Protecting Access to Nursing Education in Montana
What You Need to Know
“I heard Nightingale is being sued in Montana. Is that true?”
Actually, it’s the opposite: Nightingale is the one taking action. Nightingale and one of our learners filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana, not the other way around. We’re standing up for learners’ right to get quality clinical training, no matter where they live.
Why did Nightingale file a lawsuit?
Montana has a regulation that makes it very difficult for students in out-of-state nursing programs—like Nightingale—to complete required clinical training there. In-state nursing schools get automatic approval for clinical placements, but out-of-state programs must go through a burdensome, case-by-case approval process and can even be blocked if an in-state competitor objects. We believe that’s unfair, and it hurts learners and Montana’s own nursing shortage.
Does this mean something is wrong with my program?
Not at all. This has nothing to do with the quality of your education or your ability to graduate and get licensed. It’s about making sure learners in Montana, or learners who want to complete clinicals there, have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Why is Pacific Legal Foundation involved?
Pacific Legal Foundation is a respected nonprofit legal organization that represents individuals and institutions facing unfair government regulations. They’re representing Nightingale, free of charge, because they believe–as we do–that this regulation unfairly restricts students’ access to nursing education.
What is Nightingale trying to accomplish?
We want every qualified learner to have equal access to hands-on clinical training, regardless of what state their program is based in. A win in this case would remove an unnecessary barrier and help more students—especially in rural, underserved areas—become the nurses their communities need.
Will this affect my enrollment, clinical placements, or graduation timeline?
No. This lawsuit doesn’t change your program, your coursework, or your path to graduation. It’s focused specifically on removing a state-level barrier so future students have more, not fewer, options for where they complete clinical training.
Should I be worried about enrolling because of this?
No. If anything, this shows Nightingale is actively working to protect and expand opportunities for our learners—current and future. We take action like this because we’re committed to making sure a quality nursing education stays accessible, wherever you live.