Boise State expands nursing program to 100 students

IBR STAFF//July 16, 2025//

The Boise State University School of Nursing has increased its cohort to accommodate 100 students. (PHOTO: BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY)

IBR STAFF//July 16, 2025//

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Key Highlights

Boise State expands nursing cohort to 100 students per semester
Move addresses Idaho’s growing demand for qualified nurses
Applications continue to exceed program capacity
Program ranked No. 1 in Idaho by U.S. News & World Report

As the population keeps growing, demand for qualified medical staff within the Gem State continues.

Because of that demand, one nursing school has expanded its cohort to allow for 100 students starting this August.

Boise State University’s School of Nursing is expanding its Bachelor’s of Nursing cohort program to accommodate the larger number of students and will keep it at that number for fall and spring semesters going forward.

“We’re thrilled to meet the growing demand for nurses across Idaho by expanding our cohort size,” said Angie Phillips, the nursing school’s interim associate divisional dean. “This is not only a milestone for the School of Nursing, but a significant step forward in addressing the health care needs of our communities.”

The school stated that it consistently receives more applications than its capacity will allow, and increasing the number of students accepted will help address the shortage of qualified nurses within Idaho.

Candidates for the program are admitted based on a two-step process, the school stated, and the program will maintain its current collaborations with health care partners in the community.

“We’re deeply grateful for the support of our university leadership and the state board of education for making this expansion possible,” Phillips said. “Their commitment ensures that more students can pursue their calling in nursing and more Idahoans will benefit from skilled, compassionate care.”

The program was ranked No. 1 in the state by U.S. News & World Report.