How to Become an LPN in Montana
Nursing is a very demanding profession, both physically and emotionally, but it is also a very rewarding profession. Anyone who wants to be a nurse must possess the strong desire to care for men, women and children with varying degrees and level of injury and illness.
To take on the challenge of nursing school and an eventual position in a health care facility, that person has to be at a particular level of fitness and have the necessary mental and ethical abilities to care for patients in a safe and effective manner.
Critical thinking skills and maturity is also necessary to be able to deal with multiple and often times conflicting bureaucratic and patient demands. Nursing candidates must also have flawless moral character to always safeguard patient property and information and controlled substances.
The Education Process
Nursing student applicants are subject to a criminal background check and must complete a fingerprint card and mandatory drug test. Applicants must also provide evidence of a recent TB test, Hepatitis B vaccine and two measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations for applicants born after 1957 and a booster for students born before 1957 before being allowed to participate in the clinical portion of the program.
Students who wish to enroll in an LPN program in Montana must meet the entrance requirements for the school of choice. Typical requirements include the student being at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or hold an equivalency certificate. LPN schools and programs in Montana include classes focused on patient and medical care and students can expect to take classes such as nursing fundamentals, anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology and introduction to pharmacology. Other classes include communications, medical terminology, contemporary health issues and medical administrative procedures. Students will also participate in on hands on clinical care in a functioning medical facility such as a hospital or other care related facility.
The Licensing Process
An LPN candidate must receive a passing grade in a one to two year nursing program at an accredited nursing school, pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam and obtain a CPR card in order to become licensed.
LPNs are required to renew their licenses every two years and must accrue 24 contact hours of continuing education as a condition to renew their license. All LPN licenses are up for renewal on 31 December of even numbered years. Renewal applications postmarked after the 31 December date will be subject to additional fees.
Upon successful completion of an accredited LPN program, the student must register with Pearson VUE, the NCLEX-PN examination providers. There is a fee due to Pearson to take the exam as well as a fee due to the Montana Board of Nursing to file an application to take the exam. Pearson VUE has a testing site in Billings and Helena, but they will work with each exam candidate to arrange examinations at a site most convenient for the student.
The educational facilities in Montana offering LPN programs enjoy an NCLEX-PN pass rate between 95 and 100%, well above the national average, for the first time exam takers.
Salaries and the Future of LPNs
LPN salaries in Montana range from $33K to $85K depending on the number of years of experience and area of care or specialty, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Montana LPN job outlook remains healthy as demand continues to challenge supply. LPN’s will continue to find employment with better than competitive salaries and increased benefits. The nursing profession is on track to increase about 22% through 2020, quicker than the average for all occupations.
Duties of an LPN
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Montana typically works under the direction of a registered nurse, nurse practitioner or physician. To become an LPN requires a combination of class work and practical, clinical care instruction. LPN’s find employment in hospitals, clinics, long and short term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted care facilities, doctor’s offices, rehabilitation centers, home health care organizations and other health care facilities. There are more than 2,900 LPN’s in the state of Montana and that number accounts for 25% of the nursing force.
LPN job duties include basic patient care, taking vital signs such as weight, temperature and blood pressure, basic would care, taking medical histories, evaluate patients for preliminary care, dispensing medications and injections prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. LPN’s also monitor fluid and food intake, assess patient reactions to medications and work with families and explain ongoing patient treatment and release care instructions. LPN’s sometimes supervise the certified nursing assistants. The actual duties involved will vary with the type of health care facility and level of care offered.
LPN Schools in Montana
- Do you aspire to fulfill an evolving healthcare role as a highly-qualified nursing professional? GCU is the place for you.
- RNs, pursue your BSN or MSN conveniently online, backed by the legacy of GCU's traditional campus.
- GCU's bachelor's and master's programs prepare students to fill roles in direct care, management, health education and administrative disciplines.
- The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master's degree in nursing at GCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Develop with hands-on practice, online and lab simulations and in depth peer discussions exploring best practices.
Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- • Liberty University’s online programs ranked in the top 10 out of more than 2,100 colleges & universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.*
- 100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.**
- Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
- Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help you get the most out of your hard work and maximize the credit you previously earned.
- *BestColleges.com Gold Medal of Distinction
- **excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
- Flexible, online RN-BSN and MSN programs available
- Students already licensed as registered nurses can complete RN-BSN program in as few as 9 months
- Courses designed to expand on student’s prior knowledge and enhance their patient care skills
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration
Nursing@Simmons, the innovative, online nursing degree program from Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares Registered Nurses for the next stage of their careers.
You need to have a Bachelor’s degree and RN license to be qualified for this school.
Programs:
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
At Denver College of Nursing, we believe good nurses are the future of quality healthcare. That’s why we strive to achieve excellence in healthcare education every day. We know our students can make a difference in others’ lives while in school by participating in SNA, community service, service –learning and GHP, as well as after graduation—and for years to come.
Programs:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The University
With over 80 years of academic achievements, Jacksonville University is a traditional, longstanding institution consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best colleges.
Programs:
- MSN Clinical Nurse Educator
- MSN Leadership in Healthcare Systems
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
The field of technology is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demands of modern society. For those seeking a future in tech, this means maintaining skills, increasingknowledge and quickly adapting to change. For today’s students, however, successwill require dedication, commitment and access to education specifically designedto meet the demands of this dynamic industry.
Programs:
- Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
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- Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.
- Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
- Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- And more...
Since 1977, Keiser University has maintained a practical, hands-on approach to career education to help our students achieve their personal and professional goals. Our student-centered approach remains at the foundation of the Keiser University mission and continues to attract students who prefer a more personal learning experience.
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Health Science
Approved Montana LPN Training Programs
Blackfeet Community College
504 SE Boundary St.
Browning, Montana 58417
(406) 338‐5441, ext. 2313
City College at Montana State University
3803 Central Ave
Billings, Montana 59102
(406) 247‐3073
Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Dr.
Kalispell, Montana 59901
(406) 756‐3997
Great Falls College
2100 16th Ave South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
(406) 771‐4356
Helena College University of Montana
1115 North Roberts St.
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 447‐6984
Missoula College University of Montana
909 South Avenue West
Missoula, Montana 59801
(406) 243‐7875
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