The Practical Nurse program prepares individuals to function as entry-level practical nurses with the ability to give safe, effective nursing care. The Practical Nurse program at Great Falls College Montana State University is currently approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.

Upon completion of the Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a practical nurse. Students are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for practical nursing.

The Practical Nurse program is a limited enrollment program. Interested students must apply for entry into the program. An application packet is available on the program website. The length of the program is two consecutive semesters after a semester of pre-requisites. For students that live more than 30 miles from Great Falls, Great Falls College MSU offers Practical Nursing as a hybrid program with distance learning options. Starting Fall 2020, Great Falls College MSU will begin offering a part-time option for the Practical Nursing program, completed over four semesters (after completion of pre-requisites) to allow students more flexibility. The students in the part-time option will take classes offered in the same semesters as the full-time option.

Accepted students will be required to provide proof of Health Care Provider CPR certification, a DOT-compliant urine drug screen, a background check, and a series of other specific immunizations. Further detailed information will be included in the acceptance packet. Computer skills are highly recommended.

The Hepatitis B immunization series is strongly recommended before entrance into the program. A student may be denied access to clinical rotations without an adequate Hepatitis B titer. Students having religious or personal conflicts against receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine must sign a release form.