2021 - Best Nursing Schools in Idaho

Overview of Nursing Schools in Idaho

About Nursing Schools in Idaho

Registered nurses in Idaho have chosen the best time possible to advance their education and careers. According to the official publication of the Idaho Nurses Association, the Idaho Action Coalition received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in the summer of 2013. Idaho was one of 33 states to receive the grant. This grant has enabled nurses and other professionals in Idaho’s healthcare industry to provide the best care possible to the citizens. The recipients of the grant work hard to prepare nurses in order to lead system change, strengthen nursing education, and expand access to care by utilizing nurses to the fullest potential in recruiting and training a more diverse workforce. This improves the overall quality of healthcare in the state of Idaho.

In our Idaho RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Idaho RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Idaho, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Idaho

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Idaho

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Idaho offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Learn about the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Idaho  RN Licensing Requirements

Idaho adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 1, 2001. This allows nurses who reside in a Compact state the ability to practice in other states without holding additional licenses. Nurses only hold a valid license in only one compact state and that is their primary state of residence. The other compact states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. If your new state of residence is a member of the Compact, your Idaho license will become invalid when you are granted a new license.

Idaho State Board of Nursing

280 N. 8th Street, Suite 210
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 577-2476

Fees
Initial licensing fee, RN: $90
License renewal (every two years), RN: $90

RN Licensure by Exam

Nursing candidates may request for licensure by examination to the board via telephone, fax, or mail. Provide the following information with your request:

• Name, Telephone number
• Mailing Address
• Date of Graduation
• School of Graduation
• The type of application you are seeking

Please contact the Board office to check qualification status if you are applying for licensure through examination. You will also need to contact the Board office for a Fingerprint Card.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Licensure through endorsement can be achieved the same way. The application processing may take about 4-6 weeks and a temporary license will be issued when the application has been completed with the appropriate fees being paid. The fee for an endorsement is $110. Candidates must also pay for fingerprinting and a refresher course if they have not actively practiced within three years.

RN Salaries in Idaho

There are 11,530 Registered Nurses in the state of Idaho who have a compact nursing license. This is an advantage when nurses are contemplating traveling or relocation after graduation. It is predicted by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics that there will be a 26% increase in need for nurses from 2001 to 2020. This means nurses are becoming part of a growing profession.

Idaho Registered Nursing Salaries

This table will show that the Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area has the highest hourly mean wage. The same area also has the highest annual median wage. Lastly, you will notice that the Boise City- Nampa, Idaho has the largest number of registered nurses employed.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.