Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program gives Boulder nursing student advantage
From the time she was a young child, Jesse Harris always knew she wanted to pursue a career in health care. Her grandmother was a nurse who recommended going into the profession, and the rest is history.
Now a junior at Montana Technological University, Harris is in her second semester of the university’s nursing program and says the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program has made all the difference in helping her reach her lifelong dream.
“I’m so glad I applied because it saved me a lot of time and stress a year ago when everyone was worried about the TEAS test,” Harris said. “I could just focus on my classes instead of stressing about getting into the program. Knowing I already had a spot was such a relief.”
The Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program selects 25 top Montana high school seniors every year from a pool of qualified applicants. Additionally, applicants will be considered for a $500 scholarship. All incoming freshmen selected for the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program secure clinical spots in the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing. The Sherry Lesar School of Nursing is ranked the top nursing school in Montana on Niche.com’s 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in America. The school’s excellent reputation helps draw applicants from across the United States.
By applying and being selected for one of the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program spots, the student needs to maintain a 3.5 grade point average in pre-nursing coursework in order to enroll in the clinical portion of the nursing program, after taking prerequisites. Program participants get to bypass one of the major hurdles to clinical selection: the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam.
The TEAS exam is a test administered to gain admission into the clinical portion of nursing school. At Montana Tech for students in the traditional nursing track, the exam score is factored into the application, along with one’s overall GPA, and grades in certain prerequisites.
Director of Nursing Janet Coe, calls the program a tremendous opportunity.
"The ability to have direct entry into the clinical portion of a nursing program is a tremendous opportunity for our Montana students,” Coe said. “It awards a prestigious honor for students with a clear understanding of the professional nurse role and who demonstrate high academic performance along with strong work ethic and leadership. Selection criteria gives students from all Montana communities, large and small, an opportunity to be honored."
Harris first learned about the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program while completing the CNA program through Highlands College in high school.
“I saw it on Montana Tech’s website, and it seemed like a great opportunity,” she said. “It was one of the easiest applications I did. I’d tell anyone who qualifies to apply, you’ll be thankful later.”
Harris sees herself working somewhere in Montana in the future.
“I’ve just always loved kids, so right now I’m leaning toward pediatrics or labor and delivery,” she said.
Like many nursing students, Harris is finding balance to be the most difficult part of the program. “It’s tough figuring out how much to study without overdoing it, while also trying to have a life outside of school,” she said. Still, she stays motivated by focusing on her long-term goal. “Every day, I’m one step closer to becoming a nurse. That’s what keeps me going.”
For Harris, the Nursing Scholar’s Edge Program has provided the confidence and peace of mind to keep her focused on her path. “It’s competitive, but if you can do it, it’s worth it,” she said. “I’m very thankful I was thinking ahead.”
Applications to the Nursing Scholars Edge Program are open now. The deadline to submit is 4 p.m. on January 15, 2026. Questions? Email nursing@mtech.edu. Click here to view the Nursing Scholars Edge website.