[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country, with demand for nurses increasing even faster. This guide can help you select the best nursing programs in Idaho and plan to earn your registered nurse (RN) license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for more on nursing schools and nursing practice in Idaho, including salary and job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Picking the right school is one of the most important choices of your nursing career. This guide to the top nursing programs in Idaho can help you make the right decision for your personal and professional goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Idaho, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing among the different nursing schools in Idaho, consider whether you want a two-year or four-year degree, cost and financial aid, and the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, which measures how prepared graduates are to practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school’s acceptance and graduation rates and program logistics are also important factors. If you plan to attend an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]online nursing program[/hen-ui-link] in Idaho, check to see if you can get [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical placement as an online student[/hen-ui-link] in your community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation is key[/hen-ui-link] to program quality and your career prospects, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the nation. Most new Idaho residents have moved from neighboring states, seeking a better cost of living than in other parts of the Pacific Northwest that still offers access to the coast and its commercial and technology hubs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for nurses is high in Idaho, and the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link]. To help fill the need, the state grants [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//finding-nursing-jobs/”]new nursing school graduates[/hen-ui-link] a temporary license, so they can start work immediately.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because Idaho is a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC) state, once you graduate from a nursing school in Idaho, you can apply for a multistate license. This lets you practice in any of the 39 participating NLC states, another advantage to nursing programs in Idaho.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average RN salary in Idaho is $73,640, compared to $80,010 nationally. The salary for nurse practitioners (NPs) is $113,890, also less than the $114,510 national average. The cost of living in Idaho is changing quickly because of the rapid population growth, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]at 102.1[/hen-ui-link], it is slightly higher than the national index of 100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Between 2018 and 2028, the number of [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/top-registered-nursing-jobs-and-careers/”]RN jobs[/hen-ui-link] is projected to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]grow 19.9%[/hen-ui-link], significantly above the national rate of 12.1%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Residents of California, Oregon, and Washington, are likely to move to Idaho, seeking more affordable homes. Many are tech workers who are now working from home but still want to be within easy reach of companies on the coast.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boise, in particular, is rapidly adding new dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions, but it is still within reach of beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lewiston[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$81,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Coeur d’Alene[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$77,800[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Boise City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$74,120[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Pocatello[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,960[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Twin Falls[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,010[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like all [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]states with RN licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link], Idaho requires RNs to graduate from nursing school with at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and for advanced practice nurses a master’s, pass the relevant national examination (either the NCLEX-RN exam or board certification for advanced practice nurses), and complete a criminal background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RN license[/hen-ui-link] in Idaho, you must graduate from a state-approved nursing school in Idaho or another state [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]with an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree. You must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam and a criminal background check. You can complete the application on the state board of nursing website.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application fee, which includes a criminal background check with fingerprinting, is $118.25 for licensure by examination and $138.25 for licensure by endorsement. To renew your license, you need either 100 hours of practice in the last two years or a current [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-types-of-nursing-specialties/”]nursing specialty certification[/hen-ui-link]. You also must have at least 15 contact hours or equivalent education or teaching hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN) in Idaho, you must have a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link], board certification in the appropriate specialty, and a current and unencumbered RN license. You must also pass a criminal background check, though you are exempt if you submitted one within the last six months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application fee is $118.25. Idaho APRNs have full-practice authority. The state board of nursing, unlike most states, requires peer review as part of the biannual license renewal.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Medical Assistant Programs + Online Training Options in Idaho” href=”/state/idaho/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Idaho[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Idaho?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes around two years to earn an ADN degree or four years for a BSN degree. Idaho has one of the fastest license processing times in the country. Once the state board of nursing receives your completed paperwork, you will be notified of your licensure status within five business days.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a nurse in Idaho?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must earn either an ADN or a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and complete a criminal background check to earn an RN license. The ADN takes two years and the BSN takes four years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a multistate license, you are eligible to practice in Idaho.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is a nursing license good for in Idaho?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing licenses in Idaho are valid for two years for both RNs and APRNs. You must complete continuing education units and either have 100 hours of practice or a specialty nursing certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs must also complete a peer review for license renewal.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I apply for the NCLEX in Idaho?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To take the NCLEX-RN in Idaho, you must submit your application to the state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. If the state board of nursing determines you are eligible, you will receive an authorization code to take the NCLEX-RN examination.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]