Idaho State University to Offer Idaho’s First Nurse Anesthesia Degree Program

Idaho State University’s School of Nursing will soon offer the first nurse anesthesia (CRNA) program in the state of Idaho.

The program received regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in July and is currently undergoing the Capability Review Process for accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Its first cohort would begin in Fall 2025 at the ISU Meridian campus, pending initial accreditation being granted by the COA.  

Graduates from this three-year program will receive a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree and be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam to become a CRNA. They will be prepared to provide a full range of anesthesia services to meet the growing needs of Idaho’s diverse population and remedy the critical anesthesia shortage in the region. 

The Idaho health care community has expressed significant interest in the development of this program. As nearly every hospital in the state is experiencing challenges with hiring and retaining qualified anesthesia providers, the new program is a long-term solution for this problem.

Idaho State University's School of Nursing is offering a question and answer session about the nurse anesthesia program on Tuesday, July 9 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the ISU Meridian campus, 1311 E. Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642.

Interested partnering organizations and prospective students, are invited to join this informational (question and answer) session.

For questions, please email the CRNA Program Director at shadwestover@isu.edu. Although not required, please RSVP for the informational session to ensure seating for everyone interested in attending. Those who are not able to attend in person may join via Zoom.