Idaho is known as "The Gem State" and aptly so. From its invigorating hot springs to its rugged and majestic landscape, Idaho is a gem of a state that encourages thousands of visitors and transplants every year. However, it's not only the Idaho's natural beauty that attracts new residents. The Northwestern state of Idaho is just one of many states that many students are migrating to for its quality nursing programs. For nurses who are interested in going back to school to get their Master of Nursing Science (MSN) or becoming a nurse practitioner, Idaho is a fantastic choice. Below are a few tips that you may utilize as you begin this journey and a few suggestions for MSN programs located in Boise or another area of this fantastic state.

2026 Best Online MSN Programs in Idaho

Looking for the best online MSN programs in Idaho? RegisteredNursing.org has carefully ranked top options to help you find a quality program that fits your needs. Online programs are important because they let nurses advance their education while keeping their current jobs and managing personal responsibilities. This flexibility makes it easier to earn a higher degree without moving or changing your daily routine. Our rankings consider factors like accreditation, course offerings, and student support to guide your decision. For details on how we create these rankings, visit our methodology page. https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Boise State University

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

BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Master of Nursing (Primary Care)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Boise State University's online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN program focuses on Primary Care, preparing RNs to provide comprehensive healthcare for patients aged 12 through end-of-life. This CCNE-accredited hybrid program combines online coursework with three summer intensive sessions and clinical rotations. At $890 per credit hour with no out-of-state fees, it offers accessible advanced practice education. The program emphasizes leadership development and advanced clinical skills for diverse healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

  • 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
  • Leadership Development Focus

BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Master of Nursing (Acute Care)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Boise State University offers an online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN with an Acute Care concentration, preparing nurses for advanced practice in acute care environments. The CCNE-accredited hybrid program combines digital coursework with summer intensives and clinical rotations, providing flexibility for working professionals. Priced at $890 per credit hour without out-of-state fees, it develops diagnostic capabilities and clinical reasoning for patients aged 12 through end-of-life. This program does not require an entrance exam for master's level admission.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

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Campus Based - Visit Website

#3

Northwest Nazarene University

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

BSN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Education MS

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwest Nazarene University's online Master of Science in Nursing with Leadership and Education emphasis transforms nurses into skilled educators and leaders through a fully online, two-year program. This 36-credit cohort-based curriculum costs $640 per credit and operates without requiring an entrance exam, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students develop expertise in evidence-based practice and clinical leadership within a Christian educational environment, progressing through six to nine credits per semester with experienced faculty guidance.

  • 100% online program
  • 36 total credit hours
  • Two-year completion time
  • $640 per credit
  • Cohort learning model
  • Flexible for working nurses
  • Experienced nursing faculty
  • Christian educational setting
  • Full-time student friendly
  • Leadership and education focus

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwest Nazarene University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice through online coursework complemented by clinical placements in students' home states and campus residencies. This 48-credit program costs $840 per credit and does not require an entrance exam, featuring experienced faculty with over 160 years combined expertise. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on national licensure preparation while maintaining a faith-centered approach to comprehensive patient care.

  • 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
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Top 5 national ranking 2021
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Eagle Gate College-Boise

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

Master's - Direct Entry MSN (MEPN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus offers a hybrid Direct Entry MSN program that enables students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees to become registered nurses in just 20 months. This program combines online coursework with on-campus learning for flexibility while requiring the HESI entrance exam for admission. Clinical experiences begin in the first week, providing immediate hands-on training. With a 92.86% NCLEX-RN pass rate and CCNE accreditation, the program prepares graduates for nursing licensure. Prerequisites cost $250 per credit, and admissions require a bachelor's degree and FAFSA completion.

  • 20-month program length.
  • Hybrid online and campus.
  • No prior nursing experience.
  • 92.86% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
  • Clinicals start week one.
  • $250 per credit prerequisites.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • HESI entrance assessment.
  • FAFSA financial aid available.
  • CCNE accreditation.

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus provides an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education concentration designed for bachelor-prepared RNs. This 36-credit program prepares nurses for teaching roles in academic settings, featuring online courses for working professionals with no entrance exam required. The curriculum covers nursing theory, healthcare informatics, and curriculum development, culminating in a capstone immersion practicum. Accredited by CCNE, the program offers financial aid options and requires BSN transcripts and a meeting with an admissions representative for admission.

  • 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.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • 600 instructional hours.

BSN to MSN - MSN Administration & Leadership Track

Online Learning - Visit Website

Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus delivers an online MSN Administration & Leadership Track for BSN-prepared RNs seeking advanced roles. This 36-credit program focuses on leadership skills, healthcare finance, policy, and quality improvement over 90 instructional weeks. No entrance exam is required for admission, which involves transcript evaluation and FAFSA completion. The curriculum includes courses in healthcare informatics and a capstone practicum project, preparing graduates for positions like Nurse Administrator. Accredited by CCNE, this fully online program offers financial aid and features doctoral faculty instruction.

  • 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.
  • Includes capstone practicum and project.
  • Courses in healthcare finance and economics.
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*IPEDS 2024 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

RN to MSN Programs in Idaho

RN to MSN programs are designed for individuals who are already working as RNs but want to level up with a quick and affordable pathway. While the primary admissions requirement for entering into an MSN program is holding a BSN program, if you already have experience as a nurse and an ADN, you can skip this requirement and enroll directly into an MSN program saving you both time and money in the process. The full list of admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

  • Idaho RN license
  • ADN or nursing diploma
  • GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
  • Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
  • Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

While Idaho does not currently have any RN to MSN programs located in the state, you can find them available in nearby states like Washington. If you’re willing to relocate and transfer your licensure between states, you can take a look at schools such as Gonzaga University (GU) and Washington Adventist University (WAU).

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Idaho

One of the frustrations that many busy nurses face when considering graduate school is their busy schedules and limited salaries. In all situations, however, saving money and time is almost always the preferable option. Below, we've organized a few of the cheapest and quickest ways to get your MSN degree in Idaho and a few examples of cheap and quick MSN options you may consider in the state.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

Most MSN programs in Idaho take about two to three years to complete, but some accelerated options can shorten this timeline. Online and hybrid MSN programs offer flexibility by allowing students to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical requirements locally. These programs are ideal for those balancing education with other commitments and looking to advance quickly into roles like nurse practitioner or nurse educator. One of the quickest MSN programs available in Idaho is Northwest Nazarene University (NNU)'s MSN which takes about 2 years of full-time study to complete.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

Idaho is generally affordable, but tuition for MSN programs can still vary widely. To find the most budget-friendly options, students should compare public and private schools, in-state tuition rates, and online programs. Some Idaho institutions offer affordable MSN degrees, often with financial aid or scholarships to help reduce costs. One of the cheapest options for nursing students in Idaho is Idaho State University's MSN program which costs between $15,000 – $20,000 in total.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor's degree program with a non-nursing major but would like to become nurse practitioners without getting another bachelor's degree. They are longer than a traditional MSN program, but of course, they are shorter than having to earn two degrees. Here are a few admissions requirements you may be asked to provide should you decide to go this route:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
  • GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
  • Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
  • Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
  • Admissions interview

As of now, there is currently one MENP program offered in Idaho located at Eagle Gate College.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

Just as many physicians offer specialized practice, so do many nurses. One of the greatest benefits of graduate school is that you can find many specialized degree options even at the master’s level. This makes getting certified much easier and it is an exciting way to explore various career options within the nursing field. One good example of a specialized nurse practitioner program in Idaho is Northwest Nazarene University (NNU)'s Family Nurse Practitioner program.

What is MSN Accreditation?

Throughout this guide, we’ve gone over a few important details, however, there ae few that are as crucial as understanding MSN accreditation. If a program is accredited it means that it meets quality standards set by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Without graduating from an accredited school, you will run into issues when it comes to any potential future licensure or certification.

2026 List of MSN Programs in Idaho

Are you still looking for the perfect MSN program? There are more options listed below:

MSN Programs By City:

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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

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.
*Official data: NCES IPEDS 2024 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/