Sherry Lesar School of Nursing Ranked Best in Montana by RegisteredNursing.org

The Sherry Lesar School of Nursing at Montana Technological University is ranked the #1 nursing program in Montana in the 2023 Top Ranked Nursing Schools listing by RegisteredNursing.org.

The rankings are determined by comparing the past five years of first-time pass rate data for the NCLEX-RN test, a national licensing exam for registered nurses. Pass rates from the most recent test year are given more weight, and scores from five years ago are given less weight in the process.

“We are so excited and proud to receive this ranking,” explained Janet Coe, director of Nursing at Montana Tech. “This recognition and our high NCLEX pass rates is a wonderful reflection of the passion and dedication of our students, as well as the commitment and dedication of the amazing faculty who role-model their nursing expertise and support students in their individual area of need. I am honored every day to work these amazing individuals.”

Montana Tech is the only 4-year public university to make the top five. Private institutions Carroll College and the University Providence come in at #2 and #4, respectively. Flathead Valley Community College and Helena College are also in the top five.

"These rankings continue to be a testament to the passion, commitment, and leadership of our faculty and students in our nursing program," noted Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook. "Our most recent graduates had a 100% placement on the NCLEX exam, and this is saying something given that their first semester in the nursing program was at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We're certainly proud of all that they accomplish and the impact they have on our communities."

It has been a historic year for the Lesar School of Nursing. In the fall of 2021, the school received an unprecedented gift of $7 million from Dave and Sherry Lesar. The funds will help grow and sustain the nursing program's quality and impact the students, faculty, and curriculum. Funds from the endowed gift will be used to provide student scholarships, professional development opportunities for faculty, leadership training, and advanced degrees, including a plan to offer a master's degree in nursing education in the next five to seven years.

In May 2022, the university held a grand opening of the Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center. This facility is approximately 5,000 square feet and offers four simulation suites with the ability to flex space to hospital, home, or office settings, debriefing rooms, and telehealth rooms. In addition, the center includes a nurse's station and medication room for student-simulated learning experiences.

The school was also ranked as a top 20 program in the nation this spring by EDSmart, a nationally recognized publisher of college resources and independent rankings.