Nursing Programs in Boise, ID
Due to the aging population and the slew of retiring nurses in the state, Idaho is seeing a serious nursing shortage. This makes it an excellent time for new nurses to enter the field in the state. For new nurses, there are several training programs in the Boise area to get you started on a career in nursing, as well as continuing education programs for experienced nurses who would like to advance their careers.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Boise
Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for future success. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Boise to help students make informed decisions. Our rankings focus exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the primary indicator of program quality, ensuring objective comparisons. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
The average NCLEX pass rates in Boise have shown variability in recent years. In 2023, the pass rate peaked at 95.7% with 93 students, while 2022 and 2021 saw rates of 86.95% and 87.35% respectively.
- 2023: 95.7% pass rate with 93 students
- 2022: 86.95% pass rate with 92 students
- 2021: 87.35% pass rate with 87 students
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in Boise demonstrate higher average pass rates compared to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. This comparison helps students evaluate different educational pathways for nursing licensure.
- ADN: 100% pass rate with 45 students
- BSN: 91.67% pass rate with 48 students
Top Performing Schools
Based on average pass rates across multiple years, these Boise nursing schools consistently prepare students for the NCLEX exam. Both institutions have substantial student populations and multiple years of data.
- College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate with 144 students over 3 years
- Northwest Nazarene University: 88.28% average pass rate with 128 students over 3 years
Consistently High Performing Schools
Some nursing programs in Boise maintain exceptional pass rates year after year. These schools demonstrate reliability in preparing graduates for nursing licensure exams.
- College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate with 144 students over 3 years
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 Campus offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, providing flexibility for students. Accredited by the CCNE, the 36-month curriculum emphasizes patient care, leadership, pharmacology, and hands-on learning to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, evaluation of previous college transcripts, and passing the HESI entrance exam. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023, with 44 BSN students achieving this result. Financial aid and career support services are available for eligible students.
- Hybrid program format
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 36 months to complete
- Financial aid available
- HESI entrance exam required
- High school diploma or GED needed
- Previous college transcripts evaluated
- Focus on patient care
- Leadership training included
College of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID - Public 2-Year - cwi.edu
Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Western Idaho offers an ACEN-accredited Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. This campus-based program requires the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam for entry and features state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical partnerships with local hospitals. NCLEX pass rates have shown consistent improvement, reaching 100% in 2023. The program takes three years to complete at an approximate cost of $12,986 and includes competitive admission with fall and spring application deadlines. Graduates benefit from high job placement rates and seamless transfer options to BSN programs.
- Associate of Science degree
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on clinical experience
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Approx. cost $12,986
- 3 years to complete
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Above-national average pass rates
- High job placement rate
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive education blending liberal arts with hands-on clinical experience in the Boise Valley. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission and prepares students for RN licensure through a Christian-based environment. With a strong NCLEX pass rate of 91.67% in 2023, the program emphasizes evidence-based care, cultural diversity, and critical thinking skills. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and 45-90+ hours of clinical experience. Accredited by CCNE, the program offers international mission trips and a holistic approach to patient care within family and community contexts.
- 6-semester nursing program
- Clinical practice in Boise Valley
- 45-90+ hours clinical experience
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Accredited by CCNE
- Small class sizes
- Christian-based environment
- International mission trips
- Liberal arts foundation
- Hands-on learning
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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program directly addresses Idaho's critical nursing shortage with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes professional values, core competencies, and leadership development. The program requires a competitive admission process including a 2.5 GPA and completion of pre-nursing courses, with ACT or SAT entrance exams typically required for bachelor's level admission. Students benefit from over $1.6 million in available scholarships, a low faculty-to-student ratio, and extensive clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings. The program maintains strong NCLEX pass rates, with 85.44% of 158 students passing in 2023, demonstrating effective preparation for nursing licensure. Unique features include a state-of-the-art simulation center, virtual healthcare integration, and strong employer connections throughout the region.
- Addresses Idaho nursing shortage.
- Competitive admission process.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Over $1.6M in scholarships.
- Low faculty-to-student ratio.
- Unique clinical opportunities.
- Strong employer connections.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
- Includes clinical rotations.
- Focus on leadership skills.
Carrington College-Boise
Boise, ID - Private 2-year - carrington.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carrington College-Boise's campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing program provides aspiring nurses with comprehensive healthcare training, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical clinical experience. This program requires a high school diploma or GED for admission but does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum emphasizes patient care techniques, medical procedures, and healthcare ethics, equipping graduates for entry-level nursing positions. NCLEX pass rates have shown improvement, reaching 87.78% in 2023 with 90 students tested. Financial aid options support eligible candidates pursuing this hands-on nursing education pathway.
- Campus-based learning
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hands-on patient care training
- High school diploma required
- Financial aid available
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
Boise, ID
Boise State University
- RN to BSN - RN-BS
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total credit hours required
- 30 upper-division nursing credits
- Online program format
- Credit for prior learning
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
- Minimum 40 upper-division credits
- Post-NCLEX credit opportunities
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Boise, ID
Nurses who have earned their bachelor’s degree and would like to advance their careers to a higher level may want to pursue an advanced practice nursing degree. Options in the Boise area for advanced degrees in nursing include traditional MSN programs, graduate certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
MSN Programs
Traditional MSN programs help experienced nurses with their BSN become certified in a number of advanced practice specialties, such as various nurse practitioner roles, nurse educators, nurse administrators, and clinical nurse leaders. Northwest Nazarene University offers master’s programs in nursing for students who are interested in careers as family nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and educators. Both programs are offered online to accommodate working students.
Find out more about Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Boise State University offers two graduate-level certificate programs that allow master’s-level nurses to learn a new specialty. In this case, graduate certificates in acute care and primary care adult/gerontology are available to licensed nurse practitioners who want to expand their scope of practice. The programs are 19 credit hours and available in an online format.
Find out more about Idaho Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare students for the highest levels of independent nursing practice. In the Boise area, the DNP program at Boise State University includes coursework in advanced principles of population health nursing, health care policy and advocacy, leadership for organizations, systems, and populations, quality improvement and evaluation, healthcare technology, and financial strategies for nurse leaders.
Find out more about Idaho DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Boise
,
Idaho
Boise, ID
Boise State University
- BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Master of Nursing
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Online with Summer Intensives
- Acute Care Concentration
- $890 per Credit Hour
- Clinical Placement Coordinator
- 12 to End-of-Life Patient Care
- Advanced Practice Preparation
- Hybrid Learning Model
- BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Master of Nursing
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Online Course Delivery
- Flexible Clinical Placements
- No Out-of-State Fees
- Primary Care Concentration
- Advanced Practice Preparation
- Summer Intensive Sessions
- Comprehensive Patient Care Skills
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/intensive program
- 100% clinical placement rate
- No out-of-state tuition
- FNP concentration available
- Flexible full/part-time options
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Leadership-focused training
Eagle Gate College-Boise
- BSN to MSN - MSN Administration & Leadership Track
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 36 credit hours.
- 90 instructional weeks.
- 600 instructional hours.
- No entrance exam required.
- No wait list to enter.
- Designed for BSN-prepared RNs.
- Focus on administration and leadership.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 36 credit hours total.
- Nursing Education concentration.
- No entrance exam required.
- No wait list to enter.
- For bachelor-prepared RNs.
- Prepares for teaching roles.
- Financial aid available.
Nampa, ID
Northwest Nazarene University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online flexible learning format
- $840 per credit tuition
- 48-credit MSN program
- National FNP licensure preparation
- Clinicals in home state
- Campus residency hours
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Faith-centered curriculum
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Education MS
Online Learning - Website
- Master of Science in Nursing.
- Leadership and Education emphasis.
- 100% online delivery.
- 36 credit hours.
- $650 per credit tuition.
- $150 per semester technology fee.
- Cohort model for students.
- Two-year completion time.
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Boise, ID
Boise, ID
Boise State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Addresses Idaho nursing shortage.
- Competitive admission process.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Over $1.6M in scholarships.
- Low faculty-to-student ratio.
- Unique clinical opportunities.
- Strong employer connections.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
Carrington College-Boise
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based learning
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hands-on patient care training
- High school diploma required
- Financial aid available
Eagle Gate College-Boise
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 36 months to complete
- Financial aid available
- HESI entrance exam required
- High school diploma or GED needed
- Previous college transcripts evaluated
Nampa, ID
College of Western Idaho
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Associate of Science degree
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on clinical experience
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Approx. cost $12,986
- 3 years to complete
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Above-national average pass rates
Northwest Nazarene University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 6-semester nursing program
- Clinical practice in Boise Valley
- 45-90+ hours clinical experience
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Accredited by CCNE
- Small class sizes
- Christian-based environment
- International mission trips
