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 with expert rankings. Our list highlights top schools for advancing your nursing career. We focus on quality, affordability, and student success. Each program meets high standards for education and outcomes. Find the right fit for your goals and start your journey today. 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, with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), stands out for its hybrid format, combining online learning with essential on-campus intensives. This program is tailored for nurses seeking to advance their expertise in family-centered care, offering a curriculum rich in evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and leadership. Unique features include a guaranteed clinical placement, no out-of-state tuition, and flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals. Graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex healthcare scenarios, equipped with advanced clinical judgment and interprofessional collaboration skills. 'Requires GRE' for admission, ensuring a cohort of highly qualified nursing professionals.

• 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) program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is designed for nurses aiming to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership in family-centered care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, offering flexibility for working professionals. It focuses on advanced practice nursing, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes in diverse settings. Admission prerequisites include a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license. The program stands out for its clinical placement support, substantial scholarship opportunities, and no GRE requirement, making it accessible for aspiring FNPs.

• 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

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP at Idaho State University is tailored for nurses seeking to specialize in mental health care. This hybrid program emphasizes the integration of psychiatric care with advanced nursing practices, preparing graduates to address the growing demand for mental health services. With options for full-time or part-time study, it accommodates the schedules of working nurses. Key features include no GRE requirement, over $100,000 in annual scholarships, and clinical placement assistance. Applicants need a BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered nursing license, ensuring a cohort of qualified and dedicated professionals.

• 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

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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