DNP Programs in Idaho

In the nursing field, the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree is a high-level, post-master's degree type. This means that the DNP degree is the highest level of education available within the field of nursing. The DNP degree is superior to a master's degree in nursing, and prepares nursing students to work in either a clinical settings and organizational/educational settings. Nurses who have earned DNPs are able to work in executive leadership roles like nursing or hospital administration, and in various disciplines as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

Universities with DNP programs exist nationwide. Although it varies from program to program, typically these programs require students to complete 65 to 95 unit hours in addition to a number of supervised clinical hours in order to be awarded the degree. The amount of time it takes to successfully complete a DNP program will depend on the degree type held by the prospective student prior to matriculating (i.e. BSN or MSN).

Core competencies to be mastered by students during DNP programs will include:

• Advanced health and physical assessment
• Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
• Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence based practice
• Leadership
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Healthcare policy
• Population-specific studies

2025 Best DNP Programs in Idaho

Looking for the best DNP programs in Idaho? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list considers key factors like quality, affordability, and student support. Start your journey to advanced nursing practice with confidence. Check out our top picks and see which program matches your goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Boise State University

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

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Boise State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers advanced nurses a transformative pathway to leadership in healthcare. Designed for bachelor's and master's-prepared nurses, the hybrid program enables specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. The curriculum blends online coursework with annual summer intensives, providing flexibility for working professionals. With a 100% clinical placement success rate, students gain cutting-edge skills in evidence-based practices, person-centered care, and healthcare innovation. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical judgment, and interprofessional collaboration to prepare nurses for complex healthcare challenges.

• Hybrid online/intensive program
• 100% clinical placement rate
• No out-of-state tuition
• FNP concentration available
• Flexible full/part-time options
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Leadership-focused training

#2

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Idaho State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced clinical leaders to drive transformative healthcare outcomes. This rigorous program blends evidence-based practice with innovative healthcare strategies, focusing on comprehensive patient care across diverse populations. Students engage in hybrid learning, balancing campus intensives with flexible coursework. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered nursing license. The program emphasizes interprofessional leadership, systems improvement, and policy advocacy, equipping graduates to excel in complex healthcare environments.

• Hybrid learning format
• Two campus locations
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• No GRE needed
• Two years healthcare experience preferred
• Clinical placement assistance
• Multiple state enrollment options
• Over $100k annual scholarships

Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Idaho State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced clinical leaders to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice. This hybrid program equips nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations, focusing on innovative healthcare delivery and systemic improvements. Designed for experienced registered nurses, the program offers flexible full-time and part-time tracks with comprehensive clinical training. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered nursing license. Scholarships exceeding $100,000 are available annually to support students' educational journey.

• Hybrid DNP program format
• Two degree track options
• No GRE required
• Clinical placement assistance
• Over $100k in scholarships
• State-limited admission
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Clinical intensives each semester
• National certification pathway
• Leadership-focused curriculum

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Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Idaho offers two DNP programs (Boise State University & Idaho State University). Before making the decision to apply and enroll in one of these programs, there are a few key factors to consider.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

• Program Cost—Boise State graduate courses in the doctoral nursing program are assessed at $750 per unit hour. The program consists of 40 unit hours, so in total the tuition will cost students $30,000. The tuition rate is the same for out-of-state (non-Idaho) residents. Idaho State graduate courses in the doctoral nursing program costs $3,583/semester for full-time in-state residents while out-of-state residents pay $881 per unit hour.
• Online/Campus options— Boise State graduate level DNP courses are delivered online; students attend three to four Executive Sessions on the Boise State campus. Executive Sessions include an orientation and the delivery of scholarly project proposals and final reports. In addition, these on campus sessions provide a valuable opportunity to engage and interact with both faculty and fellow students. Idaho State does not offer DNP courses in an online format. 
• Accreditation—Prior to enrollment, it's important for prospective students to consider the accreditation of the programs which they're looking into. DNP programs in the state Idaho are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.
• Residency—There is no current information on residencies in the state; however, students are highly encouraged to inquire with their university of choice for more information on residency or fellowship opportunities, as these are valuable experiences for students.  

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Admission to the DNP programs in the state of Idaho will inevitably differ between universities; however, students will likely be required to:

• Hold a current BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited School of Nursing.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate nursing coursework
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their Master's program (based on a scale of 4.0)
• English proficiency (written & spoken) is mandatory
• Evidence of completing a descriptive or inferential statistics course with a C grade or higher within five years prior to start of the academic year of admission to the program
• Have a current, unencumbered RN or APN license
• Maintain certification as an APN (for MSN applicants)
• Interview with faculty
• Transcripts of all education institutions attended must be sent to the school of choice

Certification

DNP programs in Idaho allow students to sit for certification testing. DNP tracks offered by Idaho State University allow students to become certified as Family Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

The DNP program at Boise State is leadership focused and does not prepare you for an APRN role.

Licensing

For Idaho nursing students who have successfully completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure as an APRN include:

• Completing an application
• Background checks
• Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
• Submit verification of specialty certification
• Complete fingerprinting

Idaho BSN to DNP Program Options

Depending on the respective DNP program, these degrees can be obtained by those with BSNs or MSNs.

Of the two DNP programs in Idaho, one of them offers BSN to DNP pathways to students. General curriculum in the BSN to DNP pathway will include but not be limited to the following:

• Human Pathophysiology
• Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice
• Informational Technology in Health Care
• Statistical Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice

Related Education Paths 

• Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
• Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Idaho FNP Programs
• BSN to DNP
• RN to NP

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Idaho

• Idaho Nurses Association
• Nurse Leaders of Idaho
• Idaho Nursing Action Coalition

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Idaho

Find DNP Programs By City:

• Boise DNP Programs