The licensed practical nurse (LPN) program offers an alternative to registered nurse (RN) degrees in Idaho.
This program prepares students for jobs in the healthcare field.
The students take about 9-12 months to get LPN certification in Idaho.
The state education requires the students to attend a certified nursing program and to sit for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination) exam.
This helps to prove that the person is ready for the nursing field.
If you are interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse in Idaho, read on to discover the best schools to pursue an LPN career.
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Idaho State University
Idaho State University is a place with an excellent practical nursing program.
Every August, students are enrolled where they take a combination of classroom, lab, and practicum courses to get experience in the real world.
In addition, the institution provides a veteran-to-nurse program opportunity that permits military vets with previous experience in the medical field to get credit towards a practical nurse certificate.
The licensed practical nurse program begins in August and goes for a full-time basis of 2 ½ semesters.
Clinical hours can occur on weekends, evenings, or nights.
This depends on the instructors’ discretion. After completing this certificate program, the students are entitled to pursue further coursework to get the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.
Idaho State University’s main campus is in Pocatello, and other campuses are in Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls.
The tuition fee at Idaho State University is $2,898 per semester for residents, while non-residents pay $8,516 per semester.
Carrington College
Carrington College is located in Sacramento, California.
The school is a private for-profit institution and has other campuses in various states, like Nevada, Texas, and Washington, California.
The school provides career programs in the healthcare career only.
The (ACCJC) Accrediting Commission accredits certificates and associate degree courses offered by this institution for Community and Junior Colleges.
The practical curriculum mixes classroom lessons, laboratory practice, and clinical training with Idaho’s healthcare facilities.
The average tuition fee at Carrington college is $31,639 (Fees and tuition $29,339, books and supplies $2,300)
North Idaho College
The North Idaho College offers students in the Coeur d’Alene area a practical nursing program for students to prepare them for entry-level employment as licensed practical nurses after completing the NCLEX-PN examination.
The curriculum touches on clinical and basic foundations of nursing, psychiatric nursing, surgical nursing, geriatrics, and pharmacology.
The students must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to get their practical nurse license.
At North Idaho College, tuition fee for residents is $1,382 per twelve to sixteen credit term, whereas the non-resident fee is $1,882 for a similar period.
Eastern Idaho Technical College
Eastern Idaho Technical College has a year-round entry practical nursing program approved by the Board of Nursing in the state.
The college provides classroom lessons, nursing lab access, practical clinical theory, and how to give nursing care.
Students learn to get a technical certificate in practical nursing.
Some complete the program in three semesters, whereas others take up to six semesters.
The student requires sitting for the NCLEX-PN to be a licensed practical nurse.
The average fee at eastern Idaho technical college is $11,730 (Fees and tuition are about $9,900, Books and Supplies $1,830
College Of Southern Idaho
Located in Twin Falls, the College of Southern Idaho provides a licensed practical nurse program that takes three semesters to complete.
The classes include Practical Nursing Pharmacology, Therapeutic Nutrition, and Medical-Surgical.
The Idaho Board of Nursing accredits the program.
After completing the LPN program, students qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam.
The college has other campuses in Jerome Burley, Hailey, and Gooding.
At the College of Southern Idaho, the average fee for the practical nurse program is around $7,340 (Fees and tuition about $4,715, books and supplies $2,625)
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Idaho
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Idaho State University | 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83209 |
| Carrington College | 1122 N Liberty St, Boise, ID 83704 |
| North Idaho College | 1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 |
| Eastern Idaho Technical College | 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 |
| College Of Southern Idaho | 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary In Idaho
As of June 28, 2022, the average salary of a licensed practical nurse in Idaho is $50,607.
The range is usually between $45,952 and $56,293.
However, this amount can differ extensively depending on various factors such as education, certifications, added skills, and the years you have been in the profession.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Idaho
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $47,129 |
| Nampa | $46,623 |
| Pocatello | $43,978 |
| Idaho Falls | $46,004 |
| Meridian | $47,078 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $48,380 |
| Twin Falls | $43,826 |
| Lewiston | $49,974 |
| Caldwell | $46,572 |
| Moscow | $48,380 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 840 | $57,600 | $27.69 | $76,400 | $26,580 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 310 | $57,490 | $27.64 | $75,830 | $47,720 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 320 | $48,670 | $23.4 | $61,400 | $24,980 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 90 | $59,400 | $28.56 | $76,970 | $45,400 |
| Pocatello, ID | 160 | $48,420 | $23.28 | $72,940 | $24,960 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 160 | $54,840 | $26.36 | $68,790 | $25,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a licensed practical nurse do in Idaho?
Sometimes, licensed practical nurses work as charge nurses, which is common in a long-term care setting.
As a result, Idaho differs from various states because it has a high percentage of licensed practical nurses operating in hospital settings.
Can I re-sit the NCLEX-PN exam if I fail?
Yes, you are eligible to re-sit for the NCLEX-PN exam after 45 days.
Students who fail the NCLEX-PN exam can use the CPR (Candidate Performance Report) to guide and prepare them to re-sit the exam.
Why should you earn a licensed practical nurse in Idaho?
There is a rising demand for skilled, licensed practical nurses in long-term care facilities and nursing homes.
How long does a nursing license take to be processed in Idaho?
It takes about 7-10 business days after receipt of all the needed documents.
How do I renew my nursing license in Idaho?
To renew your licensed practical nurse or registered nurse license in Idaho, you should complete at least two learning activities (in the Education, Practice, or professional engagement sections).
This should be done within the renewal period of two years, from the renewal date to the following date of expiry.
