2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Idaho

Overview of Nursing Schools in Idaho

About Nursing Schools in Idaho

On average, a registered nurse working in the state of Idaho earns $72,798 annually. That compared to the cost of study to become an RN which is between $6,213.00 and $18,969.00, should be enough to give you an idea of how profitable and lucrative nursing is as a profession in terms of finances. There are currently 12,800 RNs working here. According to the US Department of Labor, the number is expected to go up to 17,070 by 2028, which means that Idaho will need to hire roughly 280 nurses annually to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens.

In addition to that, Idaho has adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact, which gives nurses who reside in a Compact state to practice in other states without having to obtain an additional license in that state. However, the Nurse Licensure Compact is only valid for RNs and LPNs at the moment, so Advanced Practice Registered Nurses must hold an individual state license in the state they wish to practice in.

Similarly, when it comes to Nurse Practitioners, there are currently 810 NPs working here who earn between $91,190 and $163,830 annually, as per their experience. Like the employment rate of RNs, the state is also projected to need 970 nurse practitioners by 2028, which means, on average, 20 NPs will find employment here annually. 

According to the state practice and licensure laws, Nurse Practitioners are permitted for Full Practice. All NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order, interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances. 

There are multiple highly ranked nursing colleges in Idaho help kick-start your nursing career. These colleges are well-equipped with highly trained faculty and have state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories to provide the students with quality nursing education. The colleges are also affordable and offer multiple financial aid and scholarships to help students fund their education. In addition to that, almost all of these colleges have partnered with local healthcare facilities so that the students gain the hands-on education and experience that they need in order to work as successful professional nurses.

Nursing Programs Offered by Idaho Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 10
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• CNL: 1
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1

Idaho Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Idaho State University: 4
• Boise State University: 2
• College of Western Idaho: 1
• North Idaho College: 1
• Northwest Nazarene University: 1
• Brigham Young University Idaho: 1
• College of Southern Idaho: 1
• Carrington College: 1
• Lewis-Clark State College: 1
• College of Eastern Idaho: 1

Best Ranked RN Programs in Idaho

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Idaho and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 7 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in Idaho. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Idaho to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

North Idaho College

96.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, ID - 83814-2199
• 
  (208) 769-3300

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.80%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Nursing graduates in North Idaho College learn to use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making. The faculty engage students as partners to achieve maximum learning outcomes that are relevant to the current clinical practice environment. The students learn to model effective communication, ethical behavior,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 147
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,396
• Book and Supplies: $8,736
• Percent Received Aid: 89%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,751
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Idaho State University

School of Nursing

95.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID - 83209
• 
  (208) 282-2700

Nurse Admin: Karen Neill, PhD, RN

Title: Associate Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.20%
• Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN

Idaho State University School of Nursing aims to prepare exemplary nurse leaders who integrate education, service, and scholarship, through practice and research. The graduates are devoted to enhancing the quality of life for both rural and diverse populations. At Idaho State University School of Nursing, the students are involved in

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 608
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,872
• Book and Supplies: $1,000
• Percent Received Aid: 95%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,842
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 34%

Lewis-Clark State College

Division of Nursing and Health Sciences

94.52% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID - 83501-2698
• 
  (208) 792-5272

Nurse Admin: Krista Harwick, DNP, RN, APRN, NP-C

Title: Chair of the Nursing and Health Sciences Division

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.52%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN

At Lewis Clark State College, nursing students are taught by qualified faculty in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings to develop the hands-on skills they need to begin and sustain a career as a professional nurse. The nursing program integrates education, practice, research, and service to achieve its goals.  One

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 171
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,982
• Book and Supplies: $1,400
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,500
• Percent Admitted: 100%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 36%

College of Eastern Idaho

92.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID - 83404-5788
• 
  (208) 535-3000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.40%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Nursing classes at the College of Eastern Idaho consist of both theory and practical classes. The course is designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to work as general professional nurses.  Students here learn via hands-on supervised experience at major healthcare facilities and agencies in the area.

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 58
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,126
• Book and Supplies: $6,222
• Percent Received Aid: 86%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,019
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 56%

Boise State University

School of Nursing

90.54% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1910 University Dr, Boise, ID - 83725
• 
  (208) 426-1000

Nurse Admin: Amy Spurlock, PhD, RN

Title: Associate Divisional Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.54%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP

At Boise State University School of Nursing, students are prepared to provide caring, holistic, and quality nursing services to diverse populations. The faculty also help the students develop effective leadership and interprofessional skills.  At Boise State University, the faculty and staff are dedicated and focused on academic excellence, high-touch student

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 831
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,060
• Book and Supplies: $1,240
• Percent Received Aid: 84%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,980
• Percent Admitted: 77%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
• Graduation Rate: 55%

College of Western Idaho

90.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5500 East Opportunity Drive, Nampa, ID - 83687
• 
  (208) 562-3000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Nurses graduating from the College of Western Idaho can effectively provide patient care, patient and community education, and emotional support to family members regardless of work setting. They are apt in providing patient, and family education regarding post-treatment home care needs like diet, nutrition, excise programs, self-administration of medication, and

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 164
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,336
• Book and Supplies: $7,344
• Percent Received Aid: 83%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,587
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 23%

Northwest Nazarene University

College of Nursing

88.72% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  623 S. University Blvd., Nampa, ID - 83686-5897
• 
  (208) 467-8011

Nurse Admin: Linda C. Valenzuela, DNP, MSN, MPH, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 88.72%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN

Northwest Nazarene University aims to prepare a community of nurse leaders, guiding professional nurses and advanced practitioners who are committed to professional ideals, lifelong learning, and meaningful practice. The graduates are apt at practicing in an increasingly technological healthcare system both within the country and internationally.  The graduates of the

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 100
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,264
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,442
• Percent Admitted: 77%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
• Graduation Rate: 62%

Carrington College

86.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1122 N. Liberty St., Boise, ID - 83704-8742
• 
  (208) 377-8080

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Carrington College offers nursing degrees that are affordable and can be completed in as few as two years. Nursing courses at this highly accredited institution equip students with the skills and knowledge that employers actively seek. The nursing graduates provide care in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 21
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: $1,055
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,282
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 60%

Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in 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 12,800 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 2018 to 2028. This means nurses are becoming part of a growing profession.

The table will show that Lewiston area has the highest hourly mean wage. The same area also has the highest annual median wage. Boise City- Nampa, Idaho has the largest number of registered nurses employed.

Nursing Salaries in Idaho by Experience Level

Projected Need for Nurses in Idaho