IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho will celebrate 50 years of nursing education with an open house Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building in partnership with Frontier Credit Union. A formal program will begin at 6 p.m.

CEI’s nursing program began in 1976 at Eastern Idaho Vocational Technical School, which later became Eastern Idaho Technical College and, eventually, College of Eastern Idaho. The program was established to meet the region’s growing need for locally educated nurses while providing Eastern Idaho residents with an affordable pathway into the healthcare profession.

What began as a regional program for licensed practical nursing students has grown into a comprehensive nursing department offering Practical Nursing, associate degree Registered Nursing options, alternative scheduling tracks and LPN-to-RN bridge opportunities.

“Celebrating 50 years of nursing education is an opportunity to honor the faculty, staff, students, clinical partners and healthcare organizations that have contributed to the program’s success,” said Kirsten Erickson, CEI Nursing Department chair and co-administrator. “This anniversary celebrates more than the longevity of a program. It celebrates 50 years of service, leadership, compassion and excellence in nursing education.”

Over five decades, CEI has graduated thousands of nurses who have gone on to serve throughout Eastern Idaho and neighboring communities. Graduates work in nearly every area of healthcare, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health organizations. Many remain in Eastern Idaho, caring for friends, neighbors and family members in the same communities where they received their education.

The program has continued to evolve alongside the healthcare industry. Today, nursing students train in skills laboratories, use high-fidelity simulation technology and complete hundreds of hours of clinical experience with healthcare partners throughout the region.

CEI’s associate nursing program earned accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in 2021 and received renewed accreditation in 2026. The Practical Nursing program also achieved ACEN accreditation in 2026.

Clinical partnerships have played a central role in the program’s success. CEI’s longstanding partnership with Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center dates back to the hospital’s opening in 1986. The college also works closely with Mountain View Hospital, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, the Idaho Healthcare Institute and numerous healthcare organizations across the region to expand clinical opportunities and strengthen the local nursing workforce pipeline.

“For generations, CEI graduates have cared for people throughout our region during some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives,” Erickson said. “This milestone allows us to celebrate that legacy while looking ahead to the next generation of nurses who will continue serving Eastern Idaho and beyond.”

The celebration will be held at 1600 S. 25th East in Idaho Falls. The open house begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the formal program at 6 p.m.

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About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.