Idaho’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Idaho has a projected growth rate of 15% from 2020-2026, which is higher than the national average. Working as a nurse in Idaho has a lot to offer.
Idaho is known for its low cost of living, low crime rate, strong economy, and gorgeous scenery. Residents of Idaho have multiple job opportunities to choose from and many activities to participate in. The major industries in Idaho include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, and food and beverage.
Idaho is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, white water rafting, and exploring all that nature has to offer. A small percentage of Yellowstone National Park is housed in Idaho, bringing diverse wildlife and the world’s largest geysers and hot springs collection.
The cost of living in Idaho is 2% lower than the national average, with The 2020 National Migration Study ranking Idaho as the top moving destination. The growing need for nurses, low cost of living, low crime rate, and endless activities to explore make Idaho a great place to work as a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Idaho
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Idaho to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Idaho based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Idaho Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Idaho ADN Nursing Program
North Idaho College
North Idaho College, located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree that commits to excellence in nursing education by developing distinguished graduate nurses who are prepared to meet the community’s healthcare needs. Enrollment in the nursing program is limited and competitive. To be eligible to apply to the nursing program, students must have completed 12 or more college-level credits, hold a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, meet the associate degree nursing program’s essential abilities, have a nursing program entrance exam adjusted individual score of greater than or equal to 58.7%, and be eligible to enroll in any general education courses still needed. The program is available to complete full-time or part-time for those students needing more flexibility.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,960
Out-of-State: $8,736
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,960 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,736 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
90.67% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
100% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
5,879 |
| Institution Type |
Public Comprehensive Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
27% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Idaho ADN Nursing Program
College of Eastern Idaho
The College of Eastern Idaho is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and offers a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an ASN program. It is no longer a requirement of the program to complete an LPN program before applying to the RN program. The design of the RN program is to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to function as registered nurses.
The program offers theory and hands-on classes through supervised clinical rotations, skills courses, and simulation experiences. Enrollment in the program is limited. Candidates are selected from a pool of qualified applicants using a point-based process. The college offers three RN degree tracks: part-time, full-time, and LPN to RN bridge. They also offer an RN to BSN concurrent enrollment pathway with select colleges.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,126
Out-of-State: $6,222
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,126 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,222 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.53% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
91.7% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,324 |
| Institution Type |
Public Comprehensive Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Idaho ADN Nursing Program
College of Western Idaho
The College of Western Idaho has campuses in Boise and Nampa, Idaho. They offer an ASN degree program that prepares students to practice nursing with a combination of theory and laboratory instruction. The program can be completed in three years. They also offer a concurrent BSN program online through Lewis-Clark State College.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,336
Out-of-State: $7,344
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,336 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,344 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.09% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
10,403 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
23% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Idaho BSN Nursing Program
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College, located in Lewiston, Idaho, offers a traditional BSN program that can be completed in four semesters in addition to an LPN to RN and an RN to BSN program. Students enrolled in the program participate in diverse learning activities to develop an understanding of the art and science of nursing. They offer state-of-the-art simulation and skills labs that engage students in experiential learning to help them prepare to become nurses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,982
Out-of-State: $20,238
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,982 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,238 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
90.24% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
63% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,710 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Idaho BSN Nursing Program
Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University, located in Rexburg, Idaho, offers a BSN program committed to providing students with all the tools necessary to succeed in the medical world. The program’s admission is limited and requires approval from the department chair. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum grade of C- in their nursing courses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,120
Out-of-State: $6,120
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,120 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,120 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
88.33% |
| Admission Rate |
59.2% |
| Retention Rate |
89% |
| Students Enrolled |
34,811 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Idaho BSN Nursing Program
Idaho State University
Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho, offers a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program. Before admission into the program, students must meet with their nursing advisor and complete their program admission courses while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
The traditional BSN track takes 120 credits to complete.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,872
Out-of-State: $25,326
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,872 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$25,326 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
86.36% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
65% |
| Students Enrolled |
10,601 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Idaho
When choosing a nursing program in Idaho, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program.
Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Idaho
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Currently, Idaho is ranked 6th in terms of salary compared to surrounding states. Employment of RNs is projected to grow by 15% from 2020-2026, which means there are plenty of job opportunities for new or experienced RNs in Idaho.
In 2020, 77.45% of the RN population in Idaho had a BSN or higher degree, which exceeds the national average of 60%. Studies have shown that healthcare facilities with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses have significantly lower mortality rates for patients with severe health conditions. Working as a nurse in Idaho means you will be working alongside well-prepared nurses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Idaho earn an average annual salary of $78,610. Idaho continues to see a growth rate for RNs, which means there is a need for more nurses in the state.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Idaho
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Idaho is $78,610, and it employs 13,680 nurses. Idaho also employs 1,170 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $117,120.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| op Paying Idaho Cities for RNs |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID |
$84,230 |
| Boise City, ID |
$81,240 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA |
$79,470 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Idaho
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each candidate must complete a program approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Idaho has six fully approved ADN programs and six BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Idaho, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Idaho:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and
proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Idaho, you will need to renew it every two years. The license renewal period is May 1st through August 31st in odd-numbered years. To renew your RN license, you must complete two of the following learning activities in practice, education, or professional engagement before the license renewal date:
Practice:
- Current nursing specialty certification; or
- One hundred hours of practice or simulation practice, paid or unpaid, in which the nurse applies knowledge or clinical judgment in a way that influences patients, families, nurses, or organizations.
Education, Continuing Education, E-learning, and
In-service:
- Fifteen contact hours of continuing education, e-learning, academic
courses, nursing-related in-service offered by an accredited educational institution, healthcare institution, or organization (a contact hour equals not less than fifty minutes); or
- Completion of a minimum of one semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing offered by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education; or
- Completion of a Board-recognized nurse refresher course or nurse residency program; or
- Participation in or presentation of a workshop, seminar, conference, or course relevant to the practice of nursing and approved by an organization recognized by the Board to include, but not limited to, a
nationally recognized nursing organization; an accredited academic
institution; a provider of continuing education recognized by another
board of nursing; a provider of continuing education recognized by a
regulatory board of another discipline; or
- A program that meets criteria established by the Board.
Professional Engagement:
- Acknowledged contributor to a published nursing-related article or manuscript; or
- Teaching or developing a nursing-related course of instruction; or
- Participation in related professional activities including, but not limited to, research, published professional materials, nursing-related volunteer work, teaching (if not licensee’s primary employment), peer-reviewing, precepting, professional auditing, and service on nursing or healthcare-related boards, organizations, associations, or committees.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Idaho:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Idaho.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years. Renewal applicants will be required to attest to the completion of professional development in the areas of active practice, continuing education, and peer review and may be audited for compliance. Continued education requirements include completing 30 contact hours of continuing education during the renewal period, including ten contact hours in pharmacology if the nurse has prescriptive authority. If the APRN’s initial license was issued midway into the renewal period, they are only required to complete 15 contact hours of continuing education, which includes five contact hours in pharmacology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Idaho
Is Idaho a good place for nurses to work?
Idaho is a great place to practice as an RN, with WalletHub ranking Idaho as the 11th best state to work in the U.S. There is also an increased demand for nurses in Idaho, which means there are plenty of jobs to choose from.
Is Idaho a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Idaho is a compact state for nursing. If you declare Idaho your primary residence, you will be issued a compact nursing license when you apply for it. This will allow you to practice nursing in other compact states should you choose.
What are the requirements for RNs in Idaho?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. The license renewal period is May 1st through August 31st in odd-numbered years. Nurses need to complete at least two learning activities within practice, education, or professional engagement as listed on the Idaho Board of Nursing website.
How much does an Idaho RN license cost?
The cost of an Idaho license by exam application for RNs is $118.25, and the license by endorsement application is $138.25. The cost to renew an Idaho RN license is $90.00.
