Nursing ASN
What is Nursing?
Are you passionate about helping others and ready to make a difference in healthcare? Nursing is a dynamic and rewarding field that combines medical expertise with hands-on patient care. Nurses are essential to the healthcare system, providing critical support to individuals, families, and communities.
MSU-Northern’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a pre-licensure program that prepares students for entry-level registered nursing positions. Through a combination of classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical experience, this program equips students with the skills needed to provide high-quality patient care. Graduates of the ASN program qualify to sit for the Next Gen-NCLEX exam, the required licensure test to become a registered nurse (RN).
Why Choose the ASN Nursing Program?
At MSU-Northern, nursing students receive hands-on, accredited training that prepares them for real-world healthcare settings. The in-person ASN program provides a comprehensive foundation in nursing, covering all aspects of patient care from infants to elders. Whether you’re interested in general nursing, emergency care, pediatrics, or another specialty, this program gives you the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
With small class sizes and personalized mentorship, students benefit from one-on-one instruction and support from experienced nursing faculty. You are more than just a number—our faculty are dedicated to your success from day one.
Here are some of the things you'll learn:
- Provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities
- Apply evidence-based practices and critical thinking in patient assessment
- Gain hands-on clinical experience using advanced simulation lab equipment
- Promote health, patient advocacy, and community wellness
- Prepare for entry-level RN positions in various medical settings
MSU-Northern’s ASN program offers state-of-the-art training facilities, including:
- Simulation and skills labs with advanced medical equipment
- Virtual reality simulation using Meta Quest VR headsets for immersive learning
- An Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) Training Center to develop specialized skills
Each student is paired with a faculty advisor for personalized guidance throughout their education. Our advising team is available year-round to offer support, ensuring that students stay on track toward their nursing goals.
Nursing students can also join Northern’s Nursing Club, where they can network, build relationships, and engage in professional development opportunities. Upon graduation, the club sponsors the annual Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, a special event that honors students as they transition into their careers.
MSU-Northern’s ASN program is fully accredited by ACEN and provides a seamless transition into the RN-BSN program for those who want to continue advancing their careers. The in-person, hands-on training emphasizes collaborative learning and direct faculty mentorship. Our students benefit from:
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
- One-on-one tutoring and mentoring from nursing faculty
- High job placement rates, with many students securing jobs before graduation
MSU-Northern’s ASN graduates are highly sought after, with hospitals and clinics actively recruiting students before they even complete the program.
Nursing is a high-demand, rewarding career, offering opportunities in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The ASN program prepares students for entry-level RN positions, while the RN-BSN program allows graduates to advance into leadership roles and specialized fields.
| Career | Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN) |
Provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about various health conditions, and offers emotional support to patients and their families. | $86,070 |
| Community Health Nurse | Works within communities to improve overall health by providing education, preventive care, and direct health services, often focusing on underserved populations. | $64,930 |
| Public Health Nurse | Focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations by assessing health trends, implementing educational campaigns, and advocating for improved health policies. | $94,480 |
| Clinical Nurse Educator | Provides training and education to nursing staff and students, developing curricula, and ensuring that clinical practices meet current standards and guidelines. | $87,310 |
*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.
The Academic Map provides a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of the courses required to complete the program.
Example Courses :
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Foundation of Nursing
- Adult Nursing
- Mental Health Concepts
Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities. Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.
For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
Additional Cost:
ASN Nursing Program Fee: $600 (2024-2025)
ASN Program Mission Statement
MSU-Northern ASN Program provides a high-quality nursing program that prepares students
to become graduate nurses entering the profession of nursing.
Montana State University-Northern Department of Nursing Associate of Science Degree
in Nursing (ASN) is fully approved by:
Montana State Board of Nursing (MT BON)
301 South Park
PO Box 2000513
Helena MT 59620-0513
406-841-2300
nurse.mt.gov
The RN-BSN Completion Program follows the Rules and Statutes of the Montana State Board of Nursing.
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) Program at MSU-Northern located in Havre, Montana and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN Completion) program is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes
Programmatic Outcome Statistics
|
Expected Level |
2024 |
2023 | 2022 | ||
| Performance on Licensure exam-ASN Program only |
First Time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate will be 80% or higher |
First Time pass rate 80% (12/15) Ultimate Pass Rate 100% (15/15) |
First Time pass rate 83.33%(15/18) Ultimate Pass Rate 94.4%(17/18) |
First Time pass rate 60% (12/20) Ultimate Pass Rate 100%(20/20) |
|
| Program Completion |
ASN Program: 80% will earn their ASN degree within 3 years of entering the program |
82.35% A=17 G=14 Still in process |
95% A=20 G=19 |
100% A=20 G=20 |
A=Number of students admitted to program G=Number of Graduates who completed the program |
| Program Completion |
50% of students entering the RN to BSN program will complete the program on time within 5 semesters. Students will still have up to 5 years to complete the program if not completed on time. |
% A=16 G=In process P=In process |
83.33% A=18 G=15 P=3 |
76.19% A=21 G=14 P=2 In process |
A=Number of students admitted to program G=students who graduated on time within 5 semesters P= students who complete the program within 5 years |
| Job Placement |
80% of graduates will be employed in nursing within 12 months of graduation |
ASN Program 100% RN-BSN Program In process |
ASN Program 94.4% RN-BSN Program 72.2% |
ASN Program 95% RN-BSN Program 100% |
Dr. Jaime Duke DNP, RN, Director of Nursing
Office: Hagener Science Center 109
Phone: (406) 265-3582
Kasthuri Udayakumar DNP, RN
Office: Hagener Science Center 107
Phone: (406) 265-3529
Dr. Frank Zuccala DNP, FNP-BC, FAWM
Office: Hagener Science Center 110
Phone: (406) 265-3591
Jenni Pula BSN, RN
Office: Hagener Science Center 106
Phone: (406) 265-3748
Mary Pappas Ed.D, RN, CNE
Professor Emeritus
Phone: (406) 265-4796
Adjunct Faculty:
Carmen Salveson MSN, RN