If you are a resident of the state of Idaho and aspire to launch a career in the nursing field, becoming a licensed practical nurse is one of the best ways to go. A stepping-stone for many on the road to becoming an RN, licensing practical nursing offers competitive pay, excellent benefits and all kinds of job opportunities. Since training typically only takes 12 to 18 months, this is one of the fastest ways to get the ball rolling on a nursing career in Idaho.
In Idaho as in most other states, you must possess a valid LPN license to find employment. The first and most important step in the process is completing a state-approved LPN training program. This is where people often struggle, as there are so many options. Below, you'll find recommendations for some of the most popular LPN training programs in Idaho as well as tons of other useful information.
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Top LPN Programs in Idaho
Launching an LPN career in the state of Idaho isn't terribly difficult. Without a doubt, the most crucial step is selecting an LPN training program. This can be pretty daunting, though, as there are tons of programs to choose from. For your convenience, here are recommendations for some of the most reputable LPN programs in Idaho:
Carrington College
1122 N Liberty St, Boise, ID 83704 (208) 779-3100College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 733-9554Eastern Idaho Technical College
1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 (208) 524-3000Idaho State University
921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201 (208) 282-2622Lewis-Clark State College
500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 792-5272North Idaho College
1000 W Garden Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 769-3300
Neighboring States: Montana | Nevada | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming
While perusing LPN programs, always make sure that the program that you're considering is approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing. It is also wise to find out the NCLEX-PN pass rates for the program, as this reflects how well the school prepares students. Needless to say, it's also crucial to select a program that you can afford and that you believe you can complete.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Idaho
It pays to be aware of the general licensing requirements for becoming an LPN in Idaho before starting the process in earnest. The Board of Nursing is in charge of all licensing matters, and they have strict requirements that must be met. These include:
- Complete an LPN training program that is officially approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing — this typically takes 12 to 18 months or so.
- Submit your application for an LPN license to the Board of Nursing. Be sure to include an affidavit of graduation from your training program; head shot with a date stamped on it; and a fingerprint card for a criminal background check.
- Register for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam with Pearson Vue and take and pass the test within the validity dates on the Authorization to Test email.
Because Idaho is a part of the Nurse Licensing Compact, or NLC, it allows LPN licenses from other participating states to be transferred over fairly easily.
In the state of Idaho, LPN licenses expire every two years on August 31 of every even-numbered year.
Idaho Board of Nursing
To apply for an LPN license in Idaho, you must submit an application to the Idaho Board of Nursing. This is the same agency that handles all licensing matters, and its contact information is as follows:
Idaho Board of Nursing
11351 W Chinden Blvd #6, Boise, ID 83714
Phone: (208) 577-2476
Fax: (208) 577-2490
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Idaho
A fair amount of time, effort and expense go into becoming an LPN, so it's wise to scope out the scene in Idaho in terms of compensation and job outlook. After all, the last thing you need is to do everything to become an LPN only to realize that you can't earn a competitive wage or even find work in the first place.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for LPNs in the state is $50,850, which is equal to $24.45 per hour. This is well above the national minimum wage, but it's a bit lower than the national average pay for LPNs, which is $54,620, or $26.26 per hour.
As far as job outlook goes, the overall trend across the country suggests that the field will be growing by about 16 percent from the year 2014 through the year 2024. Currently, there are approximately 2,870 LPNs in the state, and that figure should increase steadily over the next decade. As is typically the case, however, job opportunities and earning potential vary from one part of Idaho to another.
LPN Salaries in Idaho By Area
Launching an LPN career in the state of Idaho isn't terribly difficult. Without a doubt, the most crucial step is selecting an LPN training program. This can be pretty daunting, though, as there are tons of programs to choose from. For your convenience, here are recommendations for some of the most reputable LPN programs in Idaho:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston | 70 | $27.68 | $57,570 |
| Boise City | 750 | $27.38 | $56,950 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 230 | $26.82 | $55,780 |
| Twin Falls | 160 | $26.26 | $54,630 |
| Pocatello | 120 | $25.47 | $52,980 |
| Idaho Falls | 240 | $23.48 | $48,830 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022
Ready to become an LPN in Idaho? Get going right now by finding the perfect LPN training program.
