Many states across the country are facing a shortage in healthcare providers, but Idaho faces particularly difficult challenges. The state ranks last in the number of physicians per capita, and 43 out of the state’s 44 counties are designated as shortage areas. By some accounts, every hospital and community in Idaho is struggling to recruit doctors.
There’s a nursing shortage in the state as well. While some reports indicate that the number of nurses in Idaho has increased since 2022, the number of nurses in the workforce still falls short of the state’s demand.
Advanced practice nurses can help bridge these care gaps in a number of ways, particularly those who complete a terminal degree like a DNP. These professionals are well-qualified to train the next generation of nurses as well as make decisions that impact nursing and care delivery as a whole. Plus, nurse practitioners have full practice authority in Idaho, meaning they can practice without the supervision of a physician, allowing them to provide hands-on care to the people who need it most.
If you’re interested in pursuing a DNP degree in the Gem State, you have a few options to consider. Below, we cover and compare the DNP programs available.
Idaho DNP Programs at a Glance (2026)
| Quick Fact | 2026 Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured Idaho DNP Schools | 2 institutions (full directory below) |
| DNP Track Types Covered | BSN-to-DNP entry, MSN-to-DNP advancement, Post-Master’s DNP Certificate, Executive DNP |
| Practice Authority | Full — Idaho NPs can practice autonomously, with full prescriptive authority including controlled substances |
| Licensing Board | Idaho Board of Nursing |
| Typical Program Length | 3–4 years BSN-to-DNP; 18–24 months MSN-to-DNP; 12–18 months Post-Master’s DNP Certificate |
| Required Clinical Hours | 1,000+ (AACN DNP Essentials) |
| Idaho NP Mean Annual Wage | $130,500 (BLS OES, May 2024) |
| AACN 2025 Alignment | All DNP programs aligned with the AACN Essentials and 2025 DNP position statement |
| National NP Growth (2023–33) | +46% — BLS Occupational Outlook |
| Certifying Bodies | AANPCB, ANCC, PNCB |
2026 Updates — What Changed for Idaho DNP Programs
- BLS wage refresh (May 2024 data) — Idaho NP mean annual wage was $130,500. Boise and Idaho Falls metros lead the state.
- AACN 2025 DNP Position Statement — The AACN reaffirmed its position that the DNP is the appropriate terminal degree for advanced practice nursing. CCNE-accredited programs continue to align curricula with the 2025 Essentials.
- Idaho-specific update — Idaho is a full-practice-authority state. Boise State and Idaho State University anchor the DNP pipeline, with Idaho State running satellite clinical sites in Pocatello, Meridian, and Idaho Falls.
- WHNP → WHGRNP rebrand — NCC has expanded the Women’s Health NP scope to include gender-related care; track currency varies by school.
- 2 Idaho schools tracked — current Idaho DNP-track institutions verified against CCNE and ACEN directories.
Educational Routes to Earning a DNP in Idaho
There’s no single path to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Five route types appear across Idaho schools listed on this page — each suits a different starting credential and timeline.
1. BSN-to-DNP (Direct Doctoral Entry)
For BSN-prepared RNs who want to enter the doctoral path directly without first earning a separate master’s degree. Typical length: 3 to 4 years full-time, 1,000+ clinical hours, and an APRN specialty (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, etc.). This is the fastest-growing entry path, aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement.
2. MSN-to-DNP (Post-Master’s Advancement)
For nurses who already hold an MSN-NP and want to add doctoral preparation without changing specialties. Typical length: 18 to 24 months part-time, focused on advanced systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and a doctoral capstone project. Many MSN-to-DNP programs accept clinical hours from the prior master’s, requiring fewer additional hours overall.
3. Post-Master’s DNP Certificate
For existing MSN-NP holders who want a credentialed doctoral certificate without a full DNP degree. Typical length: 12 to 18 months. Provides AACN Essentials coursework alignment without the full doctoral capstone. The NP Certifications hub covers credential combinations in depth.
4. Executive DNP (Leadership Track)
For nurses pursuing administrative, health-system, or population-health roles rather than direct clinical practice. Typical length: 24 to 36 months. Curriculum emphasizes nursing administration, quality improvement, informatics, and policy. Suited for current nurse managers, CNOs, and policy-track candidates.
5. Direct-Entry RN-to-DNP (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN (12 to 16 months), then enters the BSN-to-DNP track. Total time-to-DNP: typically 4.5 to 5.5 years from the start of accelerated BSN. Idaho’s direct-entry option is Idaho State University’s Master of Science in Nursing entry pathway.
Idaho DNP Programs at a Glance (2026)
| Quick Fact | 2026 Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured Idaho DNP Schools | 2 institutions (full directory below) |
| DNP Track Types Covered | BSN-to-DNP entry, MSN-to-DNP advancement, Post-Master’s DNP Certificate, Executive DNP |
| Practice Authority | Full — Idaho NPs can practice autonomously, with full prescriptive authority including controlled substances |
| Licensing Board | Idaho Board of Nursing |
| Typical Program Length | 3–4 years BSN-to-DNP; 18–24 months MSN-to-DNP; 12–18 months Post-Master’s DNP Certificate |
| Required Clinical Hours | 1,000+ (AACN DNP Essentials) |
| Idaho NP Mean Annual Wage | $130,500 (BLS OES, May 2024) |
| AACN 2025 Alignment | All DNP programs aligned with the AACN Essentials and 2025 DNP position statement |
| National NP Growth (2023–33) | +46% — BLS Occupational Outlook |
| Certifying Bodies | AANPCB, ANCC, PNCB |
2026 Updates — What Changed for Idaho DNP Programs
- BLS wage refresh (May 2024 data) — Idaho NP mean annual wage was $130,500. Boise and Idaho Falls metros lead the state.
- AACN 2025 DNP Position Statement — The AACN reaffirmed its position that the DNP is the appropriate terminal degree for advanced practice nursing. CCNE-accredited programs continue to align curricula with the 2025 Essentials.
- Idaho-specific update — Idaho is a full-practice-authority state. Boise State and Idaho State University anchor the DNP pipeline, with Idaho State running satellite clinical sites in Pocatello, Meridian, and Idaho Falls.
- WHNP → WHGRNP rebrand — NCC has expanded the Women’s Health NP scope to include gender-related care; track currency varies by school.
- 2 Idaho schools tracked — current Idaho DNP-track institutions verified against CCNE and ACEN directories.
Educational Routes to Earning a DNP in Idaho
There’s no single path to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Five route types appear across Idaho schools listed on this page — each suits a different starting credential and timeline.
1. BSN-to-DNP (Direct Doctoral Entry)
For BSN-prepared RNs who want to enter the doctoral path directly without first earning a separate master’s degree. Typical length: 3 to 4 years full-time, 1,000+ clinical hours, and an APRN specialty (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, etc.). This is the fastest-growing entry path, aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement.
2. MSN-to-DNP (Post-Master’s Advancement)
For nurses who already hold an MSN-NP and want to add doctoral preparation without changing specialties. Typical length: 18 to 24 months part-time, focused on advanced systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and a doctoral capstone project. Many MSN-to-DNP programs accept clinical hours from the prior master’s, requiring fewer additional hours overall.
3. Post-Master’s DNP Certificate
For existing MSN-NP holders who want a credentialed doctoral certificate without a full DNP degree. Typical length: 12 to 18 months. Provides AACN Essentials coursework alignment without the full doctoral capstone. The NP Certifications hub covers credential combinations in depth.
4. Executive DNP (Leadership Track)
For nurses pursuing administrative, health-system, or population-health roles rather than direct clinical practice. Typical length: 24 to 36 months. Curriculum emphasizes nursing administration, quality improvement, informatics, and policy. Suited for current nurse managers, CNOs, and policy-track candidates.
5. Direct-Entry RN-to-DNP (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN (12 to 16 months), then enters the BSN-to-DNP track. Total time-to-DNP: typically 4.5 to 5.5 years from the start of accelerated BSN. Idaho’s direct-entry option is Idaho State University’s Master of Science in Nursing entry pathway.
Idaho DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Idaho: 2
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in The State: 6
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 0 for DNP programs
- Average Tuition Costs: $17,000 to $60,000+ for public universities
DNP Programs in Idaho
Idaho doesn’t offer a very wide range of DNP programs, but the programs they do offer allow nurses to choose from a number of specialities and starting points.
State BSN/MSN to DNP Programs
Two universities in Idaho offer DNP tracks: Idaho State University and Boise State University. Programs at both of these schools are considered hybrid, offering in-person learning with on-campus requirements throughout the year.
Boise State University
- Boise, Idaho
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $820 to $895 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Boise State University offers DNP options for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. BSN-prepared students can choose from DPN tracks focused on becoming an FNP or an AGNP. Both of these options are 70 credits and take about three years to complete full-time. Clinical rotations consist of three rotations with 180 hours each and a 240-hour clinical practicum. Boise State offers clinical placement assistance and has a clinical placement. According to the school, it has a 100% placement rate.
Boise State also offers a post-master’s DNP that’s 30 credits and takes two years to complete. This path is designed for nurses who already hold advanced degrees in clinical fields like NPs or midwives.
These programs are offered primarily online, but there are in-person, on-campus intensives every summer.
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $592 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Students have several DNP options at Idaho State University (ISU). BSN students can enroll in the 83-credit BSN to FNP program or the 85-credit BSN to PMHNP program. Classes are offered online, but students are required to come to campus multiple times throughout each program. FNP students must travel to both the ISU Pocatello and Meridian campuses two to four times a semester for clinical intensives, while PMHNP students must travel to the Pocatello campus for new student orientation and the Meridian campus for health assessment intensives.
ISU does offer clinical placement assistance, and applicants with an MSN in a non-clinical field or other clinical specialty can also apply to the program. Full-time students generally complete these programs in three years.
Another option is the post-master’s DNP programs for professionals who are already practicing as either FNPs or PMHNPs and hold national certifications. These programs are 29 credits and can be completed in about 15 months.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Idaho
The lengths of these programs can vary, depending on previous education, clinical hours, and experience. If you’re looking for the shortest programs, consider those below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP programs at both Idaho State University and Boise State University all take about three years to complete for students who attend full-time.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The post-master’s DNP programs at Idaho State University can be completed in as little as 15 months, compared to the post-master’s program at Boise State, which takes two years.
Best DNP Programs in Idaho
The best program for you is the one that suits your goals. These programs are pretty well-matched, so ultimately, it comes down to what you’re interested in focusing on. Both Idaho State University and Boise State University offer BSN to DNP tracks and post-master’s to DNP options. However, if you’re interested in becoming a PMHNP, the only DNP program in Idaho is at Idaho State, and if you’re interested in pursuing a career as an AGNP, the only program available is at Boise State.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Idaho
When it comes to cost, it can be challenging to make a direct comparison as every school has different fees and additional charges. That said, per credit, Idaho State is moderately more affordable at $592 per credit + fees, compared to $820 to $895 per credit + fees at Boise State.