How long does it take to get a Montana nursing license?

To practice nursing in Montana, you need an MBN license. The Montana Board of Nursing (MBN) oversees the regulation of nursing in the state.

Candidates must successfully complete an accredited nursing program, pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Nursing, and possess a current U.S. Social Security Number to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in Montana. To become an RN, no prior experience is necessary.

From the time the MBN office receives the applicant's Montana nursing license application and the necessary supporting papers, a regular application should be processed within 30 business days.

Processing delays may occur with non-routine applications. The MBN must receive the applicant's application and all supplementary materials 15 days before the next scheduled Board meeting to conduct a timely review.

Within 24 hours of the license being issued, applicants can monitor their licensure status on the Montana DLI License Search page.

How to Obtain Your Montana Nursing License?

First Step: Education

Top-notch education is the first requirement for any nursing career. Graduates of accredited programs from other states are also eligible to apply for licensing. There are many state-approved nursing degree programs available in Montana, including bachelor's and associate's options.

• Nursing Associate Degree (ADN)
• Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN)
• For people who have a bachelor's degree and take the extra classes required to become registered nurses, there is an accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing.

Second Step: Apply

By making an account on the Citizen Portal of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, newly graduating nurses can start their online application for a Montana registered nursing license or download and submit a paper application for licensing.

You can finish the application and send in the $100 fee once your account has been set up (add $25 more if you decide to apply for a temporary permit.)

When submitting a paper application, the candidate must also include payment in the form of a check, money order, or cashier's check made out to the Montana Board of Nursing.

In addition, you must pay the $200 registration fee and register for the NCLEX exam. You can either contact 1-866-496-2539 or complete the process online at Pearson VUE.

Third Step: Submit Your Transcripts

The Montana Board of Nursing must receive official transcripts. Therefore, you must make arrangements for their delivery.

Your nursing school must send this information directly to the Montana Board of Nursing at the following address:

• Montana Board of Nursing
• P.O. Box 200513
• Helena, MT 59601
• Transcripts from your school may be sent electronically to [email protected].

Fourth Step: Check Your Criminal History (CBC)

The Montana Department of Justice (MDOJ) requires fingerprint submissions from all applicants for licenses. An Applicant Rights & Consent to Fingerprint Notice that is part of your application for licensing gives the state permission to receive and examine the findings of your fingerprint background check.

There are two methods for gathering fingerprints. Find out if your local law enforcement agency does non-criminal fingerprinting and if they will provide the proper Fingerprint Card. Then, get in touch with them. You can also find out if you need to get the card from the DOJ beforehand.

Normally, this procedure takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Alternatively, you can make an appointment with the Division of Criminal Investigations-Criminal Records of the Montana Department of Justice in Helena. Your fingerprints must be taken twice by the technician, who must then make two fingerprint cards.

If working with a local law enforcement agency, you must mail the finished Fingerprint Card together with a $30 check or money order payable to the Montana Department of Justice.

The fingerprint card should not be folded or stapled.

Fifth Step: Pass the NCLEX

The NCLEX-RN exam is the last step in the licensing process. A notification will be sent to Pearson VUE and they will email you an Authorization to Test once the Montana Board of Nursing has received all of your information, your registration fee, and your supporting documentation.

If you pass the NCLEX exam, you will get a notification that your license has been issued. You have 45 days to retake the test if you don't pass it the first time. Note that you must submit the completed Application to Retake the NCLEX form along with the $50 application fee before you can retake the exam.

If it has been more than a year since your initial application for licensure by examination, you must submit a new exam application and pay the whole amount.