Montana Online NP Programs
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“With limited availability of providers throughout the entire state, nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to fill a much-needed role in caring for communities across Montana.”
Brittany Eppard, APRN, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Headwaters Wellness
In Montana, where communities are often separated by wide stretches of open land and rugged terrain, nurse practitioners (NPs) serve as a critical lifeline for accessible healthcare. With limited access to physicians in many rural and frontier areas, NPs frequently step into primary provider roles, delivering everything from preventive care to chronic disease management. Their ability to practice independently under Montana’s full practice authority laws makes them especially valuable in a state where distance can be one of the biggest barriers to care.
Employment trends reflect this growing reliance on advanced practice nurses. In 2022, Montana was home to roughly 880 nurse practitioners, and that number is expected to rise to 1,330 by 2032, a 51 percent increase. This upward trajectory highlights the increasing demand for skilled, versatile providers who can adapt to the diverse healthcare needs of both urban and remote populations. For registered nurses looking to take on greater responsibility and autonomy, Montana’s online NP programs offer a direct path to meaningful work and long-term career growth in a state that truly needs them.
Meet the Expert: Brittany Eppard, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Brittany Eppard is a board-certified nurse practitioner with dual credentials in adult-gerontology acute care (AGACNP-BC) and psychiatric mental health (PMHNP-BC). Currently, she is a nurse practitioner at Headwater’s Wellness in Kalispell, MT. She earned both specializations from Winona State University in Minnesota. Eppard began her career in acute care, working in the hepatobiliary surgical department at the Mayo Clinic. Over time, she developed a deep appreciation for the role mental health played in her patients’ overall well-being, which inspired her to pursue psychiatric nursing. Since 2018, she has focused her practice exclusively on mental health care.
Eppard takes a whole-person approach to treatment, prioritizing collaboration and patient education to tailor care plans that meet each individual’s needs. Her goal is to empower patients with knowledge and a range of evidence-based options to support their mental health. Outside of her clinical work, Eppard finds balance and inspiration in nature. She enjoys spending time outdoors, whether skiing, fly fishing, hiking, or simply exploring the forest.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about nurse practitioners in Montana?
Eppard: One thing I wish the public understood about nurse practitioners in Montana is what an asset they can be to our healthcare system. With limited availability of providers throughout the entire state, nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to fill a much-needed role in caring for communities across Montana.
NPs in our state practice independently and have the training and education to do so safely and effectively. Increasing the number of nurse practitioners would help accommodate the need for more prompt and accessible care for people throughout Montana.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring nurse practitioner students?
Eppard: For those aspiring to become nurse practitioners, my advice is to build a strong educational foundation and seek as much clinical experience as possible. It is also important to remain open-minded about the various ways we can serve our communities, especially given the limited resources available in many parts of the state. Being creative in service modalities is essential and will allow us to deliver high-quality care to as many Montanans as possible.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Montana (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Montana State University – Bozeman |
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NP Practice Authority in Montana
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Montana?
| United States | Montana | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 1,050 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $131,560 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $103,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $112,180 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $133,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $141,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $163,160 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.