FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT 05, 2025
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence (UP) is proud to announce the launch of an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) cohort in Great Falls, MT. This expansion will offer a full-time BSN pathway designed to address growing demand for registered nurses across Montana and the Pacific Northwest.
Set to begin in May 2026, the ABSN program offers an accelerated option for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree in any field and who wish to pursue a rewarding new career in nursing. The program will run from May 2026 through May 2027, delivering a comprehensive, high-quality education in just 12 months.
The inaugural Great Falls cohort will be limited to 20 seats, ensuring personalized attention and a close-knit learning environment. Students will complete 54 credit hours of rigorous coursework, including immersive clinical experiences, high-fidelity simulation, and instruction in nursing leadership, ethics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
The Great Falls cohort will also serve as the first summer cohort for the program. Starting May 2027, the University of Providence’s Anchorage AK cohort will join the Great Falls cohort in adopting the summer start time after completing its spring 2026 rotation in December. The transition to a summer start time will align the program with commencement ceremonies and allow for a short Christmas break.
“At a time when our healthcare systems are in critical need of skilled nursing professionals, the University of Providence is responding with urgency and vision,” said Dr. Caroline Goulet, Interim President of the University. “This program aligns with our mission to serve the common good and to prepare leaders in healthcare who are ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The application deadline for the Great Falls cohort is February 28, 2026, and strong interest is anticipated. The program will be based on the university’s main campus utilizing a soon-to-launch on-campus skill lab to complete hands-on training. Clinical placements will also be available in both urban and rural healthcare settings throughout the region, exposing students to a diverse range of nursing experiences.
“We are proud to build on the University of Providence’s long legacy of excellence in nursing education,” said Dr. Angela Jukkala, Dean of the School of Health Professions. “This new ABSN program offers a transformative learning experience for career changers who feel called to serve others through the field of nursing.”
Those who are interested in learning more about the Great Falls cohort can visit the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing page or reach out to admissions@uprovidence.edu with specific questions.
The University of Providence (UP) is a private, Roman Catholic Liberal Arts University founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence. The University of Providence honors the Sisters’ vision today by providing a mission-driven education to those that need it the most. UP is located in Great Falls, Montana and offers both undergraduate and graduate level liberal arts programs and health programs. For more information visit www.uprovidence.edu.
