Idaho State University Nursing School Review
Idaho State University (ISU) prides itself on its reputation in the health sciences field, as well as its overall academic record. From its locations in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Boise, and Twin Falls, it serves over 14,000 students, mostly in the areas of science and health science, but also in the liberal arts, business, engineering, and education. In particular, Idaho State University has very strong nursing programs, with options at the certificate level, associate-degree level, bachelor’s-degree level, and master’s-degree level. Programs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Certificate
Idaho State University’s College of Technology offers an Advanced Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing, designed to quickly prepare students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The program takes two and a half semesters of full-time study to complete and begins each fall. Before beginning, students must complete a one-credit class in Medication Administration; this is offered each summer before the start of the program in the fall. By the middle of the following summer, students are prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX_PN). They may seek work as LPNs, or move directly into the Associate of Applied Science or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at Idaho State University.
Associate of Applied Science – Registered Nurse
As part of its College of Technology, Idaho State University offers a program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to become Registered Nurses (RN). Before beginning, students must complete nine prerequisites, general education courses. This program takes three to four semesters to complete, not including the prerequisites, and begins each fall. Classes are offered in a distance-learning format, so students do not have to travel to campus to complete the program, although they may need to travel to complete labs/clinical hours. At the end of the program, the graduate is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). He can seek work as an RN, and/or transition into one of the baccalaureates or graduate nursing programs offered through Idaho State University’s School of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in both Pocatello and Idaho Falls. The traditional, pre-licensure program takes four years to complete. A student enrolls at Idaho State University and completes three semesters worth of general education requirements and nursing prerequisites prior to beginning the nursing program in the spring of his sophomore year. Admission to the program is highly competitive; students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible, and accepted students typically score above the 80th percentile on the TEAS exam, which is part of the application process. When a student completes the four years, he is eligible to take the NCLEX_RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated Program
Idaho State University’s Accelerated BSN program is designed especially for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. The program takes only four semesters to complete, not including prerequisites. However, since these students have already completed an entire degree, they can apply for transfer credit for some, if not all, of the prerequisite courses. This program is only offered in Boise, Idaho.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – BSN Completion ( ADRN to BSN, LPN to BSN)
The RN completion track is open to RNs (who hold an associate degree) and Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to earn a full BSN. Since each student entering the program has a different educational background and needs to complete different prerequisites and core nursing classes, advisors develop a personalized curriculum for each BSN completion student. The length of the program varies depending on the plan. This nursing baccalaureate degree level program is offered in Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls.
Master of Science in Nursing
Idaho State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) via distance learning. Students may complete the program either part-time (which will take three years) or full-time (which will take two years). They may work throughout the program, although the classroom and clinical requirements are rigorous. The number of credits and clinical hours required varies slightly, depending on the specialty chosen. Students can work toward certification as Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNL), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), Nurse Educator, or Nurse Leader. Required credit hours range between forty and fifty-three, and clinical hours range between zero (Nurse Leader) and 816.
Post-master’s Certification
A nurse who already holds an MSN in one specialty may study another specialty through Idaho State University’s Post-master’s Certification track. Through this program, she can choose to become certified as a CNS, FNP, or Nurse Educator. She must complete at least twelve credits for this certification and may need to complete more depending on her previous education. A curriculum is developed in consultation with an advisor.
Contact:
Idaho State University
921 South 8th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83209
