Idaho regulates nursing, and a board is in place to issue licenses to qualified persons.
There are many directions to take to become in the state.
Your current level of education and the kind of nurse you want to become determine your path.
Individuals who have achieved higher levels of education have more opportunities and options for a nursing career in Idaho.
To practice nursing in the state requires licensing from the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN).
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Nursing Requirements in Idaho
While nurses in Idaho can pursue high levels of education, they often don’t pursue their education all at once but make progress as they practice.
However, they still need a license from the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN).
There are three nursing levels in Idaho with different requirements.
Practical Nursing (RN) Requirements:
- Sound mental and physical health
- Completion of a practical nursing program
- Pass a practical nursing exam or possess a practical nursing license from another state or country.
Professional Nursing (LPN) Requirements:
- Sound mental and physical health
- Completion of professional nursing program
- Passing a professional nursing exam or possessing a practical nursing license from another state or country
Advanced Practice Professional Nursing (APPN) Requirements:
- Licensing as a professional nurse in the state of Idaho
- Sound mental and physical health
- Completion of an advanced practice professional nursing program
- Passing a professional nursing exam or possessing a practical nursing license from another state or country
RN licensure fee is $90, while the LPN licensure fee is $75.
The APPN licensure fee in Idaho is $90.
5 Registered Nursing Schools in Idaho
Here are the top nursing schools in Idaho where you can satisfy Idaho state nursing requirements:
1. Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College offers both traditional and online nursing programs.
The school is located in Lewiston with a student population of about 3,750 and boasts a pass rate of 96%.
The average annual tuition fee is between $6,982 to $12,000, depending on the program.
The LPN program takes about four semesters to complete, while the RN program runs for nine months.
You can further your education at the same institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
2. Boise State University (Boise)
Boise State University (Boise) offers both online and traditional nursing programs.
You can pursue a wide range of nursing programs at the university, from a bachelor’s degree in nursing to an RN degree and a post-master’s doctoral program.
The RN program costs about $350 per credit hour.
To complete the program, you might need up to $13,000, depending on your previous academic credits.
The RN program features 30 credits, which can take even one semester to complete if you have passed NCLEX.
Students can also choose the number of credits to take every semester, depending on their availability and commitment.
3. Eagle Gate College (Boise/Idaho Falls)
Eagle Gate College offers LPN, RN, and master’s entry nursing programs.
The Practical Nursing Program earns you LPN licensure, and the program ensures you get the license in the shortest time possible to kick off your nursing career.
You can complete the program at Eagle Gate College in 12 months and start your nursing career.
The nursing program will cost you a tuition fee of about $25,000.
You can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to get a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
The program can take as little as 36 months to complete.
4. College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls)
College of Eastern Idaho offers Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate of Applied Science Degree (RN).
Successful completion of the LPN program allows you to undertake National Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN and become a licensed practical nurse.
The program features over 300 clinical hours and takes about 12 months to complete, and the tuition fee is about $4,800.
Eastern Idaho College’s RN program takes 24 months to complete and has an annual tuition fee of $4,800.
5. North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene)
North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene) offers Practical Nursing (PN) and Registered Nursing (RN) programs.
The 11-month Practical Nursing program equips you for entry-level employment as a nursing professional in health facilities, and the program costs about $4,960.
After completing the program, you can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and earn your PN license.
The RN program takes two years at North Idaho College and costs about $5,166.00.
The program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to provide optimal care.
Registered Nurse Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Idaho
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College | 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501 |
| Boise State University | 1910 W University Dr, Boise, ID 83725 |
| Eagle Gate College Idaho Falls Campus | 1592 E 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 |
| College of Eastern Idaho | 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 |
| North Idaho College | 1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Idaho
Registered nurses in the United States earn an average annual salary of between $59,390 and $106,520.
Registered nurses in Idaho earn about 11% lower than the national average.
The salary range falls between $56,332 and $71,789, which is about $35 per hour and varies with several factors like education, additional skills, city, and years of professional experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Idaho
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $61,840 |
| Nampa | $61,180 |
| Pocatello | $57,710 |
| Idaho Falls | $60,370 |
| Meridian | $61,780 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $63,490 |
| Twin Falls | $57,510 |
| Lewiston | $65,580 |
| Caldwell | $61,110 |
| Moscow | $63,490 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 6,330 | $81,240 | $39.06 | $101,520 | $63,380 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 1,440 | $84,230 | $40.5 | $104,230 | $61,940 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 1,760 | $71,050 | $34.16 | $93,800 | $52,300 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 580 | $79,470 | $38.21 | $98,450 | $63,180 |
| Pocatello, ID | 670 | $72,770 | $34.98 | $91,470 | $60,170 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 930 | $75,820 | $36.45 | $99,850 | $64,160 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in Idaho?
You can become a registered nurse by pursuing a one-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program or a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing a two-year associate’s degree.
You can also pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN).
Is there an age limit for registered nurses in Idaho?
There is no age limit for registered nurses in Idaho.
What is the average annual salary of a registered nurse in Idaho?
Registered nurses in Idaho make an average of $73,640 annually.
How much does nursing licensure cost in Idaho?
RN licensure fee is $90, while the LPN licensure fee is $75.
The APPN licensure fee in Idaho is $90.
Are there licensing requirements to practice nursing in Idaho?
You must obtain a license from the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) to practice nursing in Idaho.
