Pre-Nursing Advising

The pre-nursing curriculum is a two-year program, which is designed to provide the basic undergraduate education needed for entry into the professional portion of a baccalaureate-nursing program.

Through an arrangement with the College of Nursing at Montana State University-Bozeman, The University of Montana-Missoula offers approved prerequisite (non-nursing) courses for pre-nursing students. Students who intend to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree offered through Montana State University can complete the 15 credits of sophomore level nursing courses in Bozeman. In addition, these 15 credits are currently offered through a limited option on the Upper Division campus sites located at Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula. Students may apply for acceptance into clinical nursing (junior and senior years), to one of MSU’s Upper Division campuses up to a year prior to placement regardless of whether or not they have been admitted to MSU. Depending upon the specific placement, students can complete the entire nursing program in Missoula. At present, it is highly competitive to be placed into the entire program available on MSU’s Upper Division campus in Missoula.
A minimum grade of “C” or better is required in the following specific courses for admission to clinical nursing. MSU’s College of Nursing does not accept C- as a passing grade in required courses. The following courses may not be repeated more than once regardless of where taken (see “Course List”). Though a grade of “C” is minimally acceptable, students are advised to attain the highest grade average possible in these classes for placement considerations at the upper-division level. Acceptance to clinical nursing is based on the average of the grades received in required prerequisite courses at the time of application. Admission is based strictly on grade prioritization. There is a competitive component to a successful application. MSU general education requirements need to be satisfied prior to graduation. Due to occasional changes in the curriculum and degree requirements, it is essential to contact the pre-nursing advisor before course selection and enrollment.

Students desiring admission to other schools of nursing are encouraged to obtain a catalog from the college and, in consultation with the pre-nursing advisor, develop a plan of study tailored to meet the specific course requirements of the college of their choice. In Montana the associate degree in nursing (leads to RN licensure) can be obtained at MSU-Northern, Havre; Miles Community College, Miles City; Montana Tech of The University of Montana, Butte; and Salish Kootenai College, Pablo. The UM College of Technologies located in Helena and Missoula offer a “stepping stone” ASRN program for LPNs. The traditional baccalaureate degree in nursing can be obtained at Carroll College, Helena and Montana State University, Bozeman.

For more information, visit the Pre-Nursing website.