Nursing Programs in Boise, ID

Last Updated On Jul 30, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Boise

Rankings are essential tools for prospective nursing students, offering a clear, data-driven way to compare programs. For our Best Nursing Schools in Boise ranking, Registerednursing.org analyzes state board data to determine which schools best prepare students for licensure. We use NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion, ensuring objective and reliable results. Our methodology can be reviewed at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates in the Boise area have shown fluctuation, but a notable surge occurred in 2023. This suggests recent cohorts performed exceptionally well on the licensure exam.

2021: 87.35% average pass rate (87 students)
2022: 86.95% average pass rate (92 students)
2023: 95.7% average pass rate (93 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in the Boise region has grown steadily each year, indicating expanding program capacity.

2021: 87 graduates
2022: 92 graduates
2023: 93 graduates

Top Performing Schools

College of Western Idaho stands out with the highest average pass rate among Boise-area nursing programs over the past three years.

College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate (144 students)
Northwest Nazarene University: 88.28% average pass rate (128 students)

Biggest Improvements

College of Western Idaho made the most dramatic improvement in pass rates, with a 13.64 percentage point increase. Northwest Nazarene University also saw positive gains.

College of Western Idaho: +13.64% (from 86.36% to 100%)
Northwest Nazarene University: +3.3% (from 88.37% to 91.67%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Among schools with multiple years of data, College of Western Idaho is the only one to maintain an average pass rate above 90%.

College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate (3 years of data)

Eagle Gate College-Boise

Boise, ID - Private 4-year - eaglegatecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Eagle Gate College-Boise offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that can be completed in three years. The program blends online coursework with hands-on training at the Boise campus and clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities. Coursework covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health, maternal-newborn care, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health, with an emphasis on evidence-based care and critical thinking. Students practice in simulation and skills labs and use virtual reality scenarios. The program is CCNE accredited and requires an entrance exam for admission. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN; 2023 BSN cohorts achieved a 100% pass rate. Financial aid, scholarships, wellness coaches, and tutoring are available.

CCNE accredited
Entrance exam required
3-Year program
Complete in three-year pathway
Starts rolling
95% licensure pass rate
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
100% Boise BSN Placement Rate

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, ID - Public 4-Year - cwi.edu

Associate - Registered Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

College of Western Idaho's Associate of Science in Registered Nursing blends classroom theory, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical experience at partner hospitals like Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke's. The ACEN-accredited curriculum covers patient assessment, care planning, and disease prevention, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Admission requires completion of prerequisites and the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam. The three-year program costs roughly $16,612 total, with spring and fall start dates. Graduates enjoy strong job placement within three months, and recent NCLEX pass rates are outstanding: 100% in 2023, 89.1% in 2022, and 86.4% in 2021. Financial aid and scholarships are available, along with the Student Nurses Association for professional growth.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
Entrance exam required
$16,612 total program tuition
3-Year program
Apply by 2026-10-31
2 start dates per year
Starts spring/fall
100% licensure pass rate
Prerequisite courses required
Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID - Private 4-year - nnu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwest Nazarene University's BSN program blends liberal arts with a Christian-based, holistic nursing approach, emphasizing critical thinking, evidence-based care, and clinical judgment. Students complete a five-semester nursing sequence within a traditional four-year degree, gaining 45-90+ clinical hours each semester at Boise Valley healthcare facilities. The Thomas Family Health and Science Center offers state-of-the-art simulation labs, and small class sizes promote personalized mentoring. CCNE-accredited, the program prepares graduates for RN licensure and careers in pediatrics, ICU, oncology, and global medical missions. Recent NCLEX pass rates are 91.67% (2023), 83.78% (2022), and 88.37% (2021). No information is available regarding ACT/SAT entrance exam requirements; contact admissions for details.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
5-Semester program
Rolling admissions
Prerequisite courses required
Financial aid available
Small class sizes for personalized attention
Christian-based environment and curriculum
Active chapter of Student Nursing Association
State-of-the-art labs in Thomas Family Center
45-90+ clinical hours per semester

Boise State University

Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Boise State University’s campus-based BSN program readies students for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level practice as registered nurses. Each fall and spring, a new cohort of about 100 students begins study, with clinical rotations maintaining a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, person-centered care, professional identity, communication, and hands-on learning through a modern simulation center and partnerships with regional hospitals. Recent first-time NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates were 91.53% in 2021, 83.78% in 2022, and 85.44% in 2023. Recognized as Idaho’s #1 nursing program, Boise State has also distributed over $1.6 million in scholarships. This structured, cohort-based track is suitable for those aiming to enter practice quickly or later pursue advanced degrees.

2 start dates per year
Starts fall/spring
Cohort-based structure
Prepares for NCLEX
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
100 students admitted per semester
1:10 faculty-student ratio in clinicals
State-of-the-art simulation center
Strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals

*Source: IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Boise, ID

If you would like to become an RN, the first step is an entry-level training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and your first professional nursing job. In the Boise area, the options for entry-level nursing programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as LPN to RN programs that are designed to help licensed practical nurses transition to careers as registered nurses.

LPN to RN Programs

LPN to RN programs provide a pathway to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing for working practical nurses and prepare nurses to take and pass the NCLEX. Idaho State University is one example of a school that offers an LPN to RN program, which combines classroom lectures, practical training, and clinical experiences, and has options for practical nurses to earn their ADN or BSN degrees.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are popular entry-level nursing programs because they are completed in only two years of study and generally less expensive than BSN programs. The ADN program at the College of Western Idaho prepares students to work as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and offices.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are generally offered at four-year colleges and universities and offer a more in-depth introduction to nursing than an ADN program. Boise State University offers a BSN program that is the largest pre-licensure nursing program in the state of Idaho and includes an inter-professional capstone course and courses in nursing leadership, family health, mental health, environmental health, adult and pediatric care, medical/surgical care, and public health and management.

Learn more about Idaho Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Boise, ID

Many nurses with their ADN decided to go back to school to pursue their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in order to earn a higher wage and have a wider range of job opportunities within the nursing field. RN to BSN or RN to MSN “bridge” programs build on an RN’s experience and prior coursework and help them to earn a higher degree in nursing.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs are often available in an online or hybrid format to accommodate working nurses. Boise State University offers an RN to BSN program in a fully online format that features flexible schedules for working nurses to complete its 30 credit hour requirement.

Find out more about Idaho RN to BSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We've gathered a list of RN to BSN/MSN programs across the country. Each entry shows the school's city and state, key program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit for advancing a nursing career. Explore the table below to discover what these programs offer.