Direct Admit BSN
Salish Kootenai College Direct Admit 4-year BSN degree program utilizes best practices in higher education: robust curriculum that includes coursework designed for nurses to be exemplary clinicians and nurse leaders, high fidelity simulation, small faculty- to- student ratios, and patient-centered clinical sites including urban and rural hospitals located in Missoula, Mission Valley, and Kalispell areas in Montana. The nursing faculty all have graduate degrees and have been recognized as leaders in teaching excellence. SKC is accredited through Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. SKC Nursing Programs are accredited through Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Nursing Program Overview
Early Admission:
Students admitted through the early entry pathway begin the nursing program immediately—no need to reapply after completing two years of prerequisites.
Transfer Option:
Students may also transfer into the program as sophomores, depending on space and prerequisites completed.
Rigorous First-Year Curriculum:
First-year courses include chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and math. Students should be prepared for a demanding academic workload and a strong commitment to studying.
Cohort-Based Learning:
Students progress through the four-year program as a cohort, fostering collaboration and peer support.
Program Timeline:
The next cohort begins in Fall 2026 and graduates in Spring 2030 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)—now the industry standard for entry into professional nursing roles.
Clinical Experience:
SKC nursing students gain hands-on experience at a variety of clinical sites, including:
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Providence St. Patrick Hospital (Missoula)
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Community Medical Center (Missoula)
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Logan Health (Kalispell)
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Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (Hamilton)
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St. Luke Community Healthcare (Ronan)
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St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson)
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Clark Fork Valley Hospital (Plains)
Students also rotate through extended care facilities, schools, and various community health sites.
Physical Requirements:
Nursing students must be able to stand, sit, and walk for up to 12 hours, and lift up to 100 pounds. Physical demands are particularly high in hospital settings.
Licensure & Career Path:
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing, they become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs).
A BSN is required for employment in federal nursing positions such as the Indian Health Service, military, Veterans Administration, and Public Health agencies. Most hospitals and healthcare organizations also require at least a BSN for new hires.
Background Check Requirement:
A federal background check is required annually. Students with criminal convictions (felony or misdemeanor) involving physical assault, use of weapons, sexual offenses, abuse of vulnerable populations, or property crimes such as robbery, burglary, or felony theft, may be ineligible for program admission, clinical placement, and/or licensure.
No Longer accepting Applications for 2025-2026.
Chronological Order of Requirements of 4-year BSN Program
Detailed information about our program is provided in the SKC catalog.
Nursing handbook can be obtained here.
New 2024-2025 student handbooks are available in the nursing office.