IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The College of Eastern Idaho is celebrating the history of its nursing program. In preparing to honor its 50th anniversary, archival research revealed they have more to celebrate than previously thought. The program’s origins actually date back to 1970 rather than 1976. A ceremony to honor that history was held Thursday night at the new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building.
The institution previously operated as Eastern Idaho Technical College and Eastern Idaho Vocational School before transitioning into a community college in 2017. The nursing education division, which began under predecessor Eastern Idaho Vocational School, now graduates approximately 150 students annually across multiple academic pathways.
During its early years, the practical nursing program operated with three faculty members and admitted roughly 20 students per year. Former nursing administrator Kathleen Nelson noted that the practical nursing track has served as a foundational health care training option for the region since its inception.
The nursing program initially faced structural hurdles when seeking to offer registered nursing degrees. Former nursing administrator Nelson, whose written remarks were read at the event by former administrator Jodene Trimble, detailed the history of launching the registered nursing curriculum at then-Eastern Idaho Technical College.
“One of my goals in working at Eastern Idaho Technical College was to start an RN program. We first approached the executive director of the Board of Nursing about pursuing an RN program at Eastern Idaho Technical College. We were initially informed that Idaho nursing education requirements created some challenges,” Nelson wrote.
The college launched its first registered nursing cohort in May 2007 as a bridge pathway for licensed practical nurses, graduating that inaugural class in 2008. The curriculum transitioned in June 2014 to a standalone generic registered nursing program. In fall 2019, the department expanded to three educational pathways, introducing a part-time track, restarting the bridge pathway and establishing a final-semester preceptorship model involving three five-week rotations.
Both pathways later secured national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, with the registered nursing program achieving accreditation in 2019 and the practical nursing program earning it in 2024.
Dr. Angela Sackett, vice president of academic and student affairs at CEI, highlighted recent statewide program performance metrics during the gathering. “CEI’s RN program was ranked in September of 2025 as the number three program in Idaho by RegisteredNursing.org, stating high NCLEX RN first attempt pass rates, which are upward of 94% first-time pass rates,” Sackett said.
Sackett added that the practical nursing track achieved top marks statewide. “Our LPN program is ranked number one in the state. This program is highlighted by its 100% first-time NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates that have been sustained for more than five years,” Sackett said.
Longstanding instructors and former students also shared insights on the division’s culture. Kathy George, the longest-serving nursing faculty member at CEI, reflected on her experience with the department. “When I think about CEI’s 50 year plus history, I don’t think about buildings, classrooms, or milestones. I think about the people,” George said.
Jeremy Smith, a CEI nursing instructor and former student who previously earned a degree in human biology, described how the institution shaped his career path. “I came to CEI searching for direction. What I truly found was a community that welcomed me, that challenged me, that believed in me and that helped me discover a career that I’m truly passionate about to this day,” Smith said.
Kirsten Erickson serves as the nurse chair and co-administrator at CEI. Erickson worked for 20 years as an emergency room nurse before transitioning into clinical education. “I worked for 20 years in an ER before I started teaching. And I loved being an ER nurse. I loved being a floor nurse and I didn’t think I would love anything as much, but I love teaching nursing,” Erickson said.
The nursing department will hold its upcoming pinning ceremony in December in the newly opened building space on campus. Program leaders are also compiling historical photographs and personal stories from alumni and community members to create a scrapbook documenting the complete history of nursing education at the institution.
