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Make Your Passion for Healthcare a Reality in Nursing and Train with the Best
Program Overview
Are you passionate about a career in healthcare and eager to make a positive impact in people's lives? The Registered Nursing program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is designed to guide you towards a fulfilling career in nursing. This comprehensive Associate of Science degree program includes theory, laboratory instruction, and clinical experience in various healthcare facilities, using state-of-the-art simulation practices. Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, the key step to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse.
CWI's Registered Nursing program emphasizes hands-on training, allowing you to develop clinical judgment and skills in real-world scenarios. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the program assures you will be taught by faculty with advanced education and experience. With above-national average pass rates for the NCLEX-RN and a high job placement rate, this program positions you for quick employment in a high-demand field.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Science
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
3 years
Primary Location
Applications Open
The Fall 2025 program application deadline for Registered Nursing is Friday, May 23.
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Training: Gain practical experience in skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical settings, honing your nursing abilities.
- Accredited Curriculum: Learn from a nationally accredited program, ensuring high educational standards and quality instruction.
- Degree Completion Partnerships: Benefit from partnerships with various universities for seamless transfer and degree completion.
- High NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Excel in the NCLEX-RN with a program that boasts above-national average success rates.
- Strong Job Placement: Enter the workforce quickly, with a high job placement rate within three months of graduation.
Partnerships
- Local industry partners, including Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke's, and West Valley Hospital, play a vital role in shaping your education at CWI, offering curriculum guidance and access to preceptorships and employment opportunities.
- Start your nursing pathway at CWI, then earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) fully-online at Lewis Clark State College.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Registered Nursing – Associate of Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $12,986
Student Outcomes
The following outcomes reflect the NCLEX exam results of CWI Registered Nursing graduates taking the exam for the first time.
- 2024 graduates: 79% completion rate, 89.13% pass rate, 83% job placement
- 2023 graduates: 100% pass rate
- 2022 graduates: 89.00% pass rate
- 2021 graduates: 86.35% pass rate
Career Opportunities
Registered Nurses
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.
1105
Annual Openings*
$38.53
Hourly Median Wage*
$80,142
Annual Median Salary
15.55%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Postsecondary Teachers
1063
Annual Openings*
$35.10
Hourly Median Wage*
$73,008
Annual Median Salary
18.28%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“One of my favorite memories in the RN program has been working in the simulation labs because we are able to treat a scenario as real as possible but also make mistakes that won’t hurt a patient. It allows us to build our confidence and skills as we move forward in the program.” Read more > about Fulfilling Her Dreams by Helping Others
“Because of CWI, I can do what I love to do — help people and make a difference.” Read more > about Ten Years in the Making
Admissions
Admission into the Registered Nursing program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process. Learn more about this process by a program overview video.
STEP 1
- Review the Registered Nursing Application Steps which includes details on:
- qualifications
- admission to CWI
- general education classes
- the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam
- verifying certifications
- professional references
- applying to the program
STEP 2
- Complete each step of the application process as indicated.
Step 3
- Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.
Program Application Deadlines
- Fall 2025 – May 23, 2025
- Spring 2026 – Sept. 30, 2025
Program Accreditation
The Associate of Science Registered Nursing program at College of Western Idaho at the Canyon County Center 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
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science Registered Nursing program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
The Registered Nursing program is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. 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 (RN).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Lab Spaces
View the College’s state-of-the art lab spaces where you will receive hands-on, comprehensive career training.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
Clubs
Student Nurses Association
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 through development of skills needed to be responsible and accountable members of the nursing community.
News
Kimi Jenkins, a graduate of College of Western Idaho’s Registered Nursing program, turned a lifelong dream into reality after years of working in insurance and raising her son. Inspired by...
Read more about From Aspiration to ICU: Kimi Jenkins’ Journey to Nursing
Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.
Read more about Health Programs Application Deadlines
College of Western Idaho’s Registered Nursing program recognized its 2023 graduating class during a pinning ceremony Wednesday, May 11.
Read more about ‘You are the Frontline of Healthcare’: 2023 Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Registered Nursing student, Sara Alton, is ready to graduate and help those around her community.
Read more about Working Hard to Achieve Her Dreams
With a newfound self-confidence, Registered Nursing student, Sarah Tuffield, is ready to graduate and meet the need for more healthcare workers.
Read more about Fulfilling Her Dreams by Helping Others
Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.
Read more about Health Programs 2023 Application Deadlines
Congratulations to Professional Nursing Instructor, Jolie Hultner, who was named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for October 2022.
Read more about Hultner Named Faculty of Distinction for October 2022
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.
Read more about 2022 Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Congratulations to Sean Muldoon, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for April 2021.
Read more about Muldoon Named Staff of the Month for April
The celebrations continued this week at CWI with the Virtual Nurse Pinning Ceremony on May 13.
Read more about 2021 Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Members of CWI’s Student Nurses Association continue their dedication to professional development and giving back.
Read more about Student Nurses Association Thrives Despite Curve BallsRequest More Information
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