Montana State University Northern Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
MSU Northern offers a face-to-face Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in Havre and an online RN-to-BSN completion program. This guide cites Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN data and official 2025–2026 cost-of-attendance figures—confirm deadlines and requirements with the Department of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
MSU Northern emphasizes small ASN cohorts on the Hi-Line, simulation and VR-enhanced skills labs in Havre, and a fully online RN-to-BSN path for working RNs—backed by ACEN-accredited programs and Montana State Board of Nursing approval.
Overview & Why Students Choose Montana State University Northern
Montana State University Northern is a public university on the Hi-Line in Havre, offering a compact campus experience and nursing pathways focused on ASN pre-licensure training and RN-to-BSN completion. The Department of Nursing highlights hands-on simulation, Meta Quest VR scenarios, and an Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) training center alongside clinical experiences aligned with regional healthcare employers.
MSU Northern does not list a traditional four-year pre-licensure BSN on the Havre campus; the catalog centers on ASN for RN licensure and an online BSN for RNs advancing their education. Always confirm pathway details in the current catalog and official nursing pages.
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates PDF, MSU Northern reported a 80.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 (15 first-time test takers). The same report lists Montana’s aggregate first-time pass rate at 92.60% for 2024. Confirm the latest cohort with the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates publication and the school.
Reasons students choose Montana State University Northern
Small cohorts & faculty access
MSU Northern markets small ASN class sizes and one-on-one advising—useful if you want direct mentorship rather than a large lecture-hall program.
Simulation & skills technology
The program cites high-fidelity simulation labs, VR simulation, and an ASLS training center to support clinical judgment before rotations.
Online RN-to-BSN
Licensed RNs can complete the BSN online with localized clinical requirements—full-time (three semesters) or part-time (up to five years) per program materials.
Affordability & WUE
MSU Northern promotes affordability and offers a WUE tuition rate for eligible students from participating western states—see the official WUE page for eligibility.
Nursing Programs Offered
MSU Northern’s nursing offerings are organized into pre-licensure (ASN) and post-licensure (RN-to-BSN) pathways. The catalog nursing program summary and ASN/RN-BSN pages should be your primary references for curriculum and admissions.
Pre-licensure
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Face-to-face ASN preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. MSU Northern lists continuing ACEN accreditation and Montana State Board of Nursing approval. The program publishes an ASN application packet and Kaplan admissions exam dates.
Post-licensure
RN to BSN Completion
Online BSN completion for licensed RNs; includes a two-credit clinical component in your local area. MSU Northern lists continuing ACEN accreditation for the RN-BSN program.
If you need a traditional four-year BSN in Montana, MSU Northern’s public materials emphasize ASN and RN-to-BSN—not an on-campus pre-licensure BSN. Map your goals with an advisor and the catalog before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates per Calendar Year report, MSU Northern had a 80.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 with 15 first-time test takers. For comparison in the same document, Montana’s aggregate first-time pass rate was 92.60% in 2024 and the national first-time pass rate was 91.16% in 2024—use those rows only as high-level context because cohort sizes differ.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (MSU Northern) | 80.00% (2024 calendar year; 15 first-time testers per MT BON table) |
| Recent trend (first-time pass %) | 2020: 90.91% · 2021: 76.19% · 2022: 60.00% · 2023: 83.33% · 2024: 80.00% (same MT BON PDF) |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF). Confirm current data with the Montana Board of Nursing and MSU Northern. |
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
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Montana State University Northern and the Montana Board of Nursing. This section is general guidance, not legal, immigration, or licensure advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Montana Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Montana State University Northern’s international office and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
ASN admission at MSU Northern is competitive: the program publishes a Kaplan admissions exam schedule and an annual application PDF (for example, the 2026 ASN Program Application linked from the ASN page). RN-to-BSN applicants use a separate completion application. Minimum GPA cutoffs and prerequisite courses can change—verify the active application packet and catalog.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASN (example: 2026 cycle) | See PDF | Download the ASN Program Application 2026 and Kaplan flyer from the official ASN page for exact deadlines and exam dates. |
| RN to BSN | See PDF | MSU Northern publishes an RN-to-BSN completion application (check the RN-BSN page for the current form year). |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | Set in the published application and catalog—confirm current values with the Department of Nursing. |
| Kaplan / TEAS | ASN materials reference the Kaplan admissions exam (see official flyer). TEAS is not highlighted on the ASN overview—confirm required tests in the application packet. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The 2025–2026 Estimated Costs of Attendance PDF lists undergraduate tuition and fees for students taking 12–18 credits per semester. Nursing majors should also budget the ASN program fee (the ASN page cited a $600 nursing program fee for 2024–2025—confirm the current amount on the Business Services site).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident undergraduate tuition & fees | $3,747.54 / semester · $7,495.08 / academic year (12–18 credits; COA 2025–2026 PDF) |
| Non-resident undergraduate tuition & fees | $11,198.54 / semester · $22,397.08 / academic year (COA 2025–2026 PDF) |
| WUE / Canadian undergraduate tuition & fees | $5,135.30 / semester · $10,270.60 / academic year (COA 2025–2026 PDF; eligibility rules apply) |
| ASN program fee (nursing) | $600 (listed on ASN page for 2024–2025—confirm current year) |
| Source | Estimated Costs of Attendance 2025–2026 (PDF); Tuition & Fees. Confirm current amounts with Business Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair board-reported NCLEX data with school programmatic tables when evaluating outcomes. Pass rates move with each cohort; placement metrics use different methodologies than licensure exams. When a school reports both a first-time NCLEX pass rate and a high employment percentage, treat them as separate metrics (different cohorts and definitions)—confirm methodology on the ASN outcomes page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024) | 80.00% (12 of 15 first-time testers passed; Montana Board of Nursing PDF). Confirm the next cohort with the Board. |
| NCLEX “ultimate” pass (program disclosure) | MSU Northern’s ASN programmatic table lists a 100% ultimate pass rate for 2024 (15/15) alongside the 80% first-time rate—confirm definitions on the ASN outcomes table. |
| Job placement (ASN, school-reported) | MSU Northern’s 2024 programmatic outcomes table states 100% of ASN graduates employed in nursing within 12 months (school methodology). Confirm current figures and definitions with the program. |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF; MSU Northern ASN program outcomes. |
Is Montana State University Northern the Right Fit for You?
MSU Northern fits learners who want a public, regional campus with ASN-to-RN training and an optional online RN-BSN ladder—especially if you value smaller cohorts and Hi-Line community ties.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a face-to-face ASN on a small Montana campus with simulation-heavy skills labs.
- Plan to work in north-central Montana or rural settings and can commute to Havre-area clinicals.
- Are licensed RNs seeking an ACEN-accredited online RN-to-BSN while continuing employment.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a traditional four-year pre-licensure BSN on this campus—MSU Northern’s materials center on ASN plus RN-BSN completion.
- Prefer a large metropolitan clinical market without travel along the Hi-Line.
- Expect fully online pre-licensure nursing (ASN is delivered face-to-face on campus).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Havre sits on the Hi-Line (U.S. Highway 2 corridor), serving as a regional hub for Hill County and northern Montana. Clinical rotations vary by semester; confirm placement geography with the Department of Nursing.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Northern Montana Health Care / Northern Montana Hospital | Major Havre-area acute-care provider (critical access hospital network serving the Hi-Line). |
| Great Falls & regional referrals | Students and patients may also connect to larger markets in Great Falls (~115 miles) for specialty care; confirm whether your rotations include travel or telehealth. |
| Public & rural health | Community health, long-term care, and outpatient clinics across northern Montana support rural nursing demand—verify employers with the Montana Hospital Association and local employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses are centered in the Hagener Science Center (faculty offices and labs on the ASN page). MSU Northern promotes student nursing organizations, a pinning ceremony, and campus life typical of a small public university (residence halls, dining, athletics). Review housing and meal-plan requirements if you are under 21 with fewer than 30 credits—per the COA PDF, residence halls may be required.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Havre, MT
- Address
- 100 Cowan Drive, Havre, MT 59501, US
- Telephone
- +1-406-265-3704
- Nursing department phone
- (406) 265-4196 (as listed on ASN/RN-BSN pages)
- Contact email
- admissions@msun.edu
- Website
- msun.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the ASN and RN-BSN pages and download the current application PDFs and Kaplan flyer.
- Compare your transcripts to the ASN prerequisite map (2025–2026 academic map PDF).
- Register for a Kaplan admissions exam date that matches the flyer—do not assume TEAS unless the packet requires it.
- Bookmark the Montana Board NCLEX-RN PDF to track outcomes.
- Call the Department of Nursing at (406) 265-4196 with questions on cohort capacity and prerequisites.
- If you are an RN, confirm unencumbered license status before applying to RN-BSN.
- Add the published deadline from your application PDF to your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Montana State University Northern offer?
MSU Northern lists an on-campus Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) for pre-licensure students and an online RN-to-BSN completion program for licensed RNs. The catalog summarizes both pathways. Confirm details in the nursing program catalog entry.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for MSU Northern ASN graduates?
According to the Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass rates PDF, MSU Northern reported a 80.00% first-time pass rate in 2024 (15 first-time test takers). Confirm the latest cohort with the Montana Board of Nursing and the school.
Does MSU Northern require the TEAS for ASN admission?
The ASN page highlights a Kaplan admissions exam schedule and flyer—not the TEAS. Verify which exams and scores apply in the published ASN application packet for your entry year.
How much is undergraduate tuition at MSU Northern for 2025–2026?
The Estimated Costs of Attendance 2025–2026 PDF lists Montana resident tuition and fees of $7,495.08 per academic year for undergraduates taking 12–18 credits per semester (two semesters). Non-resident and WUE amounts differ. Confirm active rates on the Business Services site.
Is MSU Northern’s ASN program accredited?
MSU Northern states the ASN program holds continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approval from the Montana State Board of Nursing. Confirm status with ACEN and the program.
Does MSU Northern offer a traditional four-year BSN on campus in Havre?
Public materials emphasize ASN for RN licensure and an online RN-BSN for bachelor completion—not a four-year pre-licensure BSN housed on the Havre campus. If you want a traditional BSN elsewhere in Montana, compare programs at other institutions.
Is the RN-BSN program at MSU Northern fully online?
MSU Northern describes RN-BSN coursework as 100% online with a two-credit clinical completed locally. Confirm practicum expectations with the program.
What is the ASN nursing program fee at MSU Northern?
The ASN page listed an ASN Nursing Program Fee of $600 for 2024–2025. Confirm the current-year amount on the Business Services or nursing pages.
Where do MSU Northern nursing students complete clinical rotations?
Clinical sites vary by semester; Havre’s Northern Montana Health Care network is a logical anchor employer, but your exact placements depend on contracts and cohort. Ask the Department of Nursing for the current clinical site list.
References
- MSU Northern — Catalog: Nursing programscatalog.msun.edu/programs/nursing
- MSU Northern — ASN programmsun.edu/academics/chs/nursing/ASN.aspx
- MSU Northern — RN to BSNmsun.edu/academics/chs/nursing/RNBSN.aspx
- MSU Northern — Estimated Costs of Attendance 2025–2026 (PDF)CostofAttendance25-26.pdf
- MSU Northern — Tuition & Feesmsun.edu/busserv/tuitfees.aspx
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF)boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
- 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 alignment with MSU Northern program pages, the 2025–2026 cost-of-attendance PDF, and Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX pass-rate tables.
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 the institution and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-27 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy