How To Become a Nurse in Idaho 2025

Nurses play essential roles in various healthcare facilities and systems. Perhaps you live in Idaho and you're wondering what it would take for you to begin a nursing career.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become a nurse. We'll discuss training and licensing requirements and look at several schools in your state that provide top nursing programs.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse (RN) directs nursing care and works with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and surgeons, to care for patients in many healthcare settings. Nurses perform many daily duties, including:

• conducting evaluations and taking vital signs
• providing interventions such as CPR and medication administration
• assisting with operations and advanced procedures
• answering patient questions and educating them on health topics
• advocating for patients' needs

RNs commonly hold nursing jobs in hospitals, private practices, long-term care facilities, home health and telehealth services, and public health settings. They often oversee entry-level nursing professionals like licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs).

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Idaho?

There are different types of training programs for nurses. The most common programs for those just starting their college journey are the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). ADN programs usually take two to three years to complete, while BSN programs are a bit more advanced and take three to four years to complete.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field or experience as an LPN, CNA, or paramedic, you may be eligible to enroll in special accelerated nursing programs online or in person. These programs provide credit for your past education and experience, allowing you to earn a nursing degree in as little as one year.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Idaho

There are several educational requirements for nurses in Idaho. Let's look at the step-by-step process you can follow to meet all these requirements and pursue RN licensure.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Every nursing program requires students to be high school graduates or have an equivalent level of education. As such, you'll need to earn your diploma or GED before seeking admission into your nursing school of choice.

Taking advanced high school classes in math and science can help you prepare for the rigorous courses you'll take as a nursing student. Some good courses to prepare you for nursing school include anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Nursing Program

After completing your high school education, you'll enroll in your college of choice and pursue admission into your chosen nursing program. As noted above, both ADN and BSN programs prepare you to earn an RN license.

It's important to choose a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Your chosen degree program will teach patient care techniques through a blend of classroom-based or online coursework, skills practice labs, and hands-on clinical experiences.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Requirements

The clinical component of prelicensure nursing programs provides some of the most essential training opportunities. Student nurses complete these requirements by working shifts at local healthcare facilities.

Clinical rotations allow students to gain real-world experience and put their classroom learning into practice under the supervision of experienced professionals like licensed RNs and nurse practitioners. Faculty members in your nursing program will coordinate your clinical experiences and help you with scheduling shifts.

Step 4: Complete the Licensing Process

Once students have completed their education, they can submit an application, application fee, and fingerprinting card for a background check to the Idaho Board of Nursing. They will then need to register to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

In Idaho, nursing candidates can apply for a temporary permit to begin working before they have completed the NCLEX-RN exam. However, successfully passing the exam and background check are necessary for earning a full nursing license. Once the test has been passed and the Board has reviewed all application materials, candidates will receive their license and can begin working as RNs.

Step 5: Complete Continuing Education

Idaho RNs must renew their licenses and submit a renewal fee every two years. To keep their licenses active, they must complete continuing education requirements that help them stay up-to-date in their field.

In Idaho, all RNs must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education each renewal cycle. The courses they complete must be relevant to their area of practice and must be through state-approved providers.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Idaho

If you're ready to enroll in an accredited nursing program in Idaho, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top nursing schools available in the state, including schools that offer online nursing programs.

1. Idaho State University

Idaho State University is a large public school in Pocatello, ID. Its school of nursing offers the widest variety of nursing degrees in the state.

Students can enroll in traditional or accelerated BSN programs, and an RN to BSN bridge is also available. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,610 (in-state); $27,720 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Boise State University

Boise State University is a public school located in Boise, ID. It offers both online and on-campus nursing degrees for qualifying students.

A traditional BSN program is available, and current ADN-educated RNs can pursue a BSN degree online. Additionally, a post-bachelor's DNP is available online, providing specializations so students can tailor their education to their desired career paths.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,048 (in-state); $27,788 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Brigham Young University - Idaho

Brigham Young University - Idaho is a private school located in Rexburg, ID. It offers a highly affordable traditional BSN program that students can complete on campus.

The program lasts four semesters after prerequisites and general education courses have been completed. Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester, depending on their personal schedules and preferences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,800 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Eagle Gate College

Eagle Gate College is a private, for-profit healthcare school headquartered in Utah but with an additional main campus in Boise, ID. It offers a hybrid BSN program through its Idaho Falls extension campus.

Students can complete the entire first year of this program online, after which they will begin completing in-person components. The program is highly flexible and can be completed in just three years, making it possible for aspiring nurses to complete their education quickly without sacrificing work or other life commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,068 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

5. College of Eastern Idaho

The College of Eastern Idaho is a community college located in Idaho Falls, ID. This school offers an ADN program with several options to meet the needs of different student groups.

A traditional, full-time ADN program is available, along with a more flexible alternative schedule option. Current LPNs can enroll in the accelerated LPN to RN bridge option.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,390 to 4,390 (in-state); $6,750 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Idaho

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 14,000 RNs actively employed in the state of Idaho. They earn a median annual salary of $83,090, which is below the national average of $93,600.

Nationally, the job outlook for RNs is good, with a projected increase in jobs of 6% by 2033. This means that nurses in Idaho and throughout the U.S. can expect better-than-average job security over the next several years.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Idaho

If you still have questions about pursuing a nursing career in Idaho, you're not alone. Keep reading as we look at some commonly asked questions you may be curious about.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Idaho?

The cost of your nursing education depends on the type of degree you're pursuing and the school you attend. Generally, ADN programs cost less than more advanced degrees and public schools charge less than private schools.

Among the colleges featured in this article, average yearly tuition costs range from around $3,400 to nearly $20,000. Consider attending an online college that accepts FAFSA to qualify for financial aid and graduate more affordably.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Nursing students often need to complete prerequisite courses before being accepted into their chosen nursing program. These prerequisites can vary but commonly cover subjects like psychology, pathophysiology, and microbiology. Many schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online to give students a flexible learning option.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is usually to complete an ADN program, as these degrees can be completed in as little as two years. If you already have a bachelor's degree or some healthcare experience, enrolling in an accelerated or bridge program can help you finish nursing school in as little as one year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

All nursing degrees can be challenging, but one of the easiest nursing degrees available is the ADN, which consists of fewer credit hours and the most entry-level courses of any nursing program. Whether you choose an ADN or some other nursing degree, buying the best laptop for nursing students can help you navigate your courses more easily as you work toward your career goals.

Find a Nursing Degree

If you're ready to start your nursing career with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing, check out the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges today for more information about their nursing programs and to choose the right option for you.