Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 2, 2025
Idaho’s health care system relies heavily on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide care to patients as they are being monitored by registered nurses and doctors. The state hires LPNs to work in hospitals, nursing homes, home care services, and clinics. The healthcare system of Idaho prioritizes LPNs because they provide vital care services to underserved regions throughout the state.
Idaho Falls, ID - Public 2-Year - cei.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of Eastern Idaho's Practical Nursing program is a three-semester campus-based course that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a total cost of around $10,000, it includes hands-on clinical experience and offers direct admission. Graduates achieve a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate and high job placement of 90-96%, providing a swift and affordable entry into nursing careers. The program is approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing and serves as a pathway for further RN advancement.
Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's Practical Nursing program is a two-year Intermediate Technical Certificate that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry-level nursing roles. It features a veteran-friendly curriculum, leveraging prior medical experience, and includes classroom, lab, and clinical training with varied rotations. The program boasts a 97% graduate employment or continued education rate, with median incomes potentially reaching $61,760. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.0 GPA, but no entrance exams are specified for this practical nursing level.
Twin Falls, ID - Public 4-Year - csi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Southern Idaho's Practical Nursing program is a competitive, campus-based offering that admits 30 students per semester, focusing on rigorous academic and clinical training. Prerequisites include courses in medical terminology, anatomy, psychology, and algebra with a minimum C grade, along with current CNA certification and healthcare requirements. This program emphasizes hands-on experience and preparation for nursing licensure, without a specified concentration or entrance exam requirements.
Coeur d'Alene, ID - Public 2-Year - nic.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Idaho College offers an 11-month Practical Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam with high pass rates. The curriculum includes medical-surgical, maternal, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing, providing hands-on experience in various clinical settings. Admission requires prerequisite courses, a 2.50 GPA, and a CNA certificate, making it a competitive yet accessible pathway to a healthcare career. No entrance exam is mentioned for this program.
Nampa, ID - Public 2-Year - cwi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of Western Idaho's Practical Nursing program offers a comprehensive path to becoming an LPN, with options for an Intermediate Technical Certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. The program, taking 1.5 to 2 years to complete, includes hands-on clinical training and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It emphasizes patient care, medical knowledge, and safety practices, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors. With competitive admission and financial aid availability, graduates benefit from high pass rates and job placement support, approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing.
The hands-on requirements of nursing education prevent Idaho from offering fully online LPN programs. Theoretical coursework for nursing students can be taken online through hybrid programs, which require in-person attendance for lab work and clinical practice. The flexible learning options work best for students who need to balance work responsibilities with family duties. Certain educational institutions provide evening and weekend classes, which enable students to access their programs while maintaining essential hands-on learning requirements.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| College of Eastern Idaho |
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| College of Western Idaho |
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| Eagle Gate College-Boise |
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| Certifying Board | Idaho Board of Nursing, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an Idaho Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $98.25 License-by-Exam application fee (includes $28.25 fingerprint processing), submit FD-258 fingerprint card and proof of identity |
| Application Processing Time | Eligibility review within 5 business days, Authorization to Test issued within ~2 weeks, NCLEX results emailed within 5 business days, licensure typically issued 6–8 weeks post-exam |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by August 31 of even-numbered years, $35 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | Minimum two learning activities (e.g., 15 contact hours of continuing education) per 2-year cycle under IDAPA 23.01.01.061 |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $98.25 endorsement application fee, NURSYS verification of current unrestricted license, FD-258 fingerprint card, apply via Nurse Portal. |
The median annual salary for LPNs in Idaho reaches $55,000, while entry-level positions start at $40,000, and experienced nurses can earn more than $60,000. The demand for LPNs will continue to increase because healthcare requirements are rising, especially in long-term care facilities and home health services. The highest demand for healthcare professionals exists in Boise and rural areas, which have restricted access to medical services. The combination of stable employment and competitive compensation, together with statewide healthcare requirements, makes practical nursing an appealing career choice in Idaho.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Idaho | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $53,616 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$59,920 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $53,616 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,331 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~20% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~240 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Eastern Idaho |
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| College of Western Idaho |
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| Eagle Gate College-Boise |
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LPNs all over Idaho are using their licenses to advance into new nursing job types. LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which allow LPNs access into ADN programs without having to start from scratch. These career paths lead to better pay and more responsibility, as well as to professional development opportunities. LPNs aspiring to further their careers have the option of completing specialized certifications or acquiring a BSN degree. Determined LPNs can continually work their way up the nursing hierarchy thanks to the multiple educational options that are on offer in Idaho.
Additional Nursing Programs in Idaho
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