Nursing, Registered

You are here

Professional Nursing Program at College of Western Idaho

Our nursing students demonstrate the qualities of integrity, dedication, and knowledge that we expect from our profession! Allison Baker, Nursing Program Chair

Your path to nursing excellence begins at College of Western Idaho (CWI)! Imagine yourself in a career where every decision you make helps save lives. At the CWI, your journey to becoming a Registered Nurse is filled with opportunities for personal growth and professional excellence. Our Registered Nursing program is meticulously designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to become a compassionate and competent healthcare professional.

In this program, you will be part of an immersive learning environment where you are not just a student but a future nurse. You will practice in our state-of-the-art skills labs, participate in simulations that mirror real-life medical scenarios, and gain insights from experienced faculty who are dedicated to your success. By the time you graduate, you will be fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination and step confidently into your role as a registered nurse, ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your patients.

Learning Opportunities

  • Engage in hands-on training in CWI's advanced skills lab and simulation center.
  • Experience diverse clinical rotations, honing your nursing skills in actual healthcare settings.
  • Prepare for the NCLEX-RN with dedicated support and resources.
  • Collaborate with seasoned healthcare professionals during your educational journey.
  • Contribute to community health through service learning opportunities.

SAINT ALPHONSUS PARTNERSHIP

CWI is excited to partner with Saint Alphonsus to provide opportunities for individuals to expand their education and grow in their careers.

Learn More

Healthcare Information Sessions IconHealthcare Information Sessions

Want to learn more about this program and other healthcare programs at CWI? Join a Healthcare Information Session to learn about the programs, what you can do to prepare for the programs, meet advisors and instructors, and ask questions.

View Upcoming Sessions

Pencil Application IconApplication Process & Requirements

Application Periods 

  • Fall 2024 Semester: Feb. 12 – May 17
  • Spring 2025 Semester: Sept. 2 – Oct. 25

How to Apply

Prior to applying for the Registered Nursing program, it is recommended to attend a Healthcare Information Session and watch this important program overview video.

  1. Apply to CWI and be accepted as a student.
  2. Verify your coursework by:
  3. Schedule and complete the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam with a passing score at Testing Services in advance of submitting the program application.
  4. Complete and submit the Registered Nursing Program Application with professional references by the due date.
    • Completion of the math and science courses is not required to apply to the Registered Nursing program. However, program admission is competitive, so completion of these courses increases your ranking points. In-progress courses may be used. For in-progress courses, use your current grade for scoring. Final grades for in-progress courses will be verified after the spring semester concludes. Please see the Registered Nursing Program Application for more information.

Registered Nursing Program Application Registered Nursing Reference Form

Application Help

For help or questions regarding the Registered Nursing application process, please contact your advisor or the Department Chair:

Allison Baker
allisonbaker2@cwi.edu
208.562.2037

For additional assistance, plan to attend a recruitment session via Zoom or in-person: 

  • Zoom Sessions
    first Tuesday of the month
    Noon – 1 p.m.

Meeting ID: 937 6922 2542
Passcode: 375797

Future Applicants

Applications for the Fall 2024 Registered Nursing program start will no longer include points for the following courses:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Fundamentals of Nutrition
  • Medical Terminology

Accreditation IconStatement of Accreditation

The Associate of Science Registered Nursing program at College of Western Idaho at the Canyon County Campus located in Nampa, Idaho, is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000
acenursing.org

Nursing Program Receives Reaccreditation

Mission

The mission of the Registered Nursing program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is to prepare graduates to practice safe, competent, patient-centered care in a complex and rapidly changing healthcare system; providing a foundation for individual advancement, developing nursing leaders, and contributing to Idaho’s prosperity.

Why This Program

The Registered Nursing program will prepare you to become licensed to practice nursing by providing you with a combination of theory and laboratory instruction as well as clinical experience in the area’s healthcare facilities. This program is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing, and upon satisfactory completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Upon passing this exam, you will be licensed to practice nursing as a registered nurse.

May 2023 graduates: 100% pass rate
May 2022 graduates: 89.00% pass rate
May 2021 graduates: 86.35% pass rate
May 2020 graduates: 89.50% pass rate
May 2019 graduates: 96.55% pass rate
May 2018 graduates: 96.55% pass rate
May 2017 graduates: 95.00% pass rate
May 2016 graduates: 97.50% pass rate
May 2015 graduates: 92.50% pass rate

Clubs

Student Nurses Association logo

The Student Nurses Association at College of Western Idaho brings together nursing students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses. Our goal is to develop nursing students who are prepared to lead the profession in the future...

Additional Opportunities

Start your nursing pathway at CWI, then earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) fully-online at Lewis Clark State College (LCSC).

  • Begin your bachelor's degree while still pursuing your associate degree, 
  • or transfer once you have completed your Professional Nursing degree at CWI. 

For more information, visit LCSC's Bachelor of Science in Nursing page and select the CC to BSN track, or contact Brian Parker at LCSC or 208.292.1405

Respectful Community

College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.  More on Title IX

News and Blogs

Graduate embracing faculty after being pinned

College of Western Idaho’s Registered Nursing program recognized its 2023 graduating class during a pinning ceremony Wednesday, May 11.

Sara Alton

Registered Nursing student, Sara Alton, is ready to graduate and help those around her community.

Sarah Tuffield in a nursing lab simulation

With a newfound self-confidence, Registered Nursing student, Sarah Tuffield, is ready to graduate and meet the need for more healthcare workers.

Health Sciences students with medical equipment tool box

Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.

Jolie Hultner

Congratulations to Professional Nursing Instructor, Jolie Hultner, who was named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for October 2022.

Professional Nursing student at pinning ceremony

College of Western Idaho’s Professional Nursing program recognized its 2022 graduating class during a pinning ceremony Wednesday, May 12, at the Nampa Civic Center.