Healthcare Resource
Montana NP License 2026: Full Practice Authority, Montana BON Process, Salary
In brief
Montana APRNs have full practice authority with no physician collaboration required. Montana Board of Nursing processes in 6-10 weeks. Average salary $104,000/year.
Steps at a glance
Complete NP program and national certification
Graduate from accredited NP program and pass ANCC or AANP certification for your specialty.
Apply for Montana APRN license
Apply to the Montana Board of Nursing for APRN licensure. Fee: $100. Apply online through the Montana DPHHS Professional Licensing portal.
Obtain DEA registration
Montana APRNs have full independent prescribing authority including Schedule II-V. Register with DEA and Montana's PDMP.
Begin independent practice
Montana grants full practice authority on APRN licensure, no physician collaboration required.
In this article
Montana nurse practitioners (APRN) have full practice authority with no physician collaboration required. Average APRN salary in Montana is $104,000/year in 2026, with Billings reaching $110,000-$122,000 at Billings Clinic and SCL Health. Montana's vast geography and sparse population mean APRNs are critical primary care providers across the state.
Montana APRN Practice Authority
Montana is a full practice authority state. APRNs may independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe (Schedule II-V) upon licensure. Montana's rural nature makes full practice authority especially important, APRNs routinely serve as the primary or sole healthcare provider in many communities.
Montana Board of Nursing Application Requirements
- Active Montana RN license
- Graduation from accredited NP program (master's or doctorate)
- National certification from ANCC, AANP, NCC, PNCB, or other Board-approved body
- APRN application fee: $100
- Online application through Montana DPHHS portal
Processing Timeline
Montana Board of Nursing APRN applications typically process in 6-10 weeks.
NP Salary in Montana (2026)
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $112,000 |
| Missoula | $108,000 |
| Great Falls | $104,000 |
| Bozeman | $105,000 |
| Kalispell | $103,000 |
| Rural / Reservation Areas | $98,000-$130,000 |
Top MT Health Systems for APRNs
- Billings Clinic, Montana's largest health system; Level II trauma; regional referral for eastern MT; top APRN pay
- SCL Health St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings; Ascension-affiliated
- Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula; western Montana academic affiliate
- Benefis Health System, Great Falls; north-central MT regional hub
- Indian Health Service / Crow/Northern Cheyenne / Blackfeet Area IHS, Crow Agency, Lame Deer, Browning; federal pay scale + loan repayment
What We See at Ava Health
Montana's IHS positions (Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Blackfeet, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck reservations) offer federal GS-scale salaries substantially exceeding private sector rates in rural MT, plus loan repayment up to $50,000 and housing assistance. Bozeman's tech-driven growth is creating new healthcare demand. NHSC loan repayment eligibility is available across most rural Montana counties.
Related: NP License Idaho 2026, NP License Wyoming 2026, RN Salary Montana 2026.
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