How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana (2026)
Montana employs about 1,620 licensed practical nurses earning a median $62,210 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Practical Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through Board of Nursing.
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Montana
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrington College-Boise | 76.4 | Contact school for pricing | $57,082 | 62% | Yes* | 343 mi |
| 2 | College of Eastern Idaho | 66.6 | $3,390 in-state / $6,750 out-of-state | $55,123 | 39% | Yes* | 243 mi |
| 3 | Northern Wyoming Community College District | 60.3 | $4,830 in-state / $11,130 out-of-state | $51,958 | 42% | Yes* | 243 mi |
| 4 | Northwest College | 59.3 | $4,962 in-state / $11,262 out-of-state | $41,536 | 49% | Yes* | 183 mi |
| 5 | Flathead Valley Community College | 54.5 | $4,912 in-state / $11,659 out-of-state | $47,642 | 29% | Yes* | 180 mi |
| 6 | Helena College University of Montana | 50.2 | $4,146 in-state / $11,318 out-of-state | $50,913 | 33% | Yes* | 54 mi |
| 7 | North Idaho College | 46.4 | $3,396 in-state / $8,736 out-of-state | $50,312 | 38% | Yes* | 277 mi |
| 8 | Great Falls College Montana State University | 45.7 | $4,028 in-state / $12,911 out-of-state | $48,830 | 34% | Yes* | 42 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Montana employs approximately 1,620 licensed practical nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $62,210 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: Board of Nursing
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (Montana): $62,210 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana
How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through Board of Nursing.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Board of Nursing.
Do I need a license in Montana? Yes. Montana credentials this role through Board of Nursing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in Montana? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in Montana is $62,210 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $49,230 and experienced professionals can earn $74,330 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in Montana typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and Board of Nursing.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in Montana. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to Board of Nursing for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from Board of Nursing before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Practical Nurse License Requirements in Montana
Montana licenses practical and vocational nurses through Board of Nursing. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See Board of Nursing 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to Board of Nursing for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Board of Nursing before you enroll.
Licensed Practical Nurse Wages by Metro Area in Montana
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in Montana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in Montana vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 370 | $60,500 | $59,530 | $39,580 | $72,660 |
| Missoula | 170 | $63,130 | $63,710 | $50,980 | $75,180 |
| Great Falls | 130 | $60,020 | $59,100 | $49,900 | $72,750 |
| Helena | 120 | $63,690 | $64,710 | $51,400 | $79,560 |
| Bozeman | 110 | $63,790 | $64,240 | $49,520 | $74,610 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed practical nurses in Montana? Montana currently employs approximately 1,620 licensed practical nurses 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed practical nurse in Montana with an out-of-state license? Contact the Board of Nursing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Montana? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Montana.
How much do licensed practical nurses earn in Montana compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in Montana is $62,210, which is $130 below the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Montana
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Montana (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Montana
- Best HVAC Schools in Montana (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Montana
- Best Plumbing Schools in Montana (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Montana
Explore More Trades in Montana
- Electrician in Montana
- Plumber in Montana
- HVAC Technician in Montana
- Welder in Montana
- Carpenter in Montana
- Solar Installation Technician in Montana
- Auto Mechanic in Montana
- CNC Machinist in Montana
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Montana
- Medical Assistant in Montana
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Board of Nursing - Licensing Information: http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nur ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |