Last updated: June 2026 | Researched and reviewed by Daniel Etheridge, CRNA
Idaho now has one accredited CRNA school: Idaho State University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program in Meridian.
It’s brand new. The program earned initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA) on May 20, 2025, and welcomed its first cohort that fall.
This guide covers what’s actually verified about the program — cost, admission requirements, deadlines, and the Idaho job picture — so you can decide whether to apply here or look across state lines.
Key Takeaways
- Programs in Idaho: 1 COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program — Idaho State University (Meridian).
- Degree & length: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), 36 months / 9 semesters, full-time and front-loaded.
- Cost (2024–25 rates): the all-in program estimate is about $126,200 in-state and $154,800 out-of-state — tuition plus required nursing professional fees and program extras, before housing and travel.
- Admissions: 3.0+ GPA, a baccalaureate nursing/related degree, at least one year of critical-care RN experience, and BLS/ACLS/PALS. CCRN is highly recommended, not required. No GRE is listed.
- Deadline: January 15 each year; classes start in August.
Idaho CRNA programs at a glance
| School | City | Degree | Length | Est. Total Cost | Cohort | CCRN | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | Meridian | DNAP | 36 mo / 9 sem | ~$126,200 in-state · ~$154,800 out-of-state (2024–25) | Not published | Recommended | Jan 15 |
Idaho State University: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
Idaho State University runs the state’s only nurse anesthesia program out of its Meridian campus, just outside Boise.
It’s a 36-month, nine-semester DNAP built in a front-loaded format. The first year is heavy on didactics, with clinical training filling years two and three.
Residents complete more than 2,000 hours of direct clinical experience plus simulation lab time. Rotations run through hospitals and surgical sites across the region, with the program’s stated mission centered on rural and underserved care.
To apply you’ll need a current, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor’s (or higher) in nursing or a related field, a 3.0+ GPA in nursing and science coursework, and at least one year of full-time critical-care experience. Adult ICU is preferred, though ER, PICU, NICU, trauma, and flight experience are considered.
BLS, ACLS, and PALS are required. CCRN is highly recommended but not mandatory, and there’s no GRE on the requirement list.
Because the first class only started in fall 2025, the program hasn’t published first-attempt board pass rates, attrition, or employment numbers yet. That’s normal for a new program — just know those outcomes aren’t available to weigh yet. Confirm current accreditation status on the COA directory.
Cost: in-state vs. out-of-state
ISU posts its DNAP costs directly, which is refreshingly transparent.
At 2024–25 rates, plan on roughly $126,200 in-state and $154,800 out-of-state for the full program. That’s the number that matters, because nearly all of it is unavoidable.
The out-of-state figure assumes a break in your favor: residents who live in Idaho for 12 months can apply for in-state tuition in years two and three, which is built into that estimate.
None of these figures include housing, travel to clinical sites, or health insurance. The program warns that housing and travel will be your largest variable expense, since rotations span the region. The School of Nursing also awards over $100,000 in scholarships annually.
How to apply
Applications are due January 15 for an August start.
You’ll apply through the ISU Graduate School and submit transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 2–3 page professional essay covering your interest in anesthesia, shadowing, and views on independent practice.
The interview is two-part: an online asynchronous interview through Kira Talent, then a final in-person interview at ISU Meridian, typically in February or March. Decisions go out by March 30. An Idaho RN license is required before final acceptance. If you’re still mapping out your timeline, see our guide on when to apply to CRNA school.
Idaho CRNA salary & job outlook
Nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid advanced practice nurses in the country. The national median CRNA salary was about $212,650 per year (BLS, May 2023).
Idaho is a small, largely rural market, so statewide wage samples are thin and individual offers vary widely by setting and call. What matters more here is demand: Idaho has long imported its anesthesia workforce, and nearly every hospital in the state has struggled to recruit and retain providers. A homegrown program aimed at rural practice is a direct response to that shortage, which bodes well for graduates who want to stay local.
Frequently asked questions
How many CRNA schools are in Idaho?
Idaho has one accredited CRNA school: Idaho State University’s DNAP program in Meridian. It’s the first nurse anesthesia program in the state, accredited by the COA in May 2025.
How much does the Idaho State CRNA program cost?
Plan on roughly $126,200 in-state and $154,800 out-of-state at 2024–25 rates. That’s ISU’s all-in estimate — tuition (about $51,850 in-state) plus required nursing professional fees and program extras. It does not include housing or travel.
Does the Idaho State CRNA program require the GRE?
No. The GRE does not appear on ISU’s published DNAP admission requirements. Admission centers on your GPA, critical-care experience, references, essay, and interview.
What GPA do I need for the Idaho State CRNA program?
You need a cumulative 3.0 or higher in nursing and science coursework. A weak science grade can be offset by retaking the course or by a stronger graduate-level equivalent.
Is CCRN required?
CCRN is highly recommended but not required. BLS, ACLS, and PALS are required, along with at least one year of full-time critical-care RN experience.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due January 15 for an August start. Interviews run February–March, with decisions by March 30.
Related guides
No in-state program is a fit for everyone, especially when there’s only one. If you’re weighing nearby states, see our guides to CRNA schools in Oregon, Washington, and Utah.
You can also browse every state from our CRNA schools by state hub, and review national standards through the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with Idaho State University or the COA. Verify accreditation against the COA’s published List of Accredited Educational Programs and confirm all requirements, costs, and dates with the program before applying.