The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

by

Updated September 28, 2023

Considering nursing school in Idaho? Learn about the best programs in the state, how to get your RN license, and salary prospects.
mini logo
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: Darwin Fan | Moment | Getty Images

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.

Keep reading for more on nursing schools and nursing practice in Idaho, including salary and job prospects.

The Best Nursing Schools in Idaho

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.

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology 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.

#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

Boise State University

  • Boise, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Boise State offers a bachelor of science in nursing on campus in Boise. Students complete the program as part of a cohort in five semesters. Courses explore topics, such as health assessment and nursing in health and illness.

Enrollees complete clinicals in classes with an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students have access to a state-of-the-art simulation center at one of the best nursing schools in Idaho. The program boasts higher pass rates on the NCLEX-RN than the national average. 

  • Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Boise
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $8,060 per year for Idaho residents; $24,980 per year for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: A minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA and pre-nursing courses with a minimum "C" grade
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 5 semesters
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.7% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $65,621 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,532
Out-of-state
$22,452
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,110
Out-of-state
$24,030
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
24,069
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

College of Eastern Idaho

  • Idaho Falls, ID
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Idaho Falls, the College of Eastern Idaho offers a practical nursing program for CNAs. Graduates qualify to sit for the national licensed practical nurse exam (NCLEX-PN).

The curriculum consists of theory and hands-on supervised experience. One of the best nursing programs in Idaho, the degree requires more than 300 clinical hours. Enrollees complete two RN-level courses so they can transition to the RN program if desired.

  • Program(s): Practical nursing - intermediate technical certificate in nursing
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Idaho Falls
  • Admission Requirements: TEAS scores, prerequisite courses, and current CNA certification 
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.7% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,318 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,096
Out-of-state
$6,192
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,803
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

College of Western Idaho

  • Nampa, ID
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

The College of Western Idaho's associate of science in nursing prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students complete a blend of theory and laboratory instruction in 36 months.

Enrollees study topics, such as global health, human anatomy and physiology, and nursing specialties. A course and lab focus on advanced medical surgical nursing. Students attending one of the best nursing schools in Idaho pay very affordable tuition.

  • Program(s): Associate of science in nursing
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Nampa, Idaho
  • Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Tuition: $139 per credit for Idaho residents, $306 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or the equivalent, Kaplan nursing admissions exam score, and prerequisite coursework
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.6% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,943 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,400
Out-of-state
$7,344
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,200
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

College of Southern Idaho

  • Twin Falls, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The College of Southern Idaho offers an associate of science in nursing. Students need current CNA certification to enroll. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The 73-credit curriculum teaches the fundamentals of nursing, medical/surgical nursing, and maternal/newborn and pediatric nursing.

Students complete clinical experience in a simulation lab on campus and at off-campus healthcare settings. One of the top nursing schools in Idaho, CSI offers a mix of face-to-face and hybrid coursework.

  • Program(s): Associate of science in nursing
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Twin Falls
  • Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Tuition: $140-$190 per credit for Idaho residents; $285 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or the equivalent, ATI TEAS exam scores, and CNA certification
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.1% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,560
Out-of-state
$6,840
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,321
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#5 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

North Idaho College

  • Coeur d'Alene, ID
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

At North Idaho College, students can complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN). The degree is designed as a transfer curriculum to RN-to-BSN programs at Idaho's public colleges. The ADN prepares students to sit for the (NCLEX-RN). 

Students complete 68-70 credits of general education and nursing courses. They receive training in community health, medical surgical, and psychiatric mental health nursing. One of the top nursing programs in Idaho, NIC offers clinical experience at various healthcare agencies.

  • Program(s): Associate degree in nursing
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Coeur d'Alene
  • Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Tuition: $141-$215 per credit for Idaho residents; $364 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or the equivalent, minimum 3.0 GPA, and ATI TEAS exam scores
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,000
Out-of-state
$7,776
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
56%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,737
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#6 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

Lewis-Clark State College

  • Lewiston, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Lewis-Clark State College administers one of the most comprehensive nursing programs in Idaho. The BSN offers multiple pathways. Students can choose a BSN basic, LPN-to-BSN, CC-to-BSN, or online RN-to-BSN track. The LPN-to-BSN enrolls licensed practical nurses who want to prepare for the NCLEX-RN.

RNs complete the RN-to-BSN in as few as nine months. This track provides advanced training in areas, such as population health nursing and transcultural healthcare. RNs explore professional role development and build leadership skills. 

  • Program(s): BSN with four tracks: BSN basic; LPN-to-BSN, CC-to-BSN; and online RN-to-BSN
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Lewiston
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: RN-to-BSN: $365 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: RN-to-BSN: a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, prerequisite coursework, and an RN license; LPN-to-BSN: a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, prerequisite coursework; and a practical/vocational nursing license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: RN-to-BSN: 9 months; LPN-to-BSN four semesters
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes, except online RN-to-BSN
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.7% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $65,131 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,982
Out-of-state
$20,238
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
3,856
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#7 The Top Nursing Schools in Idaho

Idaho State University

  • Pocatello, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Idaho State University manages one of the best nursing schools in Idaho. Licensed practical nurses can enroll in ISU's associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. The major provides training in nursing areas, such as family, mental health, community, and medical and surgical. 

Enrollees complete labs and clinical practicum that provide hands-on experience. The program uses a mix of distance learning and on-campus intensives. The ADN prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

  • Program(s): Associate degree registered nurse 
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Pocatello, Idaho
  • Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Tuition: $21,456 total program tuition
  • Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or the equivalent, prerequisite courses, a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, and an Idaho LPN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.5% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,303 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,928
Out-of-state
$22,550
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,982
Out-of-state
$24,604
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,766
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Popular MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Idaho

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.

The school's acceptance and graduation rates and program logistics are also important factors. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Idaho, check to see if you can get clinical placement as an online student in your community.

Because nursing accreditation is key to program quality and your career prospects, this guide only lists accredited programs.

Why Become a Nurse in Idaho

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.

Demand for nurses is high in Idaho, and the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this nursing shortage. To help fill the need, the state grants new nursing school graduates a temporary license, so they can start work immediately.

Because Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (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.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Idaho

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 at 102.1, it is slightly higher than the national index of 100.

Between 2018 and 2028, the number of RN jobs is projected to grow 19.9%, significantly above the national rate of 12.1%.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Idaho

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.

Boise, in particular, is rapidly adding new dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions, but it is still within reach of beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.

Highest-Paying Cities
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas Median Salary for RNs
Lewiston $81,310
Coeur d'Alene $77,800
Boise City $74,120
Pocatello $70,960
Twin Falls $67,010
Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Idaho

Like all states with RN licensing requirements, 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.

RN Requirements

To earn an RN license in Idaho, you must graduate from a state-approved nursing school in Idaho or another state with an ADN or a bachelor of science in nursing (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.

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 nursing specialty certification. You also must have at least 15 contact hours or equivalent education or teaching hours.

APRN Requirements

To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Idaho, you must have a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice, 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.

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.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Idaho


How long does it take to become an RN in Idaho?

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.

How do I become a nurse in Idaho?

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.

If you have a multistate license, you are eligible to practice in Idaho.

How long is a nursing license good for in Idaho?

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.

APRNs must also complete a peer review for license renewal.

How do I apply for the NCLEX in Idaho?

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.

Find Nursing Programs in Other States

State

NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

Popular Resources

Resources and articles written by professionals and other nurses like you.