Nursing Schools in Boise, ID

Key Takeaways

• The BLS reports the national median RN salary at approximately $81,220 per year.
• Boise, Idaho is Idaho's largest healthcare hub with multiple nursing education options.
• Boise State University offers a BSN nursing program through its College of Health Sciences.
• The College of Western Idaho offers ADN programs for affordable two-year nursing education.
• Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact for multi-state practice.
• Boise-area RN wages of $65,000 to $82,000 reflect strong demand per BLS data context.

Nursing Schools in Boise, ID: Programs, Costs, and Career Outlook

Boise is Idaho's largest city and primary healthcare hub, home to St. Luke's Health System, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and a growing network of specialty clinics, outpatient facilities, and long-term care organizations. As the Treasure Valley's population continues to explode, demand for nurses has intensified, making Boise one of the more dynamic nursing job markets in the Mountain West.

If you are a nursing student or career-changer looking at programs in or near Boise, you have multiple excellent options at different price points and program lengths. This guide covers nursing schools in Boise and the surrounding area, what each program offers, what licensure requires, and what you can expect from a nursing career in Idaho's capital city.

Overview of Healthcare in Boise, Idaho

Boise's healthcare sector is one of the largest employers in the Treasure Valley. St. Luke's Health System operates several hospitals and dozens of clinics across the region. St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (part of Trinity Health) serves the southern Treasure Valley. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows strong RN employment growth nationally at 6 percent through 2033, and Boise's growth trajectory suggests local demand will significantly outpace national figures.

The rapid population growth in Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, and other Treasure Valley communities has driven expansion of healthcare facilities, creating ongoing demand for nurses at all levels. New nursing graduates in Boise generally find strong employment opportunities with competitive starting wages.

Nursing Programs in Boise, Idaho

Boise State University - Department of Nursing

Boise State University's College of Health Sciences houses the Department of Nursing, which offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. BSU's BSN program prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure and professional nursing practice, with curriculum covering nursing theory, pharmacology, health assessment, and clinical rotations at Treasure Valley healthcare facilities.

The BSU nursing program is accredited by CCNE, the gold-standard nursing accreditation body. Clinical placements at St. Luke's, St. Alphonsus, and other regional facilities give BSU nursing students exposure to diverse patient populations and care settings. The university's location in Boise provides unmatched access to healthcare employer networks for internships and post-graduation employment.

BSU also offers an RN-to-BSN completion program for registered nurses who hold an ADN and want to earn their bachelor's degree. This online-accessible program is popular with working nurses across Idaho who want to advance their credentials without leaving their jobs or communities. The university is exploring expanded master's and doctoral nursing education options as Boise's healthcare system grows.

College of Western Idaho (CWI) - Nursing Programs

The College of Western Idaho, with campuses in Nampa and the Treasure Valley area, offers one of the most accessible nursing education pathways in the Boise region. CWI's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a two-year program that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure and entry-level registered nurse practice.

Admission to CWI's nursing program is competitive. Students must complete prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and English with strong grades before applying. Many applicants also complete CNA certification to gain patient care experience that strengthens their application.

CWI's nursing program is accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and maintains strong NCLEX pass rates. In-state tuition at CWI is among the most affordable in the region, making the community college path an excellent value for Boise-area nursing students. Graduates typically transition smoothly into employment at Treasure Valley healthcare employers and can pursue RN-to-BSN completion while working.

CWI Practical Nursing Certificate

For students who want to enter nursing practice more quickly, CWI also offers a Practical Nursing certificate program preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and LPN licensure. The LPN program runs approximately 12 months and covers foundational nursing skills, medication administration, and clinical patient care. LPN graduates in the Boise area earn $46,000 to $58,000 annually and often use LPN experience as a bridge toward RN programs.

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) - Nursing

Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa -- just 20 miles from downtown Boise -- offers nursing programs rooted in the university's values-based educational mission. NNU's nursing programs include pre-licensure BSN options and are accredited by CCNE. The university's smaller class sizes create an intimate learning community, and faculty mentorship is a distinguishing characteristic of the NNU nursing experience.

NNU nursing students complete clinical rotations at Treasure Valley healthcare facilities. The university has a strong reputation among local employers, and graduates are competitive candidates for nursing positions throughout the Boise metro area.

Carrington College - Practical Nursing Programs

Carrington College, with a campus in Boise, offers practical nursing (LPN) programs for students seeking a career-focused, accelerated path into the nursing workforce. The program is designed for adult learners and offers scheduling flexibility. Carrington College is regionally accredited and has career services support to help graduates transition into employment.

Online BSN and Graduate Programs Accessible from Boise

Boise-area nurses also have access to online nursing programs through several institutions:

• University of Idaho (Moscow): Online RN-to-BSN program for Idaho residents at in-state tuition rates.
• Idaho State University (Pocatello): Online nursing and health sciences programs with Idaho in-state rates.
• Western Governors University: Competency-based online RN-to-BSN and MSN programs popular with working Idaho nurses.
• Boise State University (online RN-to-BSN): Online completion program for Boise-area nurses.
• Grand Canyon University: Fully online nursing programs with regional accreditation and multiple start dates.

Idaho Nursing Licensure Requirements

Nursing graduates in Idaho apply for licensure through the Idaho Board of Nursing. Requirements include:

• NCLEX Examination: Pass NCLEX-RN (for RNs) or NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) through Pearson VUE.
• Idaho Board of Nursing Application: Submit official transcripts, background check results, and license fees.
• Background Check: Criminal background check required for all applicants.
• License Renewal: Idaho nursing licenses renew every two years with continuing education requirements.
• Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Idaho is an NLC member, so Idaho-licensed nurses can practice in other compact member states without applying for separate licenses.

Nursing Salaries in Boise, Idaho

The BLS national median RN salary is approximately $81,220 per year. Idaho RN wages are somewhat below the national median, but the Boise metro area tends to be the highest-paying region in the state due to healthcare facility density and competitive employer recruitment.

Typical Boise-area nursing wages:

• CNA: $33,000 to $44,000 per year
• LPN: $46,000 to $58,000 per year
• ADN-RN (New Graduate): $62,000 to $74,000 per year
• BSN-RN: $68,000 to $82,000 per year
• Experienced RN (5+ years): $76,000 to $96,000 per year
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): $110,000 to $140,000 per year

St. Luke's Health System and St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center are the dominant nursing employers in Boise. Both offer competitive compensation packages with health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing advanced degrees. Sign-on bonuses are common for specialty units including ICU, emergency, labor and delivery, and perioperative services.

Tips for Nursing Students in Boise

• Start CNA certification early to build patient care experience for ADN applications
• Apply to CWI's prerequisite courses before the nursing program application cycle
• Research scholarship opportunities through the Idaho Nurses Association and hospital foundations
• Explore the Nurse Education Loan Repayment program for Idaho rural and underserved service
• Build clinical relationships during rotations -- nursing jobs in Boise often come through network connections
• Consider RN-to-BSN completion immediately after licensure to maximize career advancement

Frequently Asked Questions

What nursing schools are in Boise, Idaho? The main nursing programs in the Boise area are at Boise State University (BSN and RN-to-BSN), the College of Western Idaho (ADN and LPN), and Northwest Nazarene University in nearby Nampa (BSN). Carrington College in Boise offers LPN programs. Online programs through University of Idaho and WGU are popular for RN-to-BSN completion.

How long does it take to become an RN in Boise? The ADN pathway at CWI takes two years after completing prerequisites, with most students ready for NCLEX in two to three years from starting prerequisites. The BSN at Boise State takes four years. RN-to-BSN completion programs for licensed ADN nurses add one to two years of online study.

What do nurses earn in Boise, Idaho? New graduate RNs in Boise typically earn $62,000 to $74,000 per year. Experienced BSN-prepared nurses earn $76,000 to $96,000. The national median per BLS is approximately $81,220. Boise wages are competitive within Idaho and reflect the healthcare density of the Treasure Valley market.