Student finds success, opportunity through Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program
When Caitlin Olson researched nursing programs as a senior at Broadwater High School, two things drew her to Montana Technological University’s Sherry Lesar School of Nursing: reputation and affordability.
Online searches of “#1 Nursing School” kept bringing up Montana Tech.
“Montana Tech has the best nursing school in Montana, and I wanted to be part of that,” Olson said. “I knew if I wanted the best education and the most opportunities, Montana Tech was the place to go.”
Olson also found that Montana Tech was more affordable than other nursing schools in the state. She was further able to cut down costs by applying for every scholarship she could find, earning over $30,000.
“It was a huge relief,” she said. “I knew nursing school would be rigorous, so having that financial support meant I could spend more time on what mattered — learning how to be the best nurse I can be.”
When Olson visited campus, Assistant Professor Laurie Noel told her about another opportunity that could make her nursing journey easier: the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program.
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.
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 schools. At Montana Tech, your exam score is factored into your application, along with your 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."
The program allowed Olson to begin her nursing journey with focus and peace of mind.
“When I found the Nursing Scholars Edge program, it felt like the right fit. It gave me confidence knowing I had a spot waiting for me. Instead of stressing about whether or not I’d get into the clinical program, I was able to concentrate on my studies and on getting involved,” she said.
Looking ahead, Olson hopes to specialize in women’s health.
“My dream is to work in labor and delivery, and eventually midwifery,” she said. “Down the road, I’d also love to teach future nurses. The idea of giving back to students the way my professors have inspired me really excites me.”
For future students considering Montana Tech, Olson’s advice is straightforward.
“Apply early, apply for all the scholarships you can, and keep your grades up. And definitely come tour campus. It’s one thing to hear about the program, but once you’re on campus, you can really see how much support there is here.”
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.