Montana Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Are you a nurse based in Montana? Nursing license renewal is a process you’ll need to go through every two years to keep your credential active. The process includes submitting a timely application, meeting continuing education requirements, and documenting active nursing practice when applicable. This article outlines all the steps and deadlines you need to know to renew a nursing license.

Montana offers great career opportunities, especially for nurses who love wide-open spaces and natural beauty. With a high demand for nurses in Montana, job prospects are strong. Plus, the lifestyle is unbeatable — from the Yellowstone Valley to the river valleys of Bozeman, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your downtime. Let’s break down the renewal process so you can make the most of Montana’s career and lifestyle benefits.

Montana Nursing Facts

Staying current with requirements is vital for healthcare professionals in Montana state. Nursing license renewal is an essential process for maintaining an active nursing license. To complete the process successfully, here are some important details to have handy:

Is Montana part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes, Montana is a part of the NLC. Check out our article on the Montana Nurse Practice Act.

How much do nurses in Montana earn?

• The average CNA salary in Montana is $42,020 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Montana is $58,710 per year.
• The average RN salary in Montana is $88,480 per year.
• The average NP salary in Montana is $131,560 per year.

How can I contact the Montana Board of Nursing?

The contact information below will be useful if you have any questions or concerns.

Montana Board of Nursing Phone Number: 406-444-6880

Montana Board of Nursing Email Address: dlibsdhelp@mt.gov

Montana Board of Nursing Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing/

Montana Board of Nursing Physical Address:

301 South Park, Suite 401
Helena, MT 59620

Montana Board of Nursing Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513

How to Renew a Nursing License in Montana: 3 Steps

The steps below cover the key Montana nursing license renewal requirements for nurses based in the state. If your license was issued in another compact state, you should renew it there. If your license is from a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply for Montana licensure by endorsement or examination.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

So what is the first thing you need to know as a Montana nurse? License renewal deadlines. RN, LPN, and APRN licenses must be renewed every two years, with expiration set for December 31.

For example, if your license was issued in an even-numbered year, you must renew during even-numbered years. Licenses issued during odd-numbered years follow the same two-year renewal pattern.

CNA certifications must be renewed every two years from the issue date by the last day of the month.

A Note About Continuing Education

RNs, LPNs, and APRNs: As of November 18, 2023, Montana nurses don’t have continuing education requirements. The board still expects nurses to stay competent in their practice, so if continuing education helps you maintain your skills, it’s a good idea to keep earning those credits.

CNAs: You aren’t required to complete continuing education. Instead, you must have done paid work over the past 24 months to be eligible for recertification.

Tip: Want to pick up new skills? Even though completing continuing education hours isn’t mandatory in Montana, it can enhance your skills and, sometimes, your nursing resume. Check out IntelyEdu’s ANCC-accredited courses.

Step 2: File Your License Renewal Application

Have you met all the Montana nursing license requirements? It’s time to apply for renewal.

RNs, LPNs, and APRNs:The entire process is done online through the Montana Board of Nursing application portal. Simply log in, complete the form, provide the required details, and pay the fee.

The Montana nursing license renewal fee schedule is listed below:

• RN: $100
• LPN: $100
• APRN: $50 (you’ll also need to renew your RN license) and $75 (if you have a prescriptive authority)

Once you submit your application, your license status can be checked online anytime through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry online verification portal.

CNAs: All renewals must now be completed online through the Bounds portal. You can start your renewal up to 90 days before your certificate expires, and your renewal status can be checked anytime using the online verification tool.

Great Cities in Montana for Nursing Jobs

License renewed? Check! Now it’s time to find your next role. Here are some nursing opportunities currently open across Montana:

• RN jobs in Montana
• LPN jobs in Montana
• CNA jobs in Montana
• NP jobs in Montana

You can also check out great nursing opportunities in some of the state’s most populous cities:

• Billings
• Missoula
• Great Falls
• Bozeman
• Butte-Silver Bow

These Employers Are Hiring Nurses in Montana

Prefer to browse by employer? Check out the latest nursing openings at these Montana hospitals, medical centers, and long-term care facilities:

• Benefis Health System
• Billings Clinic
• Bozeman Health
• Earnest Health
• Granite Peak Home Health
• Great Falls Clinic
• Logan Health
• Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation
• Skyline Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation
• Southwest Montana Veteran’s Home
• Indian Health Service (IHS)

Not interested in bedside care? With a compact license, telehealth roles let you work across NLC states — just check each employer’s rules. Additionally, you can also explore opportunities in education, consulting, and informatics. These jobs can also be great side-hustles for nurses who want to earn extra income.

Ready to Start Your Montana Nursing License Renewal?

Now that you know what to do, get started on your license renewal today! Need some motivation? Check out the nursing jobs in Montana waiting for you on IntelyCare.