Best LPN Programs in Idaho

Last Updated/Verified: Jan 11, 2023

Looking for a new healthcare career in Idaho? Licensed practical nursing (LPN) offers numerous advantages, including a promising future of employment; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts growth of roughly 9% for the industry through the year 2029. With salaries and job security in the desirable range, many Idahoans are looking into schools that will give them a solid LPN education. LPNs in Idaho earn approximately $26.30 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $54,710. This is roughly $1,150 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Idaho are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 6 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Idaho click here.

Details on Idaho LPN Schools & Classes

LPN programs are peppered throughout the state of Idaho, and can be found in community colleges, technical/vocational schools, and more. With a length of approximately 1-2 years (depending on part-time or full-time attendance), you can begin your career as an LPN much faster than with other nursing degrees, such as a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Idaho LPN schools typically include course titles like the following:

  • Medication Administration for Practical Nursing
  • Basic Foundations of Nursing Lab
  • Clinical Foundations of Nursing
  • Family Nursing for the Practical Nurse
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

To ensure that you choose a school with a quality LPN program, you should inquire about the school’s accreditations. For example, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a well-known national accrediting agency for nursing programs. Smaller, regional accrediting bodies may endorse programs as well. Lastly, the Idaho Board of Nursing can also point you in the direction of an approved LPN program in the state.

Admission Requirements

Each prospective student will need to make sure they meet all the requirements before they can be admitted into an LPN program. While admission requirements vary slightly depending on school, most include the following:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • CNA certification may be required
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Completion of any prerequisite courses
  • TEAS results
  • Must pass a background check/drug test

Tuition and Costs

The total cost of an LPN program will ultimately depend on the school you choose. Common expenses include tuition, course materials, and any mandatory fees imposed by the college. Room and board may also be an expense if you must relocate. Tuition and fees for the LPN program at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, for example, costs approximately $6,500 for in-state students, and $14,000 for out-of-state students. This does not include textbooks and supplies.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Idaho LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Idaho LPN Licensing Requirements

Becoming an LPN in Idaho is not a painful process, but the applicant must keep in mind that certain job functions may not only require quick thinking but may also require physical strength and endurance. To meet state education requirements, individuals must attend an approved nursing program, as well as complete the NCLEX-PN exam—state-required testing to prove the applicant is ready for the field of nursing. The following must also be submitted along with the required application for licensure:

  • Headshot (passport-style) photograph—indicating the date the photo was taken.
  • Affidavit of graduation submitted by applicant’s nursing program.
  • Fingerprint card and criminal background check.
  • NCLEX Acknowledgement.

Idaho LPN licenses expire on August 31st every even-numbered year. Details on licensure information in Idaho can be found here.

NCLEX Exam Information

Every student who wishes to become an LPN must pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to gain licensure. Upon graduating from an approved LPN program, students are eligible to take the test, which consists of roughly 100 nursing-based questions. Learn more about the NCLEX-PN exam here. In addition, students can also take the NCLEX-PN practice test to see what the real exam is like.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that nurses in compact states must register a primary state of residence, but can work in multiple compact states without additional licensure.

LPNs from states outside of the Nurse Licensure Compact can apply for an Idaho license by endorsement provided he or she submits the following:

  • Proof of licensure in another state for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Original transcripts from state-approved nursing program equivalent to the state of Idaho
  • Pass the NCLEX or SBTPE.
  • Fingerprint card and criminal background check.
  • Employment reference from the 3-year period preceding the application.
  • Foreign applicants must also submit a course-by-course review and English proficiency.

Top Ranked Idaho LPN Programs

1

Carrington College - Boise

1122 North Liberty St, Boise, ID 83704 - (208) 779-3100 - Visit Homepage

Carrington College of Boise offers a Practical Nursing certificate program that students can complete in just one year. The program's core mission is to help students enter rewarding healthcare careers utilizing the nursing process to care for patients across the lifespan. The curriculum includes classroom lectures and hands-on training in clinical settings.

Overall Score: 98.25 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Idaho State University

921 South 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83209 - (208) 282-2622 - Visit Homepage

Idaho State University's College of Technology is home to an outstanding Practical Nursing program. Students are accepted each August and take a mix of classroom, laboratory, and practicum courses to gain real-world experience. The school also offers a Veteran to Nurse program option that allows military vets with prior medical experience to acquire credit towards a PN certificate.

Overall Score: 97.47 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

College of Eastern Idaho

1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 - (208) 524-3000 - Visit Homepage

The College of Eastern Idaho (formerly Eastern Idaho Technical College) offers a Practical Nursing program to provide students with knowledge and hands-on patient care skills. The Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) in practical nursing generally takes around 24 months to complete, and the clinical portion of the program requires over 300 practicum hours.

Overall Score: 97.14 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Idaho

RankedProgramScore
#4 North Idaho College
1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 769-3300
96.96

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 733-9554
College of Western Idaho
, , ID

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional ID Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Idaho

The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Idaho. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Boise City750$27.38$56,950
Idaho Falls240$23.48$48,830
Coeur d'Alene230$26.82$55,780
Twin Falls160$26.26$54,630
Pocatello120$25.47$52,980
Lewiston70$27.68$57,570