Nursing, Professional

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

Regardless of specialty or work setting, professional nurses (specifically RNs) provide patient care, educate patients and the public about various health issues, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' health histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate equipment that supports patient health care, administer patient medications and treatments, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.

Professional nurses teach patients and their families how to manage their health care during health or illness. This includes explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Professional nurses work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease.

Read about the Nursing Program Receives Reaccreditation.


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 and Requirements

Classes beginning Aug. 2023 - Application period opens February 13, 2023, and closes, May 19, 2023, at 4 pm.

Application Process

It is recommended to attend a Healthcare Information Session and watch the Professional Nursing Program overview video. 

  1. Complete CWI Associate Degree or Technical Certificate application and be accepted to CWI.
  2. Verify your coursework by:
    • Reviewing the program Plan of Study on the Requirements Tab
    • View Your Progress on my.cwi.edu (Learn How)
  3. Schedule and complete the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam with a passing score at a CWI Testing Services in advance of submitting the program application.
  4. Complete the Professional Nursing Program Application and submit it with professional references by the due date.
    • Completion of the math and science courses is not required to apply to the Professional Nursing program. However, program admission is competitive, so completion of these courses increases your ranking points. In-progress courses can 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 Professional Nursing Application for more information.

Professional Nursing Program Application

Professional Nursing Reference Form

Application Help

For help or questions regarding the Professional Nursing Program Application, please contact your advisor, or the Professional Nursing Department Chair:

Allison Baker
allisonbaker2@cwi.edu
208.562.2307

Note for Future Applicants

Applications for the Fall 2024 Professional Nursing program start will no longer include points for the following courses, Pathophysiology, Fundamentals of Nutrition, or Medical Terminology. 


Accreditation IconStatement of Accreditation

The Associate of Science nursing program at the 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


 

Mission

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

Why This Program

This 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 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

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Human flourishing is difficult to define, but can loosely be expressed as an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within the context of a larger community of individuals, each with a right to pursue his or her own such efforts.
  • Nursing judgment encompasses three processes: namely critical thinking, clinical judgment and integration of best evidence into practice.
  • Critical thinking means identifying, evaluating, and using evidence to guide decision-making by means of logic and reasoning.
  • Professional Identity involves the internalization of core values and perspectives recognized as integral to the art and science of nursing. These core values become self-evident as the nurse learns, gains experience, and grows in the profession.
  • A Spirit of Inquiry is the persistent sense of curiosity that informs both learning and practice. A nurse infused by a spirit of inquiry will raise questions, challenge traditional and existing practices, and seek creative approaches to problems.

Clubs

Student Nurses Association logo

The Student Nurses Association (SNA) at College of Western Idaho aims to bring together nursing students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses. SNA promotes development of the skills students will need as responsible and...

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

Health Sciences students with medical equipment tool box

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

College of Western Idaho nursing students

Saint Alphonsus Health System will be on College of Western Idaho campus to chat to Nursing students about career opportunities on Friday, Jan. 27.

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.

Sean Muldoon, College of Western Idaho's Staff of the Month for April 2021

Congratulations to Sean Muldoon, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for April 2021.

Nursing Faculty, Jen Mimish, speaks during the Nurse Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, May 13.

The celebrations continued this week at CWI with the Virtual Nurse Pinning Ceremony on May 13.