Leanne Hanson

Leanne Hanson

Sometimes, a single campus visit can shape the course of a career. For Leanne Hanson, touring Northern's nursing facilities as a prospective student proved to be just such a moment. The hands-on learning environment and personal attention she experienced that day would ultimately guide her path to becoming a healthcare leader in Montana.

"I was impressed by how hands-on the staff was with the students in their learning," Hanson recalls. "The smaller class sizes allowed me to learn in an environment similar to what I was familiar with." This supportive atmosphere would become the foundation of her nursing education at Northern.

Hanson's academic journey progressed steadily, earning her Associate of Science in Nursing in 2017, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in psychology in 2018. Throughout her time at Northern, she found herself surrounded by mentors who went above and beyond to ensure student success.

Among these mentors, two names stand out particularly in Hanson's memory: Valerie Hickman and Belinda Potter from the Northern library. "They were incredibly encouraging and provided valuable support, both academically and personally," she shared. "They helped me transition back into school and were great resources for anything school-related and beyond. I truly couldn't have done it without them!"

Today, Hanson serves as the Emergency Room and Trauma Coordinator at Fort Belknap, approaching her eighth year as a Registered Nurse. Her commitment to advancing healthcare in Montana continues to grow – she has earned her SANE certification and is now just one year away from completing her Nurse Practitioner Doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health through MSU-Bozeman.

When asked what she would tell prospective students about Northern, Hanson's enthusiasm is evident. "Tour the campus—you'll feel at home and realize that while Northern may be a small school in a small community, its facilities and resources offer so much more than most people realize!" she says. "The technology and advancements available are on par with those at larger campuses, all while maintaining that small-town, close-knit atmosphere."

Hanson's journey from Northern student to healthcare leader exemplifies the power of combining advanced education with personal attention. Her success demonstrates how Northern's unique learning environment prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to healthcare in Montana's communities, one patient at a time.

Find out more about the MSUN Nursing program!