Best Online Nursing Programs in Helena, MT (2026)
Helena, Montana has a population of about 33,126. The city’s median household income is $69,341 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 50.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Helena. In the Helena, MT metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,590 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Helena
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Helena city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena, MT | 0.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte, MT | 52.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls, MT | 70.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | 78.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | 95.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Montana schools on the Montana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Helena
Helena is part of the Helena, MT metro area (BLS area code 25740). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Montana statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $87,630 | Helena, MT | $91,567 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,920 | Helena, MT | $62,612 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,590 | Helena, MT | $134,368 |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,640 | Helena, MT | $42,466 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Helena at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,126 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,341 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 50.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 95.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Lewis and Clark County | 2,500 workers, 37 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Helena-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Butte, MT – 56.8 mi away (30,584 pop)
- Great Falls, MT – 71.2 mi away (65,960 pop)
- Bozeman, MT – 78.2 mi away (52,391 pop)
- Missoula, MT – 96.1 mi away (89,017 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Helena, MT?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Helena. The closest is Helena College University of Montana in Helena, MT (0.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is The University of Montana (95.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Helena?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Helena are: Nurse Practitioner ($128,590), Registered Nurse ($87,630), Licensed Practical Nurse ($59,920). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Montana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Butte instead of Helena?
Butte, MT is 56.8 miles from Helena and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Helena an affordable place to study nursing?
Helena’s median household income of $69,341 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Helena while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Montana public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.