Montana State University’s accelerated nursing program is attracting non-traditional students seeking a career change, with participants citing the program’s intensive structure and supportive environment as key factors in their decision.
Lara Schulz, who previously worked as a massage therapist for 20 years, was admitted to the Bozeman campus after completing prerequisite classes while managing family responsibilities. She chose the accelerated program to secure reliable health insurance for her family and appreciated its fast-paced nature. “I had a calendar that I used, and I wrote on the cover page something like, ‘This is a challenge that will help me grow.’ And it’s true,” Schulz said. After graduating in August 2024, she began working as a family medicine nurse at Bozeman Health.
The accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program at MSU allows students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field to complete their nursing education in one year instead of two. There are 80 ABSN students across five campuses, with only 16 spots available each year on the Bozeman campus.
Sarah Shannon, dean of MSU’s nursing college, said: “At MSU, we are driven by a goal to bolster the nursing workforce throughout Montana. We are committed to supporting anyone, no matter their age or past career, to become a professional nurse. Our accelerated BSN program provides a rigorous, comprehensive option for students looking to earn their degree as quickly as possible. Our ABSN graduates are sought out by employers across Montana and the nation.”
Michael Walsh graduated from the Billings campus in August 2025 after working several years in banking following his first degree from MSU in agricultural business. He said he was drawn to nursing due to his desire for more hands-on work and personal connections. “Everybody very much wants you to succeed, and the professors were always available for questions,” Walsh said of the program. “They did a really good job of preparing us – I was in the hospital all day, twice a week for basically six months, so I got a lot of hands-on experience that helped me prepare to pass my board exam and start this job.” Walsh now works as an ICU nurse at Billings Clinic.
Walsh also noted recent growth at MSU’s College of Nursing made possible by Mark and Robyn Jones’ $101 million donation funding new buildings on each campus.
Shea Snyder completed her biology degree at University of California Irvine before becoming an EMT and later moving into dialysis work in Montana. She valued small class sizes within the accelerated program—13 students compared with 40 in traditional programs—and felt supported by both peers and faculty during her studies. “If you are serious about nursing, I would definitely recommend this program,” Snyder said.
Greg Eller began studying on MSU’s Kalispell campus after careers as an airplane mechanic, skydiving instructor, and dentist. At age 53 he decided to enter nursing following burnout from dentistry and volunteer work with hospice patients. Eller advised others considering such changes: “It’s better to experience and feel what it’s like to be a part of something rather than just thinking about what it could be like.”
Delanie Maki pursued her own career shift at age 56 through MSU Missoula’s accelerated track after military service and raising five children. With support from Veterans Affairs covering most tuition costs—and help from her youngest son learning modern technology—she completed her residency at Missoula VA clinic before seeking work as a substitute school nurse. Maki encouraged others not to be deterred by age: “I would say to non-traditional students to not be intimated by your age. If you want to try something new, just jump right in there. Your brain is still working just as well as it did when you were 21… Once I got over myself and my insecurities, it was not a problem at all.”
The stories reflect how Montana State University continues efforts aimed at expanding access for those pursuing second careers or entering healthcare later in life.
