Registered Nurse / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Montana data shows for Registered Nurses

Montana's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,757 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Montana folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $75 to get started, plus $75 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 3 weeks once your application is complete. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,757 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$207
Renewal Fee
$145
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$75
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$75
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
24 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

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Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Montana? ▼
Montana requires 2757 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $207. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Montana? ▼
Certification as a registered nurse in Montana means clearing the state's checklist: 2757 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Montana licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Montana from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Montana licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Montana does require a background check before issuing a registered nurse license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Montana? ▼
Montana ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $145 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Montana? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Montana is $75. The renewal fee is $75 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Montana? ▼
In Montana, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.