by the nursing program—confirm active affiliations with FVCC rather than assuming placement at a single facility.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional acute care | Logan Health Medical Center and affiliated services (Kalispell); additional sites may be used for rotations. |
| Community & rural care | Long-term care, clinics, and home health across northwest Montana—assignments are program-managed. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
FVCC’s Kalispell campus includes the Wachholz College Center, library, student services, and access to student housing (separate application). Nursing emphasizes simulation and skills practice before clinicals. Students participate in campus life through clubs and organizations while meeting professional nursing standards (immunizations, health insurance, background checks, CPR). The Lincoln County Campus in Libby may host ASN courses when offered.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Kalispell, MT
- Address
- 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901, US
- Telephone
- (406) 756-3822 (main)
- Admissions
- (406) 756-3848
- info@fvcc.edu
- Nursing program
- Carla Genovese, MSN, CNE, CCRN — Program Director, Nursing (per FVCC)
- Website
- fvcc.edu
Official links
Your next steps checklist
- Download the RN or PN Application Packet and the Nursing Information Packet.
- Complete FVCC prerequisite courses with the required grades; schedule the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam as part of the nursing application.
- Submit the $20 non-refundable processing fee with your application per program instructions.
- Review Tuition & Fees 2025–2026 for your residency tier (in-district vs out-of-district vs out-of-state).
- Plan for proof of health insurance, background check, and immunizations after acceptance.
- Bookmark the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX reports for licensure outcomes.
- Contact info@fvcc.edu or Admissions at (406) 756-3848 with remaining questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Flathead Valley Community College offer?
FVCC lists CNA, Practical Nursing (CAS), Registered Nursing (ASN), and a pre-nursing transfer track. See fvcc.edu/programs/nursing.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for FVCC according to the Montana Board of Nursing?
The Board’s calendar-year report lists 95.65% first-time NCLEX-RN for 2024 with 23 first-time test takers. Confirm newer years on boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov.
What is tuition at Flathead Valley Community College for 2025–2026?
FVCC publishes tiered per-credit totals—for example about $205.16 for 1 credit in-district (Flathead/Lincoln Counties) on the Flathead County Campus before course-specific fees. See Tuition & Fees 2025–2026.
Does FVCC use TEAS or another exam for nursing admission?
FVCC’s ASN and Practical Nursing pages require the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam for applicants—not ATI TEAS. Confirm current rules on the program pages.
Is FVCC’s ASN program accredited?
FVCC states NLN CNEA accreditation for the associate nursing program (through June 30, 2026) and Montana State Board of Nursing approval. Verify with NLN CNEA and the Board.
Can FVCC ASN graduates pursue a BSN?
Yes—FVCC lists RN-to-BSN articulation partners (e.g. Chamberlain, GCU, MSU-Northern, Post University). Confirm current agreements with an advisor.
Where is the Flathead Valley Community College nursing program located?
Primary instruction is in Kalispell; the ASN may also be offered at the Lincoln County Campus when enrollment and resources allow.
What GPA do you need for FVCC nursing prerequisites?
ASN applicants need a 2.75 selective GPA in four prerequisites; Practical Nursing requires at least 2.50 in prerequisites, per program pages. Confirm the current application packet.
Who is the director of nursing at Flathead Valley Community College?
FVCC lists Carla Genovese, MSN, CNE, CCRN, as Program Director, Nursing. Route general inquiries through info@fvcc.edu or Admissions (406) 756-3848.
References
- Flathead Valley Community College — Nursingfvcc.edu/programs/nursing
- FVCC — Registered Nursing (ASN)nursing-registered-nursing-asn
- FVCC — Tuition & Fees 2025–2026tuition-fees-2025-2026
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN (PDF)new_nclex_rn.pdf
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX-PN (PDF)nclex_pn.pdf
- Montana Board of Nursing — Board siteboards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
- 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 alignment with FVCC program pages, 2025–2026 tuition tables, and Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX PDFs.
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 Flathead Valley Community College and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy