College of Western Idaho Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Pre-licensure ADN (RN) and Practical Nursing pathways at Idaho’s largest community college, with clinical connections across the Treasure Valley. Confirm NCLEX statistics with the Idaho Board of Nursing, tuition and deadlines with CWI.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CWI’s nursing programs emphasize hands-on labs and simulation on the Nampa campus, with named clinical partnerships including Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke’s, and West Valley Hospital. Admission is competitive and uses a supplemental application plus the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam—not the TEAS—for both RN and PN pathways.
Overview & Why Students Choose College of Western Idaho
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a public community college serving the Treasure Valley from its Nampa campus and other locations. Its nursing pathways are pre-licensure only: a Registered Nursing program that leads to an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (the Idaho Board of Nursing classifies the program as ADN RN), and a separate Practical Nursing program that prepares students for NCLEX-PN. Instruction is delivered through coursework, skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations with regional health systems.
CWI does not list an LPN-to-RN bridge; students seeking that progression should confirm current options with the nursing department. The college also offers CNA preparation as a separate workforce program—useful for healthcare experience but not a substitute for the RN or PN programs.
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rate table (2025 publication; calendar year 2024 data), CWI’s ADN RN program had an 89.13% first-time pass rate (46 first-time test takers). CWI’s program pages also publish cohort outcome summaries; confirm all figures with the Board and the college.
Reasons students choose CWI
Clinical partnerships
CWI names Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke’s, and West Valley Hospital as partners in curriculum, preceptorships, and employment pipelines.
ACEN-accredited RN & PN programs
The Registered Nursing program holds continuing accreditation from ACEN; the Practical Nursing program is accredited with an initial accreditation decision—confirm current status on the ACEN program search.
Simulation & skills labs
CWI highlights high-fidelity simulation and hands-on practice in its nursing marketing; the Health and Science Building (5700 E. Opportunity Dr.) supports health programs on the Nampa campus.
Transfer pathways
CWI advertises degree-completion partnerships with universities for students who continue their education after the RN.
Transparent admissions
Both programs use supplemental applications and the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam; deadlines are published by cohort (see Admissions).
Nursing Programs Offered
The following programs are confirmed on CWI’s official nursing pages and catalog. CWI does not offer BSN, MSN, DNP, or RN-to-BSN on this campus.
Pre-licensure
Registered Nursing (Associate of Science)
Approximately three years of coursework combining general education and nursing courses. Graduates earn an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing and are eligible for NCLEX-RN. CWI refers to the degree as AS; we use the term ADN here to align with the Idaho Board of Nursing and common nursing-school language. Primary location: Nampa Campus.
Practical Nursing (ITC or AAS)
Approximately 1.5–2 years depending on whether you pursue the Intermediate Technical Certificate or Associate of Applied Science. Prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN. CWI states it does not currently offer an LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation is a separate workforce program, not an RN or PN degree. See CWI’s workforce development listings if you need CNA training.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rate publication (released January 2025, reporting calendar-year results), the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for College of Western Idaho’s ADN RN program was 89.13% in the 2024 calendar year (46 first-time test takers). Prior-year Board data in the same table: 2023 calendar year 100% (45 test takers); 2022 calendar year 89.09% (55 test takers).
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
In the same Idaho Board of Nursing table, CWI’s LPN program reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for the 2024 calendar year (20 first-time test takers). For the most current official statistics, use the Board’s published tables and confirm with CWI.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024 calendar year) | 89.13% (46 first-time test takers)—Idaho Board of Nursing |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (2024 calendar year) | 100% (20 first-time test takers)—Idaho Board of Nursing |
| NCLEX-PN pass rate label | Reported first-time pass rate for the 2024 cohort per ID BON; confirm current rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and CWI. |
| Source | Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rates (PDF); Idaho Board of Nursing. Confirm current data with the school and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and CWI.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with College of Western Idaho and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Idaho Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with CWI’s admissions office and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CWI states that admission to both Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing is competitive and requires a supplemental application after general admission to the college. Official materials reference the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam (not the TEAS), along with prerequisites, references, and other steps outlined in the program application guides. Review CWI’s overview videos and application steps pages for the exact checklist for your entry term.
Application timeline
| Program | Entry Term | Application window / deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | Fall 2026 | May 22, 2026, 4 p.m. (application deadline listed on CWI program page) | Also lists April 1–May 22, 2026 application period |
| Registered Nursing | Spring 2027 | Sept. 1 – Oct. 15, 2026 | Confirm dates on CWI’s current nursing page |
| Practical Nursing | Spring 2027 | Sept. 1 – Oct. 19, 2026 | Per CWI Practical Nursing page |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Not publicly disclosed on this page—confirm in the application steps or catalog |
| Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam | Required per CWI application materials (not the TEAS) |
Honest tips
Start early on prerequisites and the Kaplan exam schedule; competitive programs often rank or wait-list students. If you need an LPN-to-RN bridge, CWI states it does not currently offer one—confirm whether that has changed before you build your plan around it.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
CWI publishes program-level cost estimates on individual program pages. These figures are not a full cost-of-attendance breakdown and may exclude fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing (AS) program estimate | $12,986 (additional costs may apply)—per CWI program page |
| Practical Nursing | Intermediate Technical Certificate $9,121; AAS $10,580 (per CWI program page) |
| Residency | In-state vs out-of-state tuition and fees differ; confirm classification with CWI |
| Source | CWI cost of attendance and program pages. Confirm current amounts with the school. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Official NCLEX pass rates should be verified with the Idaho Board of Nursing. CWI also publishes cohort outcomes on its program pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024 calendar year) | 89.13% (46 first-time test takers)—Idaho Board of Nursing |
| Job placement (school-reported) | CWI reports 83% job placement within six months for 2024 graduates of the Registered Nursing program (school-reported cohort data; confirm methodology and current year with CWI). |
| Source | CWI Registered Nursing program page; Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX table. Confirm current outcomes with the school and the Board. |
Is College of Western Idaho the Right Fit for You?
CWI fits students who want an Idaho public community college route to RN or LPN licensure with strong clinical name recognition in the Treasure Valley. It may not fit those who need an LPN-to-RN bridge at the same institution (not offered at this time) or a BSN without transferring.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ADN or LPN credential from the Nampa campus with regional clinical partners.
- Are prepared for Kaplan-based admissions and supplemental application requirements.
- Plan to work in the Boise–Nampa metro or nearby rural communities after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an LPN-to-RN bridge at CWI (CWI states it does not currently offer one).
- Expect a four-year BSN or graduate nursing degree without transferring to another institution.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure nursing program (CWI’s pathways are campus-based).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Treasure Valley is Idaho’s fastest-growing region; Boise and Nampa anchor a network of hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health employers. CWI names Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke’s, and West Valley Hospital as partners in curriculum and clinical experiences.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| St. Luke’s Health System | Multi-hospital system serving Boise and the Treasure Valley; CWI names St. Luke’s as a partner. |
| Saint Alphonsus | Regional health system with Boise and Nampa facilities; formal partnership with CWI. |
| West Valley Medical Center | Nampa-area hospital; listed among CWI clinical partners. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students use CWI’s Health and Science Building and related simulation and skills facilities on the Nampa campus. CWI hosts a Student Nurses Association for students preparing for initial RN licensure. The college has opened or expanded modern health-science space in recent years—confirm building access and lab hours with the department.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Nampa, ID
- Address
- 5500 E. Opportunity Dr., Nampa, ID 83687, US (main Nampa Academic Building)
- Telephone
- (208) 562-3000
- Contact email
- onestop@cwi.edu
- Nursing program contact
- allisonbaker2@cwi.edu · (208) 562-2037 (listed on CWI nursing pages)
- Website
- cwi.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CWI Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing pages and download application steps for your target cohort.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the CWI catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- Register for the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam when eligible; confirm scheduling and minimum scores on CWI’s application materials (CWI uses Kaplan, not the TEAS, for these programs).
- Draft questions for One Stop or the nursing program contact (see program pages).
- Review the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX publication for context on pass rates.
- Prepare references and documentation listed in the supplemental application checklist.
- Add the application deadline for your term to your calendar (deadlines may differ for RN vs PN).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Western Idaho a good school for nursing?
CWI offers ACEN-accredited pre-licensure ADN (RN) and Practical Nursing programs approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. Official NCLEX pass rates are published by the Idaho Board of Nursing by calendar year. Confirm the latest accreditation and outcomes with CWI and the Board.
What GPA do you need for College of Western Idaho nursing?
CWI does not publish a single minimum nursing GPA on the pages we used for this guide. Confirm current GPA and prerequisite rules in the Registered Nursing or Practical Nursing application steps and the catalog.
Does College of Western Idaho require the TEAS exam?
No. CWI’s application materials reference the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam for nursing applicants. Confirm exam type, score requirements, and retake rules for your entry term on the official application steps pages.
How competitive is admission to College of Western Idaho nursing?
CWI states that admission is competitive and uses a supplemental application. CWI does not publish a nursing acceptance rate; treat the process as selective and plan for prerequisites, Kaplan testing, and deadlines early.
Does College of Western Idaho offer an accelerated BSN?
No. CWI’s pre-licensure offering is the Associate of Science Registered Nursing degree (ADN pathway). Students planning a BSN typically transfer to a four-year institution after licensure or through a partnership—confirm options with CWI advising.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for College of Western Idaho?
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rate table (2025 publication, 2024 calendar year data), CWI’s ADN RN program had an 89.13% first-time pass rate (46 first-time test takers). For the most current official statistics, see the Idaho Board of Nursing and CWI.
What are the clinical placement sites for CWI nursing students?
CWI names Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke’s, and West Valley Hospital as partners. Specific placements vary by cohort and term; confirm with the nursing department.
References
- College of Western Idaho — Registered Nursingcwi.edu/program/nursing
- College of Western Idaho — Practical Nursingcwi.edu/…/nursing-practical
- Idaho Board of Nursing — NCLEX first-time pass rates (PDF)dopl.idaho.gov
- Idaho Board of Nursingdopl.idaho.gov/bon
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with Idaho Board of Nursing publications, program list accuracy against CWI’s official nursing pages, and correct use of Kaplan (vs TEAS) admissions requirements.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-23 · Last reviewed: March 23, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy