Best Idaho LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Idaho’s LPN to RN bridge programs help practical nurses expand into advanced roles. Coursework typically includes nursing theory, pharmacology, and complex patient care. Clinical placements provide hands-on experience, ensuring students are ready for licensure and professional advancement.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Idaho
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewiston, ID - Public 4-Year - lcsc.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis-Clark State College's LPN to BSN Track represents an accelerated nursing advancement pathway tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking comprehensive educational progression. Situated in Lewiston, this strategically designed 4-semester program empowers LPNs to transition seamlessly into registered nursing roles. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA and 2.75 in science courses. The curriculum strategically integrates nursing-specific coursework with general education requirements, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for the NCLEX-RN® examination. With fall and spring admission cycles and application processing through NursingCAS.org, the program offers flexibility for working professionals seeking career enhancement.
- 4-semester program.
- Located in Lewiston, Idaho.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 required.
- 2.75 GPA in science courses.
- Valid LPN license needed.
- English proficiency required.
- Applications via NursingCAS.org.
- $60 application fee.
- Fall and spring admissions.
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lewis-Clark State College delivers an innovative LPN to BSN track engineered for practical nurses aiming to elevate their professional credentials. This comprehensive 4-semester program in Lewiston provides a robust educational framework that builds upon existing nursing knowledge and skills. Designed with working professionals in mind, the curriculum offers a targeted approach to nursing education. Admission requirements include an unencumbered practical nursing license, competitive 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite coursework. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences and a clear developmental pathway toward expanded nursing career opportunities, ultimately preparing them comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN® examination.
- 4-semester program track
- Located in Lewiston, Idaho
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Valid LPN license needed
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Registered Nurse
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's LPN to RN Associate Degree program provides a transformative pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking career advancement. Structured as a hybrid learning experience, the program ingeniously blends online coursework, on-campus intensives, and hands-on clinical practicums. Graduates benefit from an impressive 99% employment or continuing education rate, with potential earnings ranging from $66,930 to $84,310 in Idaho's healthcare landscape. The curriculum meticulously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination through comprehensive theoretical and practical training. Rigorous admission requirements include maintaining a 2.5 GPA, current LPN licensure, CPR certification, and successful completion of prerequisite coursework. Students must also pass background checks and drug screenings, ensuring professional readiness.
- Hybrid program format.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- 99% employment/education rate.
- Median income $66,930-$84,310.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Requires LPN licensure.
- 2.5 GPA prerequisite.
- CPR certification needed.
- Includes clinical practicum.
- Competitive application process.
College of Eastern Idaho
Idaho Falls, ID - Public 2-Year - cei.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of Eastern Idaho's LPN to RN Bridge program delivers a comprehensive pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking advanced nursing credentials. Through an innovative curriculum combining rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical training, students gain transformative skills across diverse healthcare settings. The program's distinctive approach includes advanced simulation laboratories and 400+ clinical experience hours, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for professional nursing challenges. Accredited by ACEN, the program maintains high NCLEX pass rates and offers flexible scheduling tailored for working professionals. Students must hold a current LPN license and complete prerequisite courses with a minimum C+ grade, positioning themselves for immediate employment opportunities in the dynamic healthcare landscape.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- Over 400 clinical hours.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Cost-effective program.
- Financial aid available.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Immediate job placement.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Requires current LPN license.
- Prerequisite courses needed.
North Idaho College
Coeur d'Alene, ID - Public 2-Year - nic.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Idaho College's LPN to RN Transition program offers a strategic pathway for practical nurses seeking advanced nursing credentials. Designed as an accelerated track, the program enables experienced LPNs to build upon their existing healthcare knowledge through a comprehensive curriculum. Students complete a specialized four-credit transition course, gaining advanced standing in the Associate's Degree in Nursing program. With an impressive 90-97% NCLEX pass rate, the program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and professional skill development. Military-friendly and ACEN accredited, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, 750 hours of recent practical nursing experience, and successful TEAS exam completion, ensuring high-quality educational standards and robust clinical preparation.
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- 3 semester program duration
- 58-60 total credits
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Competitive admission process
- ACEN accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- TEAS exam score requirement
- 750 hours recent PN experience
- Campus-based learning
Idaho LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Idaho LPNs who plan to enter an LPN to RN bridge program should expect selective admission and prerequisites designed to verify readiness for upper-division nursing. Common requirements include:
- An active, unencumbered LPN license in Idaho or a compact state, with good standing at the time of application and prior to program start.
- Completion of prerequisite college courses with minimum grades, typically including Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development or Psychology, English Composition, and college-level Math. Some programs may also require Nutrition and Communication/Speech.
- Proof of recent direct patient care experience as an LPN is often preferred; some programs may require a minimum number of months worked.
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting, drug screening, and up-to-date immunizations and health clearances required for clinical placement. Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers is standard.
- Minimum GPA in prerequisite coursework and overall college work; some programs use a point system that factors in grades, experience, and assessments.
- Program-specific testing or placement such as TEAS or HESI, and verification of computer/technology readiness for any hybrid or online components.
Idaho’s prelicensure RN programs are approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing, which sets standards for program approval and licensure. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and meet state application and fingerprint requirements to be licensed.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Idaho build on practical nursing experience and expand scope to the RN level. Students learn to synthesize complex assessments, manage multi-patient assignments, and provide evidence-based care across the lifespan. Typical learning includes:
- Advanced Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing and Critical Thinking
- Health Assessment with emphasis on differential findings and clinical reasoning
- Pharmacology and safe medication administration at the RN scope
- Maternity and Newborn, Pediatric, and Mental Health Nursing
- Population/Community Health and Leadership and Management
- Nursing research, quality improvement, and informatics; BSN-bridge pathways include additional public health and leadership depth
Clinical learning occurs in supervised settings such as hospitals, long-term care, community clinics, and rural sites, and may include simulation. Idaho requires graduation from a state-approved program to sit for the NCLEX-RN. In addition to state approval, many Idaho schools pursue national accreditation (for example, ACEN or CCNE). While state approval enables licensure, national accreditation helps with transferability of credits, access to federal financial aid, employer recognition, eligibility for VA or military hiring, and admission to graduate programs.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
In Idaho, LPN to RN education is offered through community colleges, regional colleges, and public universities. Options include LPN to ADN pathways that culminate in an associate degree, as well as LPN to BSN tracks that award a bachelor’s degree. Programs may offer advanced placement or credit for prior LPN learning and experience after validation exams or portfolio review.
Coursework commonly includes:
- Role Transition from LPN to RN and professional standards of practice
- Pathophysiology, advanced Pharmacology, and complex Adult Health
- Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Gerontology, Population Health, and Rural/Frontier Health topics relevant to Idaho
- Leadership, interprofessional communication, and care coordination
- Clinical practicums across acute, long-term, and community settings with increasing autonomy
Career Outlook
RNs in Idaho work in hospitals, critical access facilities, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery, behavioral health, home health and hospice, public health departments, schools, and long-term care. Idaho’s large rural and frontier regions, aging population, and ongoing workforce needs contribute to steady demand for RNs in many parts of the state. Shift options vary by setting: hospitals often use 12-hour shifts including nights and weekends, while clinics and public health roles more commonly follow weekday schedules.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Idaho practice at a broader scope that includes comprehensive assessments, independent nursing diagnoses, care planning, patient education, leadership of care teams, and wider employment options in acute care. Many employers differentiate compensation and advancement opportunities by degree and scope, and BSN-prepared RNs may have expanded access to leadership, specialty certification, and graduate study. Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which can support mobility for qualifying RNs.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: commonly 12 to 18 months after prerequisites and acceptance, depending on advanced placement and summer coursework availability.
- Part-time LPN to ADN: approximately 18 to 24 months post-admission; schedules spread clinical and theory across more semesters.
- LPN to BSN: roughly 2 to 3 years after prerequisites, depending on transfer credits and pace.
- Evening/weekend or hybrid tracks: available at select Idaho institutions; timelines are similar to part-time options and depend on clinical site availability outside standard hours.
Total time to completion depends on how many prerequisites are finished at application, space-available advanced placement, and whether summers are utilized.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Idaho
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University |
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| Lewis-Clark State College |
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| College of Eastern Idaho |
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Tuition and Costs
Idaho public community colleges typically offer the lowest in-state tuition for LPN to ADN bridge pathways, while public universities cost more per credit, especially at the upper-division BSN level. As a broad reference, in-state students can expect total program tuition for an LPN to ADN to commonly run in the mid four to low five figures, with LPN to BSN programs generally higher. Out-of-state tuition is substantially more. Program-specific nursing fees, clinical and simulation fees, and graduation or testing fees also apply.
Additional expenses to plan for include textbooks and digital resources, uniforms and supplies, background check and fingerprinting, drug testing, immunizations and titers, CPR certification, liability insurance, transportation to clinical sites across Idaho, and NCLEX-related fees after graduation. Housing and meals vary by campus and city; on-campus room and board at Idaho public institutions generally falls into a mid four-figure to low five-figure range per academic year, with off-campus costs varying by market conditions in communities such as Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d’Alene, and Moscow.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Idaho
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Eastern Idaho |
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| North Idaho College |
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| Lewis-Clark State College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Idaho programs commonly offer hybrid formats that combine online or web-enhanced theory courses with required in-person labs and supervised clinicals in approved healthcare settings. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not feasible because hands-on skills labs and direct patient care experiences are required for graduation and licensure. Some Idaho institutions may allow select bridge courses to be completed online to support working LPNs, but all students must complete in-person clinical competencies within Idaho or at board-approved clinical sites. Verify distance education policies, clinical placement locations, and any state authorization requirements directly with the program before applying.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Idaho
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Idaho LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses. In Idaho, you apply to the state board for RN licensure by examination, complete a fingerprint-based background check, and have your nursing program submit an official transcript. After the board confirms eligibility, you receive an Authorization to Test and can schedule the exam. Official results are sent to the board; upon a passing result and completion of all other requirements, the RN license is issued. Candidates who do not pass may retest in accordance with NCLEX retake policies.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Idaho licenses RNs by endorsement for those already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement typically requires verification of your original RN license, submission of an official transcript from your nursing program, a background check, declaration of Idaho as your primary state of residence, and demonstration of continued competence. Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses who hold a multistate license and reside in a compact state to practice in other compact states, including Idaho, without obtaining an additional license. If you relocate to Idaho and declare Idaho as your primary state of residence, you must apply for Idaho RN licensure by endorsement to obtain an Idaho multistate license. Nurses licensed in non-compact states need an Idaho single-state license to practice in Idaho.
Licensure Requirements
The Idaho Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. Key requirements for initial RN licensure by examination include:
- Graduation from an approved RN program such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge program, with the school submitting an official transcript directly to the board.
- Submission of an application for licensure by examination and payment of required fees.
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
- Eligibility determination by the board and successful passage of the NCLEX-RN.
For licensure by endorsement, applicants generally must:
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. state or territory.
- Request primary source verification of that license be sent to Idaho.
- Complete a background check and demonstrate continued competence; additional documentation may be required if you have not practiced recently.
- If seeking multistate privilege, meet the Compact’s uniform licensure requirements and declare Idaho as your primary state of residence.
License Renewal
Idaho RN licenses expire annually on August 31st. RNs attest to meeting the state’s continued competence requirement for the immediately preceding twenty-four (24) months prior to renewal. Rather than a single fixed CE-hour requirement, Idaho recognizes multiple ways to demonstrate continued competence, such as a combination of recent nursing practice, continuing education, academic coursework, national certification or recertification, precepting, teaching, research, or quality improvement activities. Complete your chosen activities during the immediately preceding twenty-four (24) months and retain documentation in case of audit. Renew before the license expiration date to avoid a lapse in authorization to practice.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 3 to 4 semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as an RN.
Program Focus:
These programs build upon the LPN's existing knowledge, focusing on providing the essential clinical skills and theoretical knowledge for entry-level registered nursing roles. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Idaho:
Costs can vary by institution. For instance, the program at the College of Eastern Idaho is approximately $9,000, while the estimated total cost for the Associate of Science in Nursing at Idaho State University is higher.
Best For:
LPNs who wish to become an RN in the quickest and most cost-effective way, allowing for a faster entry into the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges and some state universities, such as North Idaho College, College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, and Idaho State University.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically around 4 semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Focus:
This pathway provides a more comprehensive education that includes all the clinical skills of an ADN program, plus additional training in leadership, research, and community health. It is designed to prepare nurses for a broader scope of practice and leadership roles.
Average In-State Tuition in Idaho:
Tuition for a four-year university program is generally higher than that of a community college associate's degree.
Best For:
LPNs who are seeking a broader range of career opportunities, including leadership and specialized roles, and those who plan to pursue graduate studies in nursing.
School Types:
Four-year colleges and universities, such as Lewis-Clark State College.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- The shorter program length allows graduates to enter the RN workforce more quickly and start earning a higher salary sooner.
- Associate degree programs at community colleges typically have lower tuition rates than bachelor's programs at universities, making it a more financially accessible option.
- Graduates can begin working as RNs and then have the option to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program later, often with tuition assistance from their employer.
- The curriculum is focused on developing the essential hands-on clinical skills needed for immediate employment as a registered nurse.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and is increasingly preferred by many healthcare employers, especially hospitals.
- While starting salaries may be comparable to ADN-prepared RNs, the BSN opens doors to positions with greater long-term earning potential.
- A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP or PhD).
- The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and the social and economic factors impacting healthcare delivery.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Idaho
Coeur d'Alene, ID
North Idaho College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- 3 semester program duration
- 58-60 total credits
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Competitive admission process
- ACEN accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- TEAS exam score requirement
Idaho Falls, ID
College of Eastern Idaho
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- Over 400 clinical hours.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Cost-effective program.
- Financial aid available.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Immediate job placement.
- Designed for working professionals.
Lewiston, ID
Lewis-Clark State College
- Associate - LPN to BSN Track
Campus Based - Website
- 4-semester program.
- Located in Lewiston, Idaho.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 required.
- 2.75 GPA in science courses.
- Valid LPN license needed.
- English proficiency required.
- Applications via NursingCAS.org.
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Track
Campus Based - Website
- 4-semester program track
- Located in Lewiston, Idaho
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Valid LPN license needed
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Pocatello, ID
Idaho State University
- Associate - Associate Degree Registered Nurse
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- 99% employment/education rate.
- Median income $66,930-$84,310.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Requires LPN licensure.
- 2.5 GPA prerequisite.
- CPR certification needed.