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. Students who intend to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Montana State University may prefer to spend two semesters on the Bozeman campus prior to upper-division placement in order to avoid taking the required lower division nursing courses simultaneously. Students may apply for acceptance into clinical nursing (junior and senior years), to one of MSU's upper-division campuses located in Billings, Great Falls and Missoula up to a year prior to placement regardless of whether or not they have been admitted to MSU.
A grade of "C" or better is required in the following specific courses for admission to clinical nursing. The following courses may not be repeated more than once regardless of where taken. 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. Admisssion is based strictly on grade prioritization. A grade average of 2.50 or better is required at the time of application to clinical nursing. MSU general education requirements and elective credits need to be satisfied prior to graduation. Due to occasional changes in the curriculum and degree requirements, it isessential to contact the pre-nursing advisor before course selection and enrollment.
Lower-Division, pre-requisite courses required by Montana State University's College of Nursing available at UM:
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 of Science in Nursing degree can be obtained at MSU Northern, Havre; Miles Community College, Miles City; and Salish Kootenai College, Pablo; a baccalaureate degree in nursing can be obtained at MSU Northern, Havre; Carroll College, Helena; and Montana State University, Bozeman.