Helena College's Nursing Programs prepare graduates to become skilled providers in various health care environments. With an outstanding curriculum, dedicated faculty, and job placement rates, these programs have become highly competitive with 20 new students admitted each semester in the Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program and 16 new students each year in the Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Science program.
Nursing Program Outcome Data
Practical Nursing C.A.S.
- NCLEX pass rate for Practical Nursing program: 100% (Graduating cohort December 2022)
- Retention/Completion rate for Practical Nursing program: 89%
- Job placement rate for Practical Nursing program (within 6 months of graduation): 100%
Registered Nursing A.S.
- NCLEX pass rate for Registered Nursing program: 96.43% (Reflects NCLEX scores for calendar year 2022)
- Retention/Completion rate for Registered Nursing program: 97%
- Job placement rate for Registered Nursing program (within 6 months of graduation): 100%
Practical Nursing C.A.S.
Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Science uses specialized knowledge and skills that meet the health care needs of people in a variety of settings under the direction of qualified health professions. The curriculum focuses on preparation for employment in doctor’s offices, urgent care facilities, and long-term care. Students learn practical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulation demonstrations, and practice in the skills lab. Under instructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) LPN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. Upon passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN. This program entails a series of pre-requisite courses that can be taken through Helena College.
This program is available through a virtual-blended format at Helena College and in Hamilton, through a partnership with Bitterroot College, more information can be found on this in the P.N. Application Packet below.
Applications for Spring 2024 start are accepted during the Fall 2023 term through 5:00 Dec 1, 2023.
Gainful Employment Information
Practical Nurse C.A.S. Student Handbook
Registered Nursing A.S.
The Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program prepares graduates to be skilled members and leaders in various health care environments. Students learn valuable nursing skills for the acute care hospital setting through independent study, lectures, simulation demonstrations, practice in the skills lab, and supervised practice in clinical settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. After passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Registered Nurse (RN). The Associate of Science Registered Nursing degree program is ACEN accredited. This program entails a series of pre-requisite courses that can be taken through the Pre-Nursing program at Helena College.
Associate of Science in Registered Nursing - Accepting applications TWICE A YEAR!
- Applications for a Spring 2024 start are accepted during the Fall 2023 term through 5:00 Dec 1, 2023. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted.
- Applications for a Fall 2024 start are accepted during the Spring 2024 term through 5:00 May 15, 2024.
Questions regarding these application times contact the Nursing Department at 406-447-6985 or nursingapplications@helenacollege.edu .
Information on Nurse Licensure Compact and Multi-state Licensure
Effective Oct 1, 2015, Montana joined the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) allowing all MT unencumbered licensees with a primary residence of MT to be eligible for a multi-state license. MT licensees with a primary state of residence in a compact state, can use their compact license to practice in MT. For more information please see the Montana Board of Nursing-Nursing Licensure Compact https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing/ and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for information on other states where the multistate nursing licensee can practice https://www.ncsbn.org/compacts/nurse-licensure-compact.page
TEAS Test
The Fall Semester TEAS TEST will be offered on the first Friday of each month at 10:00am.
Fall DATES: September 2
October 6
November 3
December 1
The TEAS test is a requirement if you are applying for the LPN or ASRN programs.
Registration is $85. To sign up and make payment please call the Cashier at 406-447-6922.
No refunds if you are unable to attend or cancel. Registration fee will forward to a future testing date.
Plan Accordingly!
Should we cancel, all registered students will be called and rescheduled.
Version 7 study resource information and pre-tests are available at ATItesting.com, and the Helena College Library.
For questions please contact the Testing Center at 406-447-6946 or testingcenter@helenacollege.edu. Thank you!
The Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program at Helena College University of Montana at the Donaldson Campus located in Helena, Montana is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Fax (404)975-5020
Website acenursing.orgThe most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
