I've been reading posts in allnurses for some time and finally decided to join.
I hold a bachelor's and master's in non-nursing subjects and after experiencing major burnout have decided to return to school. I live in Montana, where nursing programs are few and far between--and very competitive. I would like to take the ABSN route so have decided to apply to a few programs, including University of Providence's ABSN. This program is relatively new. The school is based out of Great Falls, MT, but the ABSN program has clinical sites in Lewistown, MT and Anchorage, AK. I haven't been able to find any posts on here regarding UP. I'm interested to know more!! What are your thoughts, experiences, competitiveness of program, etc. I haven't done all that well in A&P 1 and struggle with science classes in general. Might retake it. Might start looking for a more expensive, accepts everyone program, but not ready to throw in the towel yet.
TLDR: Haven't seen University of Providence (based in Great Falls, MT) on here and want some insight!
@manelynmuck this is so helpful for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
I just figured out the applications open this year in August, rather than April so I'm feeling a little stressed. This would make me put my life on hold for a year as my life is in Juneau, 17 hour drive away. It's a lot to consider.
Hi futureflightnurse2026, manelynmuck elaborated on their academic curriculum down in Lewiston, MT. It is almost identical to the curriculum here in Anchorage.. I believe we had different clinical dates than they had/exam times. This past year they did not notify us about our Summer break until a week or two prior and we still had academic obligations. I personally did not work through the program but I know a few did and it was quite stressful for them because we had clinical dates/exam dates that were changing. However, Alaska offers a 20k/year grant for two years for individuals who are seeking out employment but need to obtain a licensure in order to obtain that employment position. So they help cover the cost of tuition! The people who did apply (including myself) were accepted and I am extremely grateful for it!
I drove up from the lower 48 to do this program! If you feel you're academically prepared, do it! You will get through it, everyone is in the same boat 🙂
That's a great shout-out about the grant program. I wasn't aware of that. For MT, I'd consider checking out the HRSA Nurse Corps scholarship, which requires recipients work for two years in a "vulnerable" population after graduation. (If you stay in MT, almost everywhere is considered a vulnerable population because the state is so rural overall.) I received this scholarship, as did one other student in my cohort who applied.
@Trout25 do you know the name of the scholarship? I've heard of the HRSA scholarship which would probably apply to me since I'll be working in Alaska but I'm not familiar with any others.
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development - I believe it falls under the Alaska Workforce Grant. The address is 3301 Eagle St, Anchorage AK 99503. Tell the front desk that you would like to discuss the details of the Alaska workforce grant. You will fill out basic information with an employee so bring you ID, but from there they will assign you a case manager where the lengthy application process starts.
You have to be in school. You cannot be graduated from a program and expect tuition reimbursement. So make sure you are enrolled!
FutureFlightNurse2026
3 Posts
@manelynmuck this is so helpful for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
I just figured out the applications open this year in August, rather than April so I'm feeling a little stressed. This would make me put my life on hold for a year as my life is in Juneau, 17 hour drive away. It's a lot to consider.