Idaho licenses fewer than 400 new LPNs in a typical year, and the state's practical nursing programs graduate small cohorts spread across a handful of community colleges, one technical college, and a single private school among the LPN programs in Boise. That scarcity matters: your realistic choices likely come down to five or six approved programs, most requiring in-person clinicals within a 60-mile radius of campus.
First-time NCLEX-PN pass rates separate the strongest Idaho programs from the middle of the pack, and the rankings that follow lead with that metric before layering in tuition, program length, online availability, and LPN-to-RN bridge options. With cohort sizes this small, a single weak year can shift a school's numbers noticeably, so multi-year trends carry more weight than any single result.
Idaho's Highest-Performing LPN Programs by NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
Idaho's practical nursing programs are not interchangeable, and the differences show up fastest on the NCLEX-PN. The programs below are listed by their recent first-time pass rates, drawn from state board reporting for the most recent licensing cycles. Price, class size, and location vary widely from Boise to Coeur d'Alene, so weigh each card against your own situation.
How we ranked these
- Program completion and graduation rates
- Student retention across cohorts
- Three-year NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate
- Accreditation standing in nursing
- Net price and program length
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Carrington College-Boise
Carrington College's Boise campus builds its practical nursing certificate around a compressed 12-month schedule that blends classroom work, simulation labs, and supervised clinical rotations at area hospitals and long-term care sites. Coursework covers medical-surgical, mental health, pediatric, and anatomy and physiology content, with TEAS testing required for entry. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing, and its graduates have posted top first-time NCLEX-PN results in the state board's most recent reporting.
- ACEN-accredited practical nursing certificate at the Boise campus
- About 12 months of classroom, lab, and supervised clinical training
- Coursework covers medical-surgical, mental health, and pediatric nursing
- TEAS entrance exam required for admission
- Prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN
- Clinical rotations at hospitals and long-term care facilities
- Financial aid and scholarships available for qualifying students
- Approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls runs a direct-admission practical nursing track that lets students begin nursing coursework right away instead of waiting through a separate prerequisite year. The three-semester, 46-credit program awards an Intermediate Technical Certificate and can be shortened to two semesters for some students. Published tuition is $150 per credit with a total program cost near $6,900, and licensed LPNs can return for a bridge into RN study.
- Direct admission: start nursing coursework without a prerequisite year
- Three-semester, 46-credit Intermediate Technical Certificate
- $6,900 total program tuition at $150 per credit
- Fall and spring start dates each year
- 100% licensure pass rate reported with 89% job placement
- ACEN accreditation candidate; approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing
- Pathway to RN through a bridge program
- Program can be shortened to two semesters
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
College of Western Idaho
College of Western Idaho's Nampa campus offers practical nursing as both an Intermediate Technical Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science, so students can take the shorter route to licensure or a longer credential that stacks toward further study. Clinical rotations run through major Treasure Valley hospital partners, and the program holds ACEN accreditation and Idaho Board of Nursing approval. Entry is competitive and requires prerequisite coursework plus the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam.
- ACEN-accredited program approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing
- Choose an Intermediate Technical Certificate or Associate of Applied Science
- $10,157 total program tuition; financial aid and scholarships available
- Prerequisites required; Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam required
- Clinical rotations with Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke's partner hospitals
- 100% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement reported recently
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation built into the curriculum
- State-of-the-art simulation and skills facilities
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
North Idaho College
North Idaho College's 11-month practical nursing certificate in Coeur d'Alene is a competitive, points-based program that expects CNA certification, prerequisite courses, and a minimum 2.5 GPA before entry. The curriculum spans medical-surgical, maternal-child, psychiatric, pharmacology, and geriatric nursing, with clinical placements that extend across the Idaho and Washington border. It is ACEN accredited and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing, and an LPN to RN transition course gives graduates a route into the college's associate degree nursing program.
- 11-month program with full-time and part-time options
- One August start per year; competitive points-based admission
- Requires CNA certification, prerequisites, and a 2.5 GPA minimum
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Covers medical-surgical, maternal-child, psychiatric, and geriatric nursing
- Clinical sites in both Idaho and Washington
- ACEN accredited; approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing
- LPN to RN transition course supports in-state progression
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Eagle Gate College-Boise
Eagle Gate College's Boise campus delivers its practical nursing diploma in a hybrid format that pairs online theory with on-campus simulation labs, VR training, and supervised clinical rotations at Treasure Valley facilities. The diploma takes about 12 months, holds ACEN accreditation, and builds NCLEX-PN preparation and career services into the schedule. The college reports an 86% job placement rate for graduates, and tuition is the same whether students come from Idaho or out of state, which pushes total cost above Idaho's public options.
- 12-month practical nursing diploma at the Boise campus
- Hybrid format: online theory plus on-campus simulation labs
- VR-enhanced training and skills labs
- Supervised clinical rotations at Treasure Valley hospitals and care facilities
- 86% job placement rate reported for graduates
- Structured NCLEX-PN preparation with career services support
- ACEN accredited practical nursing program
- WIOA-approved training; financial aid assistance available
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
Idaho State University
Idaho State University's practical nursing certificate in Pocatello is a three-to-four semester Intermediate Technical Certificate with a veteran-friendly admission path that accepts military medic experience in place of CNA certification. Admission is competitive and ranked on GPA, TEAS performance, and CNA experience, with a single August start each year. The program feeds into ISU's associate degree nursing sequence and reports a 95% job placement rate. Published total program costs run higher than Idaho's community college practical nursing options.
- Intermediate Technical Certificate completed in three to four semesters
- Competitive admission ranked on GPA, TEAS, and CNA experience
- Veteran-friendly curriculum accepts military medic experience
- Requires current CNA and CPR certification plus background check
- 95% job placement rate reported for graduates
- Clinical hours may include evenings, weekends, or overnights
- Career ladder into the Associate Degree in Nursing at ISU
- Military benefits accepted
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
College of Southern Idaho
College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls admits practical nursing students twice a year and uses a competitive, points-based process that weighs GPA, TEAS scores, and health-related work experience. CNA certification or an introductory nursing course is required before entry, and the program integrates IV therapy certification so graduates do not need extra coursework on the job. Partnerships with St. Luke's Magic Valley and Idaho State University give graduates a route into RN study, and the program carries one of the lowest net prices in the state after grants and scholarships.
- Fall and spring cohorts admitted each year
- Competitive points-based admission; TEAS and a 2.5 GPA minimum
- Requires CNA certification or completion of NURP 103
- Integrated IV therapy certification included in training
- Clinical experience at Magic Valley healthcare facilities
- LPN to RN pathways with St. Luke's Magic Valley and Idaho State
- No waitlist; mandatory in-person orientation and health screening
- Low net price after grants and scholarships
Practical Nursing, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
How Idaho LPN Tuition Actually Compares
Tuition for Idaho's LPN programs varies dramatically depending on whether you attend a public community college or a private institution. The table below uses a mix of published program tuition and institution-wide average net price after financial aid. Keep in mind that the net price figures reflect an institution-wide average for aided students, not a guaranteed quote for every LPN student. Your actual cost will depend on the financial aid you receive, residency status, and any additional fees. Even so, the spread is striking: public college LPN students in Idaho can expect to pay roughly one third to one half of what a private college program costs.
| School | City | Sector | In-State Tuition (Annual) | Published Program Tuition | Avg. Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | Public | $3,360 | $4,560 (in-state) | $6,095 |
| College of Eastern Idaho | Idaho Falls | Public | $3,390 | $6,900 (in-state) | $8,778 |
| College of Western Idaho | Nampa | Public | $3,446 | $10,157 (in-state) | $8,500 |
| North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene | Public | $3,396 | $4,960 (in-state) | $10,575 |
| Idaho State University | Pocatello | Public | $8,610 | $8,610 (in-state) | $12,193 |
| Eagle Gate College | Boise | Private | N/A | $29,237 | N/A |
Quickest Paths: Accelerated and 12-Month LPN Programs in Idaho
Eleven months is all it takes to complete an LPN program at two of Idaho's Board of Nursing-approved schools, making the state's practical nursing pipeline one of the faster options in the region. Most Idaho programs cluster tightly in the 11- to 12-month range rather than stretching into the 16- to 18-month timelines common in some neighboring states.
Program Timelines at a Glance
- North Idaho College: 11-month Practical Nursing program.
- College of Southern Idaho: 11-month program delivered through its ITC track, with full-time daytime classes Monday through Friday.
- Eagle Gate College: Practical Nursing Diploma completable in as few as 12 months.
- College of Eastern Idaho: Structured across three semesters, though students who arrive with all prerequisites finished may be able to shorten the timeline to two semesters when seats are available.
How Accelerated Formats Compress the Curriculum
A standard Idaho LPN curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health nursing alongside supervised clinical rotations. Accelerated 11- to 12-month tracks fit that same scope into back-to-back semesters, often running through summer terms with no extended breaks. Clinical hours, which can exceed 400 in many programs, may be scheduled during evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts regardless of whether lecture courses meet during the day.
What You Should Weigh Before Committing
The compressed schedule demands a full-time commitment, so answer Should I Become an LPN / LVN? honestly before you choose a program. Holding a job during an 11-month program is difficult, especially at schools like the College of Southern Idaho where courses run all day on weekdays. None of the Idaho Board-approved LPN programs currently advertise dedicated evening or weekend cohorts, though North Idaho College does offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options for students who need a slightly more flexible pace.
If speed is your priority and your finances or schedule allow a fully immersive experience, Idaho's accelerated LPN programs can move you from classroom to NCLEX-PN eligibility in under a year, setting up a smooth transition to LPN to RN bridge programs later.
Online and Hybrid LPN Options in Idaho
Idaho's LPN landscape remains largely a hands-on, in-person affair, and that isn't likely to change soon given how state clinical-hour rules work. With the exception of Eagle Gate College's hybrid track, which appears among the Best LPN Programs in Boise 2026, every LPN program in the state runs as a traditional campus-based program, with lectures, labs, and clinical rotations all happening on-site.
The Eagle Gate Hybrid Model
Eagle Gate College's 12-month Practical Nursing program in Boise splits the experience in two. Theory and coursework are delivered online, letting students work through lecture material on their own schedule. Clinical training and skills labs, however, still happen on-site, since hands-on competency simply can't be verified through a screen. This mirrors the hybrid format used in many Accredited LPN and RN Programs nationally: online didactic content paired with in-person skills verification.
Why Fully Online LPN Programs Don't Exist in Idaho
No Idaho program offers a fully online path to LPN licensure, and the Idaho Board of Nursing does not appear to approve any out-of-state online program as a substitute. Practical nursing requires demonstrated competency in physical skills such as medication administration, wound care, and patient handling, none of which can be validated remotely. Students weighing an out-of-state online option should contact the board's licensing office directly before enrolling, since approval isn't guaranteed.
For rural Idaho residents, this means accepting some travel or relocation for clinical placements, even if coursework can be completed remotely through a hybrid program like Eagle Gate's.
Explore other Idaho related topics
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What Idaho LPN Programs Require for Admission
Idaho LPN programs share a core set of prerequisites, but each school layers on its own requirements. Here is what to expect when you apply.
- High school diploma or GEDEvery Idaho LPN program requires proof of high school completion or equivalency. Official transcripts must typically be submitted with your application.
- Background check and immunizationsAll programs mandate a criminal background check and up-to-date immunization records, including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and a current TB screening. Some schools also require drug screening.
- CPR certificationA current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification from the American Heart Association is standard across Idaho LPN programs before clinical rotations begin.
- Entrance exam, and it varies by schoolIdaho programs do not all use the same admissions test. The College of Western Idaho requires the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam, while the College of Eastern Idaho and Idaho State University require the TEAS (CEI also accepts ACT or SAT scores). No program publishes a hard numeric minimum, but scores are weighed competitively when more applicants apply than seats allow. At CEI, a passing TEAS score is valid for three years; at ISU, scores must be within 12 months of the February application deadline.
- CNA certification, required at some, encouraged at othersThis is one of the most common questions prospective students ask. Idaho State University explicitly requires a current Idaho CNA certification (military medics and corpsmen may submit a Joint Service transcript instead). The College of Eastern Idaho highly encourages CNA certification; applicants who have not completed it must take NUR 101 during their first semester. The College of Western Idaho does not clearly list CNA as a hard prerequisite, so contact the program directly for the latest guidance.
- Prerequisite courseworkPrograms require foundational college-level courses before you can enter the nursing sequence. At CWI, for example, you need HLTH 101 (Medical Terminology), a GEM 3 math course, and a biology sequence that ranges from 4 to 12 credits depending on the track you choose. Complete these before applying, most programs will not consider an application with outstanding prerequisites.
- GPA minimumsIdaho LPN programs generally expect competitive GPAs in prerequisite coursework, but published numeric cutoffs are not readily available for the 2026 cycle. Because admission is seat-limited and competitive at every school, stronger grades in science and math prerequisites will improve your standing.
- Supplemental application and deadlinesStandard college admission is not enough. Programs like CWI require a separate supplemental application submitted during a narrow window, for CWI's spring 2027 cohort, the window runs from September 1 through October 19, 2026. ISU's deadline falls in February. Missing these windows means waiting an entire cycle, so mark your calendar early.
How to Get Licensed as an LPN in Idaho
Earning your LPN license in Idaho follows a clear sequence: complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12 to 18 months), submit your application through the Idaho Nurse Portal with a background check, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and receive your license from the Idaho Board of Nursing. Your license renews every two years, and you must complete at least two approved learning activities (15 contact hours is one accepted method) each renewal cycle. Because Idaho is a full Nurse Licensure Compact member, an unencumbered multistate license lets you practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license, as long as Idaho remains your primary state of residence.
What Idaho LPNs Actually Earn
Choosing an LPN program means weighing what you'll pay against what you'll earn once you're licensed, and in Idaho those numbers shift noticeably depending on where you work and how much you spend to get there.
Statewide and Metro Wages
Idaho's mean annual wage for LPNs stood at $54,600 in 2023 ($26.74 an hour), running a bit below the national wage picture for the occupation.1 Boise, home to the Best LPN Programs in Boise 2026, posted a higher mean at $57,600 ($28.88 an hour), reflecting the metro area's larger hospital and long-term care systems, along with an LPN concentration more than twice the national average.2
Rural Idaho Pays Competitively
Outside the Boise corridor, LPN pay holds up surprisingly well. The Northwestern nonmetropolitan region posted a median annual wage of $59,580 in 2024, with the top 10% of earners clearing $70,080.3 The Southeast-Central nonmetro region reported a lower median of $54,550, though its 75th percentile reached $61,270.4 These nonmetro figures come from 2024 and mix medians with means differently than the 2023 Boise numbers, so treat the comparison as directional rather than precise.
What Graduates Actually Earn
Earnings data specific to graduates one and two years after finishing an Idaho LPN program isn't yet published for most schools on this list. Until that data becomes available, the statewide and regional wage figures above are the most reliable stand-in for what a new LPN can expect to bring home.
Weighing Cost Against Income
Net price for Idaho LPN training ranges from roughly $6,100 at College of Southern Idaho to over $30,000 at Eagle Gate College-Boise. Against a starting wage in the mid-$50,000s, the cheaper public programs can pay for themselves within a year of full-time work, while pricier accelerated options take longer to break even, a tradeoff worth weighing against how fast you need to start earning.
Advancing From LPN to RN in Idaho
How can Idaho LPNs move into registered nursing without starting from scratch? Four schools in the state offer LPN to RN Bridge Programs designed specifically for working practical nurses, giving credit for your existing education and clinical experience.
Your Bridge Program Options
College of Eastern Idaho runs an LPN to RN Bridge that can take anywhere from nine to 24 months depending on your schedule and prior coursework. You will need 1,800 hours of practical nursing work experience and an ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor score of at least 80 percent. Prerequisites require a 3.0 GPA, and applications close March 1 for a June start.
Idaho State University offers its Associate Degree Registered Nurse program in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with required on-campus intensives and clinical rotations. Expect about two years to complete this pathway, a workable timeline for LPNs balancing jobs and family.
North Idaho College structures its LPN to RN Transition across three semesters. Applicants must have at least 12 college-level credits already completed.
Carrington College in Boise also lists an LPN to RN bridge through the Idaho Board of Nursing, though specific format and timeline details should be confirmed directly with the school.
Why Start as an LPN
Earning your practical nursing credential first is not a detour. It lets you work in healthcare while continuing your education, build clinical judgment before tackling RN responsibilities, and enter LPN Bridge Programs that value your experience rather than repeating foundational content. For many Idaho nurses, the LPN credential is step one of a planned career, not a stopping point.
Paying for Your Idaho LPN Education
Federal financial aid and the state's Practical Nursing Resources take different paths to lowering your LPN costs, and stacking them strategically can make a significant difference.
Federal Aid: The Foundation
Most Idaho LPN programs at accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid. Start by filing the FAFSA to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid, and Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans. Because many LPN programs run under 12 months, confirm with your school's financial aid office that your program meets federal clock-hour or credit-hour requirements for aid disbursement.
Idaho-Specific Workforce Resources
Idaho does not currently offer a dedicated state grant exclusively for LPN tuition. However, workforce development programs through the Idaho Department of Labor, including training funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, may cover healthcare-related education costs for eligible applicants.1 Registered apprenticeship incentives also reimburse qualifying employers for training expenses, which could benefit students in employer-sponsored programs.1 Contact your local Idaho Department of Labor office to ask about current healthcare training slots.
Institutional Scholarships
Several colleges earmark scholarship dollars for nursing students:
- College of Eastern Idaho: Offers scholarships specifically for LPN and LPN-to-RN bridge students.2
- College of Western Idaho: Check directly with CWI's financial aid office for nursing-specific awards; application cycles typically align with fall admission deadlines.3
- Idaho Community Foundation: Administers nursing scholarship funds that may apply to accredited community college programs.4
Dollar amounts and eligibility requirements shift annually, so compare the Most Affordable LPN/LVN Programs and reach out to each school's financial aid office early in your application timeline for the most current figures.
Your Idaho LPN Questions, Answered
These are some of the most common questions prospective LPN students ask about Idaho programs, admissions, and licensure. The answers draw on current program catalogs and Idaho Board of Nursing requirements.
Do you need a CNA certification before starting an LPN program in Idaho?
It depends on the program; LPN vs CNA requirements vary by school. The College of Southern Idaho lists current CNA certification as an admission requirement for 2026 to 2027. The College of Eastern Idaho, on the other hand, says CNA is "highly encouraged" but not required. Students who start without it take NUR 101 in their first semester instead. CEI also accepts alternatives such as EIRMC's PCT Essentials or StarTech. Always check your specific school's prerequisites before applying.
How long does the NCLEX-PN application process take through the Idaho Board of Nursing?
The Idaho Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed processing time for NCLEX-PN applications. After graduating from a Board-approved practical nursing program, you must submit your application, complete a background check, and schedule the exam through Pearson VUE. Each of those steps can vary in length, so plan for several weeks between graduation and your actual test date. Submitting documents promptly helps minimize delays.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Idaho?
Most Idaho LPN programs take about 11 to 12 months of full-time study. Some schools offer accelerated formats that may compress the timeline. After finishing your program, factor in additional weeks for the licensure application, background check, and NCLEX-PN scheduling. From your first day of classes to holding an active license, expect the full process to take roughly 12 to 15 months.
Can you take LPN classes online in Idaho?
Some Idaho schools offer hybrid LPN programs that move didactic coursework online while requiring in-person lab sessions and clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. Fully online LPN programs are not approved in Idaho because hands-on clinical hours are essential for licensure. Check with individual programs for the most current hybrid scheduling options available in 2026.
