A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a terminal degree in the field of nursing, one of the highest educational achievements a nurse can complete. This degree can open up a number of doors for nurses, offering many exciting opportunities and allowing nurses to fill critical care gaps across Montana.
Big Sky Country is facing a significant shortage of primary care providers. According to some reports, nine counties in the state do not currently have a family care physician. DNP-prepared nurses can fill these roles, ensuring that people in Montana have access to primary and preventative care. Montana allows NPs to practice independently, diagnosing and treating patients in areas where they may have limited access to care.
If you live in Montana, you have a few options for pursuing a DNP. Not only does Montana State University offer several pathways, but there are also other programs available in the region that can help you achieve your goals.
Montana DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Montana: 1
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 1
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: $6,550 per year + fees for residents
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DNP Programs in Montana
In Montana, several DNP tracks are available at Montana State University, including pathways for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. These hybrid programs are completed primarily online, but some on-campus learning is required.
Montana BSN/MSN to DNP Programs
There are three BSN to DNP tracks available at Montana State University and an MSN to DNP option for NPs who are already practicing and wish to complete a DNP without adding a new practice focus or specialty. These programs are detailed below.
Montana State University
- Bozeman, Montana
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $6,542 per year + fees for residents, $21,098 per year + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing at Montana State University offers three BSN to DNP options: BSN to DNP FNP (82 credits), BSN to DNP PMHNP (82 credits), and BSN to DNP Nurse Midwife (74-82 credits). Students can complete these programs in three years if attending full-time, or four years part-time. Students in these programs will also complete a scholarly project and deliver an oral defense and a final professional paper.
The school also offers an MSN to DNP that has 37 credits and is available on a full- or part-time basis. This program is open to practicing nurse practitioners who are not interested in adding a new practice focus.
All graduate-level courses are delivered online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning and may be expected to travel to the Bozeman campus or other campuses, typically no more than once per year, and may have to travel for clinical experiences.
Key highlights:
- Three BSN to DNP tracks and a post-MSN options are available
- MSN to DNP track is only open to those who do not want to add a new specialty
Additional considerations:
- Courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous
- Travel may be required for clinical requirements
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
Students interested in pursuing a DNP and seeking options beyond Montana State University may consider the DNP programs at Idaho State University in the neighboring state.
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: About $1,200 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Idaho State University is an option for students in Montana who are looking for regional DNP programs. ISU offers an 83-credit BSN to FNP program and an 85-credit BSN to PMHNP program. Classes are offered online, but students are required to come to campus multiple times throughout each program and may have in-person requirements at the Pocatello or Meridian campuses a few times a year, which can be a long commute. Full-time students generally complete these programs in three years.
Another option is the post-master’s DNP programs for professionals who are already practicing as either FNPs or PMHNPs and hold national certifications. These programs are 29 credits and can be completed in about 15 months.
ISU offers clinical placement assistance, but students who live in Montana must be willing and able to attend clinical placements in the state of Idaho.
Key highlights:
- Open to students in Montana
- Post-MSN program open to nurses who are already nationally certified as FNPs or PMHNPs
Additional considerations:
- Students must be willing to travel to the Pocatello or Meridian campuses multiple times a year
- Students must be licensed to practice in Idaho
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Montana
Although there are limited options in Montana, if you’re seeking the shortest path to a DNP, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
All of the BSN to DNP track at Montana State University can be completed in three years full-time. The BSN to DNP programs offered by Idaho State can also be completed in three years, but it’s worth noting again that these programs have on-campus requirements and may not be convenient for students across Montana to get to.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
MSN to DNP programs can vary depending on the student’s prior education and experience, but the programs at both Montana State University and ISU can be completed in approximately 15 to 18 months.
Best DNP Programs in Montana
Again, there aren’t a lot of options to choose from in this state, but Montana State University offers a nice variety of options. Students can pursue a DNP as a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife, so there are programs that meet a range of interests. Plus, there is a high need for these providers in the state, giving nurses a real opportunity to make a difference.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Montana
The programs at Montana State University cost about $6,550 per credit plus fees. While the programs at Idaho State University are an option, students will have to pay non-resident rates, which are about $1,200 per credit plus fees, making the ISU programs more expensive.
FAQs
Is there a nursing shortage in Montana?
Yes, like most of the country, Montana is facing a nursing shortage, particularly in rural areas.
Does Montana State Bozeman have nursing?
Yes, Montana State Bozeman offers nursing, with its DNP programs detailed above. A new home is currently being constructed on the Bozeman Campus for the Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing. This center will offer a number of state-of-the-art learning opportunities, including a simulation center.
Is Montana State good for nursing?
One way to evaluate the success of a nursing school is to examine the licensure examination results for its graduates. The most recent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for BSN graduates was 94.2%. Exam pass rates for the FNP certification exam were 92.3%, 93.3%, 95.2%, and 69.2% for the years 2020 to 2024. Graduates from the PMHNP program achieved a 100% pass rate from 2020 to 2023.