Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced nursing science, leadership and research methods with focused coursework in administration, clinical practice or nursing research. Core modules typically include advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology for advanced practice, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and ethics, and research methods. Depending on the chosen emphasis, students then take specialist modules such as:

• Nursing Administration: healthcare leadership and management, financial management for healthcare organisations, quality improvement, human resources and organisational change.
• Nursing Research: quantitative and qualitative research design, biostatistics, implementation science, grant writing and a research project or thesis focused on nursing-relevant questions.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision-making, specialty practicum experiences, interprofessional care coordination and clinical practicum/capstone projects that consolidate advanced practice skills.

Clinical practicum hours or a capstone project are integral to the curriculum to ensure applied competence; students work with Boise State’s clinical partners across urban and rural health settings. The programme emphasises interprofessional collaboration, patient safety, population health and the application of evidence to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an active, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) licence and a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants with an associate degree or diploma in nursing may be considered for bridge pathways where available, but will typically need to demonstrate completion of prerequisite coursework and clinical experience. Usual supporting materials include academic transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals, and professional references.

Admission also usually requires demonstration of relevant clinical experience, satisfactory academic standing in prior study, and compliance with standard health and background screening requirements for clinical placements. Some specialisms may require additional prerequisites or interviews. Specific GPA thresholds, prerequisite courses and documentation requirements are provided by the university’s admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of senior roles across healthcare organisations. Common career destinations include nurse manager or director of nursing, clinical nurse specialist, nursing research coordinator, quality improvement or patient safety officer, and advanced clinical educator. Those who focus on nursing research often move into roles supporting clinical trials, research administration or continue towards doctoral study. Clinical-track graduates typically take advanced specialist positions in hospitals, community health services, long-term care and specialised practice settings.

The degree also supports transition into leadership and policy roles within healthcare systems, public health organisations and non-profit sectors, and provides a foundation for further academic or doctoral study.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State’s nursing programmes are delivered within the College of Health Sciences and leverage partnerships with regional hospitals, community providers and public health agencies across Idaho to provide diverse clinical placement opportunities. The university emphasises applied learning, with access to simulation facilities and interprofessional training that mirror contemporary clinical environments.

Faculty combine clinical experience with active involvement in research and quality-improvement projects, allowing students to engage in practice-relevant scholarship. Flexible delivery options, including hybrid and online components where available, support working nurses balancing study with professional commitments. The programme’s regional connections and focus on rural and urban healthcare needs make it particularly suited for nurses seeking to advance practice and leadership within Idaho and the broader Mountain West region.