Maria Delgado, RN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs in Idaho serve registered nurses who wish to expand their associate degree education for career advancement. The state of Idaho needs more healthcare professionals in urban and rural areas thus BSN-prepared nurses receive preference because of their expanded skill set and leadership abilities. BSN nurses introduce improved critical thinking abilities and research-based practice along with community health expertise to their work environments.
Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu
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Boise State University's RN-BS program provides registered nurses with a flexible online pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, requiring 120 total credit hours. It includes 30 upper-division nursing credits and offers credit for prior learning and post-NCLEX opportunities, making it ideal for working professionals. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is required, as it's designed for RNs advancing their education. The program emphasizes clinical knowledge enhancement and career progression through a comprehensive curriculum.
Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu
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Idaho State University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for working registered nurses seeking to advance their education without interrupting their careers. This flexible program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and comprehensive patient care, requiring 16 nursing credits and 6 co-requisite credits. Clinical rotations can be completed locally, and no entrance exam like the ACT or SAT is specified as required. Graduates are well-prepared for enhanced roles in nursing, aligning with AACN recommendations for baccalaureate-level practice.
Lewiston, ID - Public 4-Year - lcsc.edu
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Lewis-Clark State College's RN to BSN online program is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. It can be finished in as few as 9 months at an average cost of $9,628, with no entrance exams like ACT or SAT required. The curriculum emphasizes population health, evidence-based practice, and leadership through project-based learning, avoiding traditional clinical hours. Flexible online classes and personalized study plans support working professionals, enabling them to start while completing their RN.
The state of Idaho has numerous online RN to BSN programs available because its rural nature makes distance learning especially useful. The majority of Idaho colleges now offer complete online programs which enhance nursing education access throughout the state. Students in these programs follow an asynchronous model which lets them study independently at their preferred times. Working nurses find this flexible arrangement perfect because it allows them to study without disrupting their work schedules. Schools provide hybrid education that incorporates occasional face-to-face requirements although remote learning dominates their programs. The online platforms of these programs include scheduled evening and weekend classes which enable students to learn during their available work hours and family time.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College |
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| Idaho State University |
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| Boise State University |
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| Certifying Board | Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from an IBN‑approved program, NCLEX‑RN pass, transcript and fingerprint‑based background check |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal, licenses expire August 31 of odd‑numbered years |
| Continuing Education | 15 contact hours every two years |
| License Application Fee | $98.25 (includes fingerprint processing) |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of all required didactic and clinical practicum hours, verified via transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Up to 5 business days for final review of a complete application |
| License by Endorsement | $98.25 fee (fingerprint included), submit verification of active license, official transcripts, and fingerprint clearance |
The salaries of Idaho nurses who completed their BSN degree surpass those of nurses with an ADN while providing them with increased employment opportunities. Registered nurses in Idaho earn between $75,000 to $80,000 per year on average with BSN-educated nurses earning the higher amount. The wage levels of nurses differ between urban and rural areas of Idaho because Boise city provides higher pay than rural areas. The employment prospects for nurses in Idaho remain excellent due to the growing need for healthcare services that results from population growth and aging demographics. The healthcare demand remains most intense within underserved rural areas. Health facilities across the industry now actively seek BSN-educated nurses to fill positions in leadership roles as well as educational and specialized care.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Idaho | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $70,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $33.80 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$85,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $70,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 15% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College |
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| Idaho State University |
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| Boise State University |
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Graduates of the BSN program in Idaho gain access to multiple advanced nursing positions. The BSN degree provides nurses with the ability to assume leadership roles as charge nurse, unit manager, or nursing supervisor. Most advanced nursing positions not only pay more, but also carry a heavier work load. The BSN degree is currently a minimum for nurses who want to work as instructors, researchers or attend graduate school. BSN degree holders can apply to masters degree programs that educate nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists and nurse educators. Nurses who hold a BSN qualify for working as case managers, quality improvement managers, and public health specialists. These positions concentrate on healthcare system improvements through data analysis and policy work alongside interdisciplinary teamwork. BSN nurses receive value from Idaho employers because of their advanced competencies and leadership potential in healthcare teams. Nurses who earn a BSN degree create opportunities for enduring career advancement and personal achievement in their field.
Additional Nursing Programs in Idaho
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