New masters program tackles nurse shortage

A new Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program in Coeur d’Alene is now accepting applications.

Developed collaboratively by North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, the program is designed to address Idaho’s severe nursing shortage. A recent study published by IntelyCare found that Idaho has the most severe nursing shortage in the nation, with 5.9 registered nurses per 1,000 people.

“North Idaho College has been training nurses for this region for decades, and we're excited to take the next step with the University of Idaho,” NIC President Nick Swayne said in a University of Idaho news release. “Together, we will help address the nursing shortage and improve access to care across northern Idaho and beyond.”

The two-year graduate-level program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field and are interested in pursuing nursing. The program expands on NIC’s nursing program and offers opportunities for a more diverse range of students to use its resources and simulation lab. All prerequisites for the program are offered at NIC.

“We’ll have students who have completely different backgrounds,” Program Director Sheila Hurst said. “It’s a nice way to use your bachelor’s degree, put it into nursing, and use those skills to critically look at our system and solve some of the issues we have in our health care system.”

Hurst said she believes the program will attract a diverse range of students who may not otherwise have pursued nursing. Students will receive hands-on experience through clinical placements in regional hospitals and will graduate with a master’s degree, prepared for research and leadership roles.

“We really looked at areas of need in our state,” said Caiti Bobbitt, director of marketing and strategic communications at the University of Idaho. “Nursing was at the top of the list.”

The program will prepare students to address the unique health care challenges in Idaho by helping them navigate obstacles they might face as nurses in rural areas, Hurst said.

“Maybe resources aren’t as plentiful in an area. It’s helping students think that through,” Hurst said. “Transportation is a huge issue, and time.”

The ultimate goal is for the program to help increase Idaho’s nursing workforce, according to Hurst and Bobbitt.

“We have a huge workforce challenge. Our program is going to be part of the solution,” Hurst said. “We are already getting applicants from out of state.”

“There’s a lot of evidence across medical fields that you practice where you train,” Bobbitt added.

The program was approved by the State Board of Education in August 2025. Applications opened Monday, Sept. 21, and classes will begin in fall 2027 in Coeur d’Alene.

    Nursing students in class.