MSN Programs in Idaho – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
One of the great things about earning a nursing master’s degree in Idaho? Many MSN programs in Idaho are offered online, which means you can pursue your educational goals without missing out on other important life commitments. The Gem State’s MSN programs offer a variety of concentrations, too, ranging from executive administrative management to advanced clinical practice curricula. Once you graduate, you can rely on earning $121,380 annually on average, and employment opportunities available to you will jump 60 percent in the next decade. What could be better than more job security, a higher earning potential, and greater job satisfaction? Learn more about the MSN value proposition with this list of the best MSN programs in Idaho.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN IDAHO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Idaho (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. Idaho State University - Pocatello
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing program at Idaho State University offers a pathway for Registered Nurses to earn a graduate nursing degree and specialize in nursing education. The program offers part-time and full-time study options, allowing you to choose a schedule that best aligns with your goals. New classes begin each fall semester. Full-time students complete the program in two years, and part-time students take three years.
Coursework is delivered online in a distance-learning format. Clinical requirements may be completed in or near your hometown. The program requires you to complete 43 credit hours, which includes 36 laboratory and practicum hours. The curriculum features classes such as Advanced Human Pathophysiology, Rethinking Nursing Education, Curriculum Issues & Development, and Evaluation Issues & Strategies in Nursing Education.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program in Idaho at ISU, you must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the CCNE or another nationally recognized accrediting agency for nursing education and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae, three professional reference forms, a Professional Essay, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 from your BSN program of study or based on the last 60 credits of your most recently completed degree is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are considering earning an MSN but have concerns about program costs, Idaho State University is a great option to consider. The School of Nursing awards more than $100,000 in scholarships annually. The Graduate Funding and Scholarships Office has advisors available to help identify opportunities for which you may qualify.• As a student in the MSN program at Idaho State University, you will benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty, access to university resources, and collaborative online learning communities.
• As a nurse educator, I often find myself scrutinizing nursing education programs more than others do. I like the MSN in Nursing Education program at Idaho State University because the curriculum blends advanced nursing knowledge with pedagogical skills, preparing you to teach in clinical settings, academic programs, and community health environments. Additionally, with 336 hours of hands-on teaching practice, you will gain real-world experience that will boost your confidence as an educator and strengthen your resume.
• Idaho State University is committed to your success both as a student and as a Nurse Educator following completion of its program. From the time you enroll, you will have experienced faculty and mentors who work with you as you progress through the program, ensuring your academic needs are met and that you feel confident to enter your career in the Nurse Educator role.
2. Northwest Nazarene University - Nampa
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Leadership & Education
MSN Program Details: Northwest Nazarene University offers two specialty options for RNs seeking high-quality MSN programs in Idaho. At NNU, you can choose a clinical role as a Family Nurse Practitioner or pursue the Leadership and Education pathway. The program can be completed in as few as 15 months or spaced out over a four-year, part-time schedule.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program features online courses, residency hours on the NNU campus, and clinicals in your home state. The program comprises a 48-credit curriculum plan. The first semester includes core classes that lay the foundation for specialty skills relevant to the FNP role. You will also complete 750 clinical and residential lab hours.
The Nursing Leadership and Education program is a 36-credit pathway delivered entirely online. You will study courses such as Population Health & Interprofessional Collaboration, Leadership Perspectives for Advancing the Profession of Nursing, Healthcare Systems & Policy, and Organization Leadership for Improving Health Outcomes.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program at Northwest Nazarene University must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and an active, unencumbered RN license. You must provide a copy of your RN license, a completed application, a Personal Statement, and two letters of professional recommendation. An interview with the admissions committee may be required. You must complete courses in Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Academic Writing, Introduction to Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology before advancing to the MSN degree program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Northwest Nazarene University, you will learn from dedicated faculty with over 160 years of combined nursing experience. Faculty are actively involved in clinical practice, ensuring you have access to the most current trends and information in nursing.• If learning in a faith-based environment is important to you, Northwest Nazarene University could be a perfect fit. As a student in the MSN program, you will study in a faith-based environment while developing ethical decision-making and servant-leadership skills.
• Graduates of the Northwest Nazarene University FNP program have consistently maintained a 100% pass rate on national certification exams. This outstanding record of success is a true testament to the quality of the program!
• If flexibility is important to you, the MSN Nursing Leadership and Education program at Northwest Nazarene University is worth considering. Because the program is entirely online, you can start when you are ready and complete the program at your own pace, in as few as 15 months. An individual study plan will be designed for you at the start of the program based on your personal and professional needs and goals.
• Northwest Nazarene University reports high student satisfaction rates for its MSN program. Among students and graduates who returned student satisfaction surveys, most stated they would recommend NNU to others. Faculty experience and support, a Christian environment, and excellent clinical opportunities received some of the highest satisfaction scores on the surveys.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Idaho?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Idaho?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Idaho?
| Hourly | $58.36 |
| Weekly | $2,334 |
| Monthly | $10,120 |
| Annual | $121,380 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Idaho?
| Hourly | $42.93 |
| Weekly | $1,717 |
| Monthly | $7,440 |
| Annual | $89,300 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Idaho?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $48.58 | $1,943 | $8,420 | $101,040 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $57.34 | $2,294 | $9,940 | $119,270 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $63.86 | $2,554 | $11,070 | $132,830 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $76.31 | $3,053 | $13,230 | $158,730 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Idaho By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boise City | $59.38 | $2,375 | $10,290 | $123,520 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $58.86 | $2,354 | $10,200 | $122,420 |
| Idaho Falls | $52.25 | $2,090 | $9,060 | $108,680 |
| Lewiston | $58.71 | $2,348 | $10,180 | $122,120 |
| Pocatello | $54.62 | $2,185 | $9,470 | $113,600 |
| Twin Falls | $57.21 | $2,288 | $9,920 | $118,990 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Idaho VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Idaho
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $171,880 | -$50,500 | -29.38% |
| Pharmacist | $129,140 | -$7,760 | -6.01% |
| Veterinarian | $122,590 | -$1,210 | -0.99% |
| Nurse With MSN | $121,380 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Podiatrist | $115,070 | +$6,310 | +5.48% |
| Physician Assistant | $113,870 | +$7,510 | +6.60% |
| Optometrist | $104,020 | +$17,360 | +16.69% |
| Radiation Therapist | $103,190 | +$18,190 | +17.63% |
| Physical Therapist | $92,400 | +$28,980 | +31.36% |
| Audiologist | $89,630 | +$31,750 | +35.42% |
| Occupational Therapist | $89,550 | +$31,830 | +35.54% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,390 | +$36,990 | +43.83% |
| Chiropractor | $75,220 | +$46,160 | +61.37% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $73,890 | +$47,490 | +64.27% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
Best MSN Programs in Other States
Popular Related Articles