The Graduate Program Director provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the graduate nursing programs. This role combines teaching, administration, faculty development, and program oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality nursing education aligned with institutional mission and accreditation standards. The position reports to the School of Nursing Divisional Dean and collaborates with faculty and staff across the institution, especially in the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College.
The Graduate Program Director's rank (assistant, associate, or professor) and position (clinical or tenure-track) will be determined based on university policy and the individual's academic experience, professional achievements, scholarly achievements, and alignment with departmental goals. This faculty position consists of approximately 40% teaching, 40% graduate program administrative leadership, and 20% service.
Department overview:
The Boise State University School of Nursing is a top-ranked nursing program in Idaho, known for its commitment to preparing graduates to be leaders in transforming healthcare. The school offers a variety of programs, including:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS): A challenging program emphasizing leadership skills, professional values, and core nursing competencies. The program includes clinical rotations at schools, hospitals, healthcare clinics, and district health departments. The program is five semesters long, with summers off.
RN-BS Completion Track: An online program that offers a holistic learning experience with support from faculty and advisors. The program is designed to help registered nurses continue their education while balancing personal and employment commitments.
BS-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice: An online program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives). The program focuses on quality improvement and translating theory into practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): A program offered through the BS-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): A program offered through the BS-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Key Features of the School of Nursing:
- State-of-the-art simulation education: Students learn in a simulated healthcare environment, providing hands-on experience before entering real-world clinical settings.
- Focused clinical placement: The school partners with top healthcare facilities in Idaho to provide students with meaningful clinical experiences.
- Faculty dedicated to advancing the field: Experienced educators passionate about helping students bridge nursing theory into practice and engaging in research and scholarship.
- A focus on leadership and innovation: The school prepares students to become healthcare leaders and contribute innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school's Simulation Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare's Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs.
About Boise State:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.
Minimum qualifications:
- The Graduate Program Director must hold a doctoral degree. Acceptable credentials include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or a closely related field, or a master’s degree in nursing combined with a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a doctoral degree in a related health education discipline.
- Must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Idaho or be licensed in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state with eligibility to practice in Idaho by the start date of employment.
- Prior teaching experience in higher education.
- Demonstrated leadership experience.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships across the School of Nursing, the broader university community, clinical partners, and external community stakeholders.
- Ability to be on campus for in-person events based on the business needs of the school.
Preferred qualifications:
- Able to fulfill the responsibilities of the position primarily on campus, working in-office within the School of Nursing during standard university business hours.
- Demonstrated leadership experience directing a nursing program.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in teaching and learning, including strategies for effective online and distance education instruction.
- Certification and practice as a Nurse Practitioner in an advanced practice specialty area.
Required application materials:
- CV/Resume that includes employment history (with dates).
- A cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position.
- Teaching evaluations, demonstrating teaching effectiveness, if available.
- Statement about teaching philosophy.
- Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Closing Date:
Position will remain open until filled. Applications are being reviewed as received.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience.
Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract (unless otherwise noted) with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about faculty contract and work days is available here.
Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):