The University of Idaho announced on April 17 two major steps aimed at expanding the state’s health care workforce, including a new nursing partnership with North Idaho College and approval to begin designing a proposed medical education facility in Boise.
These initiatives address the ongoing shortage of health care professionals in Idaho, particularly nurses and physicians. The state has one of the lowest nurse-to-population ratios in the country, and projections indicate more than 1,226 annual openings for registered nurses statewide through 2032.
University President Scott Green and North Idaho College President Nick Swayne signed an agreement on April 15 to jointly develop a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) program. “This MOU builds on a strong and growing relationship between our two institutions,” Green said. “By combining U of I’s graduate-level academic programs with North Idaho College’s deep roots in nursing education and the Coeur d’Alene region, we are creating a pathway that will benefit students and patients alike for generations to come.” Swayne added, “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. I also want to recognize the NIC board of trustees, whose support and vision made this partnership possible. Together, we will help address the nursing shortage and improve access to care across northern Idaho and beyond.”
The DEMSN program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field but wish to become registered nurses at the graduate level. Approved by the State Board of Education last August, it is expected to begin accepting applications in Fall 2026 with classes starting Fall 2027 in Coeur d’Alene.
Separately, on April 15, the State Board approved U of I’s request to start planning educational space at Boise’s Idaho Water Center as part of its proposed undergraduate medical education program developed with University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. The university committed $2 million toward developing anatomy lab facilities leased from Idaho State University; total classroom project costs are estimated at $3.8 million.
Dr. Rayme Geidl said: “This approval allows us to keep pace with a very tight timeline while remaining fiscally responsible… Beginning the design process now ensures we are prepared to move forward if the program receives full approval and funding.” Russell “Rusty” Baker added: “The DEMSN program and the Water Center approval reflect exactly what the School of Health and Medical Professions was built to do — identify where Idaho’s health care workforce gaps are greatest and develop programs to fill them… Our vision is a school that prepares Idahoans for careers across the full spectrum of in-demand health care professions.”
