Idaho State University School of Nursing: What to Know (2026)
The Kasiska Division of Health Sciences anchors ISUâs nursing pathwaysâfrom pre-licensure BSN and Accelerated BSN through DNP, PhD, and nurse anesthesiaâwith strong ties to Idahoâs rural and community health workforce. Use this guide for program scope, costs, and official NCLEX-RN reporting; confirm every deadline and requirement with ISU and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
ISUâs School of Nursing emphasizes rural and frontier nursing within the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences: Traditional BSN uses a hybrid Pocatello model, graduate nursing includes online MSN (Nursing Education) and BSN-to-DNP APRN tracks with intensives in Pocatello and Meridian, and the university also runs a separate ADN (College of Technology) with its own outcomesâalways match NCLEX data to the specific program name in Idaho Board of Nursing tables.
Overview & Why Students Choose Idaho State University
Anchored in Pocatello with graduate programming also in Meridian, the Idaho State University School of Nursing is part of the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences. The schoolâs mission highlights nurse leaders who strengthen health systems for rural and diverse communitiesâreflected in hybrid undergraduate delivery, statewide clinical partnerships, and graduate tracks that blend online coursework with on-site intensives.
ISU publishes that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing, and Baccalaureate (B.S. in Nursing) programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university also hosts a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) and a separate Associate Degree RN program through the College of Technologyâuse the correct catalog and NCLEX row when comparing pathways.
Idaho reports first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates separately for BSN RN and ADN RN at Idaho State University. Always read the Board table for the exact program label and calendar year. Confirm cohort details with ISU.
Reasons students choose ISU
Breadth of pathways
Pre-licensure Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN completion, MSN (Nursing Education), BSN-to-DNP (FNP and PMHNP), post-masterâs DNP, PhD, DNAP, and graduate certificatesâdocumented on the School of Nursing programs page.
Hybrid BSN with regional clinicals
The Traditional BSN combines face-to-face and online formats on the Pocatello campus with clinicals in hospitals, community settings, and simulation.
Graduate footprint (Pocatello & Meridian)
DNP students attend intensives on the Pocatello and Meridian campuses; several graduate pages note orientation and skills intensives tied to those sites.
Transparent Board reporting
Use Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX tables to compare ISUâs BSN and ADN first-time pass rates with other Idaho programs in the same calendar year.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following are drawn from the official School of Nursing â Programs list. Requirements, tracks, and state authorization rules differ by program; verify your pathway before applying.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate (School of Nursing)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-semester upper-division sequence; hybrid courses based in Pocatello. LPNs may pursue the baccalaureate per ISU. Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
For students who already hold a bachelorâs degree in another field. See the Accelerated Nursing site for cohort details.
Baccalaureate Completion for RNs (RN-to-BSN)
For licensed RNs completing the BSN; delivery and prerequisites are listed on the RN completion program page.
Graduate & doctoral (School of Nursing)
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Nursing Education
Online MSN with Nursing Education option; 43 credits including practicum per ISU.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health NP tracks; post-masterâs DNP for certified FNPs/PMHNPs. Clinical placement assistance described on the DNP pageâreview state authorization lists.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing
Research doctorate; BSN required for entry per the PhD program page.
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
Separate DNAP program for nurse anesthesia education.
Certificates
Graduate Nursing Education Certificate (GNECP)
Listed on the programs page; confirm admission with graduate nursing.
Associate Degree RN (College of Technology)
ISU also offers an Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADN) program through the College of Technology Registered Nursing pathway. It is a distinct unit from the School of Nursing website structure but shares the Idaho State University name in Board of Nursing NCLEX tables.
Do not assume every pathway uses the same prerequisites, deadlines, or TEAS rules. Use the PDF handbooks and advisor meetings posted for your specific ISU nursing track.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing (published by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses), calendar year 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Idaho State University were:
- Idaho State University â BSN RN: 78.57% first-time pass (126 tested).
- Idaho State University â ADN RN: 81.48% first-time pass (27 tested).
For the latest data, see the Boardâs NCLEX examination statistics publication (e.g. NCLEX first-time pass rates â Idaho Board of Nursing). The Board notes that figures reflect Idaho nursing program graduates who took the exam for the first time in that calendar year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN RN first-time pass (2024 CY) | 78.57% (n=126) |
| ADN RN first-time pass (2024 CY) | 81.48% (n=27) |
| Source | Idaho Board of Nursing / DOPL NCLEX table. Confirm current rates with the Board and ISU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and program. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and Idaho State University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
ISU graduate nursing materials direct international applicants to the International Programs Office and the Graduate School, and note that some programs require U.S.-based orientation and clinical/practicum hours. English proficiency follows Graduate School policy for students whose prior degrees were not earned at accredited U.S. institutions.
- English-language proficiency: Follow ISU Graduate School international admission policy (and undergraduate policy for pre-licensure applicants).
- Credential evaluation: Work with ISU on transcript evaluation and any nursing prerequisite equivalency petitions.
- Idaho Board of Nursing: For licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm documentation and NCLEX eligibility with the Board.
- Visa & clinical placement: Clinical courses may require domestic placement; verify feasibility with the program before enrolling.
This section is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with ISU and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission is competitive for the Traditional BSN: applicants apply to the university as pre-nursing students and submit a separate School of Nursing application on published cycles. The Traditional BSN page specifies Set A prerequisite GPA (minimum 3.0 for the nursing application) and the ATI TEAS with a total score of 60% or higher, with exam results sent to the School of Nursing.
Traditional BSN application windows (ISU)
| Application period | Program start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. Aug 15 â 5 p.m. Oct 15 | Following Spring | Confirm annually on the Traditional BSN page. |
| 8 a.m. Jan 15 â 5 p.m. Mar 15 | Following Fall | Advisor meeting required before the window closes. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing-specific acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Traditional BSN prerequisite GPA | Minimum 3.0 on Set A (per ISU Traditional BSN page) |
| TEAS | Required for Traditional BSN (60%+ total; scoring formula on ISU site) |
| GRE (graduate nursing) | Not required for MSN/DNP pages reviewed |
Meet with a School of Nursing advisor before the application deadline; ISU states applicants should confirm eligibility no less than 24 hours before the window closes (with stronger recommendation to meet earlier).
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
ISU publishes 2025â26 estimated academic-year costs including Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Tuition is subject to change by the State Board of Education.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (ID resident) | $8,914 per academic year (est.) |
| Undergraduate tuition (non-resident) | $28,240 per academic year (est.) |
| Graduate tuition (ID resident, full year) | $11,640 (est.) |
| Graduate tuition (non-resident, full year) | $30,840 (est.) |
| Nursing professional fees | Additional per-semester professional fees apply to School of Nursing studentsâsee ISU Professional Fees. |
| Source | ISU Cost & Aid / Tuition. Confirm totals with Student Financial Services. |
The School of Nursing also notes more than $100,000 in annual scholarships through BOSS; see SON Scholarships.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: Use the Idaho Board of Nursing table cited above for first-time pass rates by program (BSN RN vs ADN RN) and calendar year.
Employment: Not publicly disclosed here for all School of Nursing programs in a single audited figure. The College of Technology ADN outcomes page has published job-placement percentages for that track in specific years; confirm whether those metrics apply to your pathway. For current employment information, review ISU career services and program disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass | See Idaho BON table (BSN & ADN rows for ISU). |
| Job placement | Not publicly disclosed on this page for all tracks; see ISU and program-specific outcomes. |
Is Idaho State University the Right Fit for You?
ISU fits many students seeking a public university with hybrid BSN delivery, strong graduate nursing options tied to Idahoâs regional health systems, and a clear mission around rural care.
â Good fit for students whoâ
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP pathways at a public Idaho university.
- Plan to practice in community, rural, or frontier settings emphasized in ISUâs mission.
- Value hybrid/online flexibility with periodic on-campus intensives (graduate tracks).
â May not be ideal for students whoâ
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN without local clinical travel in Idaho.
- Expect a single published âoverallâ NCLEX rateâIdaho reports by program type (BSN vs ADN).
- Require DNP admission from a state not listed on ISUâs current authorization list (verify the DNP page).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Pocatello anchors clinical education in southeast Idaho, with students rotating through community hospitals, public health, schools, and simulation. Meridian supports graduate intensives and advanced practice training closer to the Boise metro. Southeast Idahoâs mix of community hospitals, long-term care, and rural health clinics creates diverse patient experiences and workforce demand; exact affiliates rotateâconfirm current contracts with the School of Nursing.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Community & rural hospitals | Regional hospitals and clinics host student rotations; names vary by semester. |
| Meridian / Treasure Valley | Graduate programs reference the Meridian campus for portions of DNP and related training. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students access simulation labs and interprofessional learning through the Kasiska Division. Student organizations referenced on the programs page include connections to Sigma Theta Tau and the Student Nurses Association. Bengal athletics, outdoor recreation in eastern Idaho, and ISU student services round out campus lifeâsee ISUâs student engagement resources for current groups and events.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Pocatello, ID
- Address
- 921 S. 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209, US
- University phone
- (208) 282-0211
- Undergraduate nursing advising
- sonadvis@isu.edu · (208) 282-1393
- Website
- isu.edu/nursing
Official links
Your âNext 7 Daysâ checklist
- Bookmark the Traditional BSN or Accelerated BSN page that matches your pathway.
- Download the current prerequisite PDF (Set A / Set B) and map it to your transcripts.
- Schedule the ATI TEAS through the ISU Testing Center if you are applying to Traditional BSN.
- Book a School of Nursing advising appointment well before the application deadline.
- Review Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX tables for the correct ISU program row.
- Estimate costs using ISU tuition plus nursing professional fees.
- Add application deadline reminders for the AugustâOctober and JanuaryâMarch windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho State University a good school for nursing?
ISUâs School of Nursing states on its website that its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are CCNE-accredited; confirm other programs (e.g., Ph.D., DNAP) on their official pages. Compare Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX outcomes by program name and your own career goalsânot rankings alone.
What GPA and TEAS score does ISU require for the Traditional BSN?
The Traditional BSN page lists a minimum 3.0 GPA on Set A prerequisites and ATI TEAS total score of 60% or higher as part of the application scoring. Confirm current thresholds with a School of Nursing advisor.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Idaho State University?
Per the Idaho Board of Nursing 2024 calendar-year table, ISUâs BSN RN cohort had a 78.57% first-time pass rate (126 tested) and the ADN RN cohort had 81.48% (27 tested). Confirm newer years in the Boardâs latest PDF.
Does ISU offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
Yesâcareer changers with a prior bachelorâs degree can review the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing materials on isu.edu/acceleratednursing.
How much is nursing tuition at ISU?
For 2025â26, ISU lists estimated undergraduate tuition of $8,914 (Idaho resident) and $28,240 (non-resident) per academic year before nursing professional fees. Graduate tuition uses separate semester/full-year figures on the Cost of Attendance page.
Where will I complete clinicals?
ISU describes community hospitals, public health, schools, and other agencies for Traditional BSN clinicals; graduate APRN students should review DNP clinical placement and state authorization statements on the DNP page.
Is the ADN program part of the School of Nursing website?
The ADN pathway is housed under the College of Technology Registered Nursing pages. It still appears as âIdaho State University â ADN RNâ in Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX tables.
References
- Idaho State University School of Nursinghttps://www.isu.edu/nursing/
- Idaho Board of Nursing â NCLEX first-time pass rates (PDF)https://dopl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BON-NCLEX-Scores-2025.pdf
- ISU Tuition & Cost of Attendancehttps://www.isu.edu/tuition/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)https://www.ncsbn.org/
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 Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX table alignment, CCNE accreditation wording against ISUâs site, and program-list accuracy versus the School of Nursing programs page.
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 Idaho State University and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Published: March 23, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 23, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy