Boise State University

What you'll study

This bachelor’s programme combines foundational health sciences, nursing theory and extensive clinical practice. Core topics include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and concepts of professional nursing practice. Students study evidence‑based practice, nursing research methods and statistics, population and community health, mental health nursing, maternal‑child and paediatric care, and gerontological nursing. Specialized modules support the administration and research pathways, covering health care management, organisational leadership, quality and safety in health care, nursing informatics, and applied research techniques.

The curriculum balances classroom learning with hands‑on clinical experience delivered through simulation labs and supervised placements in hospitals, community clinics and other care settings. Pre‑licensure tracks include progressive clinical practicum hours across medical‑surgical, critical care, maternal‑child, mental health and community nursing. The RN‑to‑BSN route focuses on advanced practice concepts, leadership and research, allowing practising nurses to complete the BSN while maintaining employment.

Entry requirements

Entry depends on the route chosen. For the pre‑licensure BSN pathway, applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent plus completion of required prerequisite courses such as human anatomy and physiology, general chemistry, microbiology, college‑level English and mathematics. Applicants are assessed on academic performance in prerequisites and overall GPA. Many applicants are selected through a competitive admission process and must satisfy additional screening such as background checks and immunisation requirements.

For the RN‑to‑BSN pathway, applicants should hold a current, unencumbered RN licence and have completed designated prerequisite coursework; employers sometimes sponsor part‑time completion. For advanced or specialised tracks that emphasise nursing administration or nursing research, prior clinical experience and evidence of research or leadership interest will strengthen an application.

All accepted students are required to maintain up‑to‑date immunisations, current CPR certification and complete any clinical clearance procedures specified by clinical partners.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BSN programme are prepared for role entry as registered nurses in acute care, community and primary care settings, and long‑term care. Those who focus on clinical nursing typically move into bedside practice in medical‑surgical units, critical care, emergency departments, paediatrics, maternity services or mental health.

Graduates pursuing the nursing administration pathway often progress to charge nurse, unit manager, clinical coordinator, quality improvement specialist or health services manager roles. The nursing research pathway equips graduates to work as research assistants, clinical research coordinators or to continue to graduate study (MSN, PhD/DSN) for careers in academic research, advanced practice or leadership.

Across pathways, a BSN also supports transition into specialised practice areas, public health, case management, informatics, education and policy roles, and improves eligibility for graduate programmes and leadership positions.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State’s nursing programme is delivered within a health sciences environment that emphasises applied learning and community partnerships. Students benefit from modern simulation facilities and structured clinical placements with regional hospitals, primary care clinics and community health organisations, providing diverse practical experiences across care settings.

Faculty are practising clinicians and researchers who integrate current clinical practice and evidence‑based approaches into teaching. The university supports students with advising, clinical placement coordination and opportunities for interprofessional learning with allied health programmes. Located in a region with varied health needs, Boise State offers access to rural and urban practicum sites that prepare graduates for a wide range of nursing careers.

Whether entering straight from secondary education or completing an RN‑to‑BSN, the programme focuses on preparing competent, reflective and leadership‑oriented nurses prepared to meet contemporary health care challenges and to pursue further professional development.