Students accepted into the nursing program can anticipate a challenging academic experience that emphasizes the strong professional values, core nursing competencies and leadership skills needed in today’s complex healthcare environment. The nursing curriculum includes a professional capstone course and courses in nursing leadership, health promotion, family health, mental health, environmental health, adult and pediatric care, medical and surgical care, psychiatric care, and public/community health and management.
In addition to didactic courses, nursing students complete clinical rotations at sites that include schools, district health departments, hospitals and health care clinics.
Sample schedules and course descriptions
- View the Sample Pre-Nursing Schedule
- View the Sample 5-Semester Nursing Course Grid
- View course descriptions for NURS courses in the Boise State catalog.
Curriculum FAQs
How long is the program?
The program is five semesters with summers off, or about 2.5 years.
Does the program include summers?
No, but students can use summers to work on minors, do internships with local hospitals, or to study abroad. (25-33% of nursing majors work on minors, but not all finish them).
I would like to specialize; can I do that?
No. This is a general bachelor’s of science in nursing program that prepares you for the licensing exam and employment.
Students in their junior or senior year are eligible to earn a certificate in Vulnerable Populations, though. The additional courses are fully online, and the certificate is only 7 credits.