Idaho Nursing Schools and Programs

Researching and then applying to accredited nursing schools in Idaho can be a time-consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near-term education goals and the Idaho licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of Idaho as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in Idaho.

While earning an Associate Degree (ASN) or Bachelor Degree (BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Idaho nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and earn an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Idaho.

Starting with a shorter CNA or LPN program can also strengthen your ASN or BSN application by showing commitment and clinical readiness. For those pursuing Idaho RN licensure directly, associate degree programs are often more accessible than bachelor's programs. Earning your RN through an ASN, then advancing through an RN to BSN bridge or RN to MSN bridge, is a common and effective path in Idaho.

Nursing Schools In Idaho

Below is our list of accredited nursing schools in Idaho. In general, these colleges, universities, and training centers offer campus-based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing. RN schools in ID will generally offer an ADN, ASN, or BSN nursing degree. Advanced Practice (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs can be found at larger schools that offer MSN and DNP degrees.

Click the name of any Idaho nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Use the wishlist buttons provided to save institutions to a private list of nursing schools near you.

How do I become a nurse in Idaho?

If you want to become an LPN in the state of Idaho, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Idaho practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Idaho Board of Nursing.

If you want to become an RN in the state of Idaho, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Idaho registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Idaho Board of Nursing.

Is Idaho a nursing compact state?

Yes, Idaho is part of the nursing license compact. Idaho recently enacted the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that an Idaho Licensed Practical Nurse or an Idaho Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.

How long is nursing school in Idaho?

The amount of time you spend in an Idaho nursing school will vary based on the career path you choose. You can become a CNA in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years. An Idaho Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years. Or stay in nursing school longer to become an NP in 6 to 8 years.

Above on this page, we created a chart that summarizes how long nursing school is in Idaho. That chart includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Idaho, along with the average wages earned at each education level.

Notice that in the state of Idaho, far greater numbers are employed as Registered Nurses (RN) compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Idaho earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Idaho nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.

How much does nursing school in Idaho cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in Idaho will cost between $4,000 to $5,000 per year for state residents seeking a two-year Associate degree, an ADN, or ASN, for example. The larger public four-year colleges and universities in Idaho cost more, between $5,000 to $7,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN).

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Idaho, a student can generally take their pre-nursing classes at a smaller two-year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four-year college or university of your choice. Each college has its own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

Is it hard to get into an Idaho nursing school?

We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Idaho nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Idaho provided above, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 46% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.

If you are having trouble getting accepted into an Idaho nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

Which is the best nursing school in Idaho?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the best nursing school in Idaho is Boise State University. Idaho State University, Northwest Nazarene University, Lewis-Clark State College, and The College of Idaho were also ranked. Notice that the best nursing schools tend to be the largest, and sometimes the most expensive.

Many sites come up with their own best nursing college list. Such lists are generally based upon the cost of attendance combined with the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN pass rate. You can take that a step further and consider which colleges are near me, tour the facilities, and ensure that credits will transfer into the Idaho State University system.

Doing so will help ensure that you will not need to repeat courses should you choose to take your Idaho nursing education to the next level.

Nursing Schools

Last updated: June 1, 2025