DNP Programs in Idaho
In the nursing field, the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree is a high-level, post-master's degree type. This means that the DNP degree is the highest level of education available within the field of nursing. The DNP degree is superior to a master's degree in nursing, and prepares nursing students to work in either a clinical settings and organizational/educational settings. Nurses who have earned DNPs are able to work in executive leadership roles like nursing or hospital administration, and in various disciplines as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Universities with DNP programs exist nationwide. Although it varies from program to program, typically these programs require students to complete 65 to 95 unit hours in addition to a number of supervised clinical hours in order to be awarded the degree. The amount of time it takes to successfully complete a DNP program will depend on the degree type held by the prospective student prior to matriculating (i.e. BSN or MSN).
Core competencies to be mastered by students during DNP programs will include:
- Advanced health and physical assessment
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence based practice
- Leadership
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Healthcare policy
- Population-specific studies
2026 Best DNP Programs in Idaho
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers comprehensive advanced clinical leadership training through a dynamic hybrid learning environment. The program strategically prepares nurses to drive transformative healthcare outcomes, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from flexible coursework, campus intensives, and robust clinical training focused on patient care across diverse populations. Notably, the program has no GRE requirement, offers two campus locations, and provides clinical placement assistance. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and unencumbered nursing license. With substantial annual scholarship opportunities exceeding $100,000, the program supports nurses seeking advanced practice expertise in family healthcare delivery.
- Hybrid learning format
- Two campus locations
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- No GRE needed
- Two years healthcare experience preferred
- Clinical placement assistance
- Multiple state enrollment options
- Over $100k annual scholarships
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips experienced registered nurses with advanced skills to address complex mental health challenges. Utilizing a hybrid educational model, the program offers flexible full-time and part-time tracks designed to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice. Students engage in comprehensive clinical training, leadership development, and innovative healthcare delivery strategies. The program features no GRE requirement, clinical placement support, and pathways to national certification. With annual scholarships over $100,000 and a curriculum emphasizing systemic improvements, graduates are prepared to lead mental health interventions across diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.
- Hybrid DNP program format
- Two degree track options
- No GRE required
- Clinical placement assistance
- Over $100k in scholarships
- State-limited admission
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Clinical intensives each semester
- National certification pathway
- Leadership-focused curriculum
Boise State University
Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Boise State University's DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an innovative hybrid learning experience tailored for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles. The program uniquely combines online coursework with annual summer intensive sessions, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals. Emphasizing evidence-based practices and interprofessional collaboration, students benefit from a 100% clinical placement success rate. The curriculum is strategically designed to develop advanced clinical judgment, healthcare innovation skills, and transformative leadership capabilities. With no out-of-state tuition and flexible full/part-time options, the program prepares nurses to address complex healthcare challenges while specializing in family nursing practice.
- 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
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Idaho offers two DNP programs (Boise State University & Idaho State University). Before making the decision to apply and enroll in one of these programs, there are a few key factors to consider.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost—Boise State graduate courses in the doctoral nursing program are assessed at $750 per unit hour. The program consists of 40 unit hours, so in total the tuition will cost students $30,000. The tuition rate is the same for out-of-state (non-Idaho) residents. Idaho State graduate courses in the doctoral nursing program costs $3,583/semester for full-time in-state residents while out-of-state residents pay $881 per unit hour.
- Online/Campus options— Boise State graduate level DNP courses are delivered online; students attend three to four Executive Sessions on the Boise State campus. Executive Sessions include an orientation and the delivery of scholarly project proposals and final reports. In addition, these on campus sessions provide a valuable opportunity to engage and interact with both faculty and fellow students. Idaho State does not offer DNP courses in an online format.
- Accreditation—Prior to enrollment, it's important for prospective students to consider the accreditation of the programs which they're looking into. DNP programs in the state Idaho are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.
- Residency—There is no current information on residencies in the state; however, students are highly encouraged to inquire with their university of choice for more information on residency or fellowship opportunities, as these are valuable experiences for students.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission to the DNP programs in the state of Idaho will inevitably differ between universities; however, students will likely be required to:
- Hold a current BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited School of Nursing.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate nursing coursework
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their Master's program (based on a scale of 4.0)
- English proficiency (written & spoken) is mandatory
- Evidence of completing a descriptive or inferential statistics course with a C grade or higher within five years prior to start of the academic year of admission to the program
- Have a current, unencumbered RN or APN license
- Maintain certification as an APN (for MSN applicants)
- Interview with faculty
- Transcripts of all education institutions attended must be sent to the school of choice
Certification
DNP programs in Idaho allow students to sit for certification testing. DNP tracks offered by Idaho State University allow students to become certified as Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
The DNP program at Boise State is leadership focused and does not prepare you for an APRN role.
Licensing
For Idaho nursing students who have successfully completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure as an APRN include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Idaho BSN to DNP Program Options
Depending on the respective DNP program, these degrees can be obtained by those with BSNs or MSNs.
Of the two DNP programs in Idaho, one of them offers BSN to DNP pathways to students. General curriculum in the BSN to DNP pathway will include but not be limited to the following:
- Human Pathophysiology
- Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice
- Informational Technology in Health Care
- Statistical Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice
Related Education Paths
- Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Idaho FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Idaho
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Idaho
Boise, ID
Boise State University
- Doctorate - 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
Pocatello, ID
Idaho State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Two campus locations
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- No GRE needed
- Two years healthcare experience preferred
- Clinical placement assistance
- Multiple state enrollment options
- Over $100k annual scholarships
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP program format
- Two degree track options
- No GRE required
- Clinical placement assistance
- Over $100k in scholarships
- State-limited admission
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Clinical intensives each semester