UM-Helena Nursing Programs

What type of job can I get?

Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurse

Job outlook & wages

LPN Median Wage in MT*:  $35,670

LPN Median Wage in US*:  $40,380

LPN Expected Growth in MT*:  13.1%

LPN Expected Growth in US*:  20.6%

RN Median Wage in MT*:  $56,790

RN Median Wage in US*:  $64,690

RN Expected Growth in MT*:  19.9%

RN Expected Growth in US*:  22.2%

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections; MT Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and Analysis Bureau

Degrees

Associate of Applied Science – Practical Nursing

Associate Degree Leading to Registered Nursing

What you’ll learn

The nursing curricula prepare graduates to function as members of the health care team in various health care environments.  The curricula focus on preparation for employment and articulation.  The nursing programs consist of an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing and an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing.  The nursing program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.  The practical nurse 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.  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.  Graduate of the program are eligible to apply for the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) PN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing.  Upon passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN.  Admission into the PLN program is by application only.  The application process includes a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-entrance exam.  Applications are good for current start only; current applications are available through the nursing department.  The application process requires that a student successfully complete the following coursework with a “C” or better.

The Associate degree program prepares graduates to function as members and leaders of health care teams in various health care environments.  The curriculum focuses on preparation for employment.  Some of the coursework is transferable.  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.  Entry into the ASRN program is by application-only in the spring or fall semester.  Applications are available through the nursing department.  The application process includes a LPN STEP pre-entrance exam and a physical examination.  Applications are good for current year only; current applications are available through the nursing department.  The application process requires that a student have a current, unencumbered LPN licensure (from any state) and/or is a graduate of the statewide curriculum PN program, and has successfully completed all necessary pre-requisite coursework with a “C” or better.  

Program cost

$8,678 - $13,378 (Depending on length of program)

Potential employers

Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Physician Offices, and Other Health Care Agencies

Instructors

Sandy Sacry (Program Director)

Candace Pescosolido

Karmen Williams

Chris Keener

The nursing curricula prepare graduates to function as members of the health care team in various health care environments. The curricula focus on preparation for employment and articulation. The nursing programs consist of an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing, and an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. The nursing program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

In the Fall of 2010, the statewide curriculum for the PN program will be implemented which means all PN students will be required to have all 8 prerequisite classes completed before being admitted into the clinical portion of the program. PN students will be admitted in both the fall and spring semesters.

The associate of science degree leading to the registered nursing program is currently following the statewide curriculum, continuing as a Fall-Spring sequence program.

Admission to the program also requires completion of the UM-Helena application for admission and the  nursing program application.  Applications are also available through the nursing department at the Donaldson Campus at UM-Helena. Deadlines can be obtained from the nursing department and will be posted on the webpage. A student may apply while enrolled in the prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after the current completed semester grades are finalized. A general physical examination is part of the application process.

A student must maintain a “C” or better in each of the courses required and complete each semester prior to progressing to the next semester. After the student is accepted into the nursing program, he or she must provide proof of the following health requirements: tuberculosis testing using the PPD or chest x-ray; Hepatitis B vaccine (a series of three injections); MMR series (those born before 1956 and did not receive the MMR will have to complete a titer); illness or vaccination for Varicella (chicken pox); Tetanus ; current CPR for the Health Care Provider and a criminal background check.

Students who have been accepted into the nursing program are required to have laptop computers.  Please see the recommendations/requirements below.

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 Ghz or equivalent       
• 15.4 Widescreen Display       
• 120 GB HD (250 GB or higher recommended)       
• 3 GB (3072 MB) RAM       
• Wireless Adapter      
• CD/DVD Burner       
• 256 MB Video (NVidia preferred)       
• 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty  

Operating System Requirements (one of the following)

• Windows XP Pro       
• Windows Vista Business Edition
• Windows 7, 32 bit