The ASN qualifies the graduate to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse. The program is fully approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The program prepares men and women for entry level Registered Nurse positions in hospitals and other health care agencies.

The first year of the nursing course sequence is offered in both Havre and Lewistown with clinical experiences at various facilities in both communities. Students who begin the program in Havre have the option of completing their second year in Havre or at the MSU-Northern Great Falls campus. Those who begin the program in Lewistown will complete the program at that site.

The BSN provides the opportunity for registered nurses to continue their education in the profession. The BSN program follows the Rules and Statutes of the Montana State Board of Nursing and is fully accredited by the NLNAC. The major builds on previous nursing education and is directed toward an expanded educational base in the areas of nursing leadership and management, community health, and advanced clinical practice. The BSN graduate is prepared as a generalist to practice in varied settings and has the foundation for graduate education.

The BSN classes are scheduled innovatively to meet the needs of adult, non-traditional learners via the internet through Desire2Learn. Most BSN students maintain their jobs and residences and are able to attend classes without moving to the university setting. It is usually possible to attain BSN clinical experiences in the student's geographic area of residence.