Idaho State University Boise Center Enrollment Jumps 52 Percent

Boise – Growing demand for health care professionals has led to a 52 percent increase in enrollment over last spring, for an official tally of 321 students.

"This is the highest spring enrollment in the history of the Boise Center," said Robin Dodson, chief academic officer. "Our graduates are helping to fill the demand for health care professionals in the Treasure Valley and the entire state."

"Presently we are working to expand clinical opportunities that will benefit the underserved population," said Dodson. "These are win-win situations. Our students gain clinical experience, and clients get treatment. Many clients are referred by hospitals and other clinics and might not otherwise get treatment."

ISU Boise Center has begun offering counseling services for Treasure Valley residents. Second- and third-year master's level students counsel couples, individuals and families. Fees are based on a sliding scale.

The Boise Center will implement a general dentistry residency program in fall 2005. The Idaho State University dental sciences department has received a $460,460 grant to expand Idaho’s only dental resident training program to Boise. The expansion will increase educational opportunities for newly graduated dentists and improve access to dental care for underserved and disadvantaged populations.

The ISU Boise Center offers the associate of science in paramedic; the Bachelor of Science in speech-language pathology, nursing fast track, and clinical laboratory science; master’s programs in nursing, speech-language pathology, clinical laboratory science, counseling in mental health and marriage and family, geology, physical education, athletic administration, public health, dietetic internship, and third and fourth-year pharmacy rotations.