How to Become an RN in Idaho: 5 Steps
Want to discover how to become an RN in Idaho? The process includes completing academic training, passing the NCLEX, and applying for state licensure. This article breaks down Idaho’s specific steps and requirements for future nurses.
Idaho ranks among the top five U.S. states for its strong economy and quality of life. Nurses here are in high demand, and benefit from access to excellent healthcare facilities and state-run programs offering loan repayment and grants — all surrounded by breathtaking outdoor escapes that makes work-life balance easy to find.
How to Become an RN in Idaho: Interesting Facts
- High demand for RNs: Idaho’s growing population and rural healthcare needs have created a steady demand for RNs across the state, from bustling city hospitals to small-town clinics.
- Top-rated hospitals: The state is home to nationally recognized healthcare providers like St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus, known for advanced medical services in a range of specialties.
- Strong economy: Idaho ranks among the top states for economic growth, with a low unemployment rate and business-friendly policies that support long-term job stability across industries — including healthcare.
- Great outdoors: Idaho offers a breathtaking natural playground. From skiing in Sun Valley and rafting the Salmon River to hiking in the Sawtooths or soaking in natural hot springs, the state is packed with ways to unwind year-round.
Becoming an RN in Idaho: A Snapshot of the Role
Learning how to become an RN in Idaho is just the beginning. After earning your license, you can build your career in hospitals, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities — or explore non-bedside roles in education, research, and medical coding.
There’s also a wide range of nursing specialties to explore — from assisting in childbirth to assisting surgeons in the operating room. Here are a few examples of potential career paths:
- Med-surg RN: Provide care for adult patients recovering from surgery or managing complex medical diagnoses like diabetes, pneumonia, and heart failure.
- Emergency room RN: Deliver rapid assessment and treatment for patients with urgent or life-threatening conditions such as trauma, heart attacks, and acute illnesses.
- Flight RN: Provide critical care during air transport for seriously ill or injured patients, stabilizing conditions mid-flight and coordinating care with ground medical teams.
- Military RN: Offer comprehensive nursing care to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families in a variety of settings, including combat zones, field hospitals, and military bases.
- Coroner RN: Assist forensic pathologists during postmortem examinations by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and maintaining chain-of-custody procedures.
- Substance abuse RN: Support individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction by administering medications, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, and offering emotional support.
No matter the setting, every nurse shares a core set of responsibilities. Let’s explore the essential tasks that every nurse should be prepared to handle, no matter where they work:
- Monitoring patient health by performing head-to-toe assessments and observing changes in patient condition.
- Administering medications and treatments, such as injections, topical applications, and pain management therapies
- Documenting patient information accurately in medical records, including vital signs, symptoms, and interventions taken
- Educating patients and their families about medication management, necessary lifestyle changes, and discharge instructions
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans that best support patient outcomes
- Responding to medical emergencies effectively to stabilize patients by performing life-saving procedures
- Maintaining a safe environment by following infection control protocols and identifying environmental hazards
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Idaho?
It usually takes about two to four years to complete an accredited nursing program — which is the most time-consuming step on the road to becoming an RN. Here are your options:
| Type of degree | Description |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | A two-year program that provides foundational nursing knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as an RN in a variety of healthcare settings. |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | A four-year degree that offers a more in-depth study of nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health, equipping graduates for a wider range of career opportunities and further academic advancement. |
In addition, accelerated nursing programs and bridge programs provide fast-tracked pathways to becoming an RN for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or have prior medical training, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), paramedics, or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
How to Become an RN in Idaho
Ready to learn how to become a registered nurse in Idaho? Let’s take you through the full journey, from school to your first nursing role.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Your first step in how to become an RN in Idaho is to earn an accredited ADN or BSN degree. Your education will include taking essential nursing classes, such as pharmacology and nursing fundamentals, as well as clinical rotations in different specialties, including psychiatric and pediatric care.
Interested in BSN nursing programs in Idaho? Here are some of the top-rated programs to consider:
- Boise State University
- Lewis-Clark State College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
- East Gate College – Boise
Looking for ADN programs? Check out these nursing schools in Idaho:
- North Idaho College
- College of Eastern Idaho
- College of Western Idaho
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you’ve successfully completed your nursing program, the next major milestone is passing the NCLEX-RN. This is a standardized exam that tests your nursing knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready for entry-level roles in clinical settings.
To apply for an initial Idaho nurse license, you’ll need to go through the following process:
- Create an account with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and complete the RN license application. Be prepared to pay a $70 application fee.
- Complete a criminal background check. You’ll have the option to submit your fingerprints electronically or mail a hard copy of your fingerprint card to the Idaho Board of Nursing.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your authorization to test (ATT) with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
- Take your exam. The NCLEX uses a computer-adaptive format, meaning the number of questions you answer (between 85 and 150) will vary based on your performance. You’ll have 5 hours to complete them. Your results will be emailed to you by the Idaho Board of Nursing. You can also monitor the progress of your application through the Nurse Portal.
Curious about what you’ll be tested on? The NCLEX evaluates your knowledge across several essential areas of nursing practice, including:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
To succeed, study thoroughly and take advantage of NCLEX preparation resources such as review books, practice exams, and online courses.
Tip: In the event you don’t pass the NCLEX, you’ll need to wait 45 days before you’re eligible to retake the test. During that time, review your candidate performance report (CPR) carefully — it highlights the areas where you struggled, helping you to build a solid study plan and succeed on your next try.
Step 3: Wait for Your Idaho RN License
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN and submitted all required documentation, the Idaho Board of Nursing will review your exam results, application, and background check. If everything is in order, your official RN license will be granted.
Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can apply for a multistate license. This is especially helpful for nurses who live near state borders, want to pursue travel nursing opportunities, telehealth roles, or want the flexibility to explore jobs in other states, such as Montana, Wyoming, and Washington.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
You’ve learned how to become an RN in Idaho. Now, it’s time to see where you can work. RN jobs in Idaho can be found in a wide range of specialties and settings — from major healthcare systems to rural hospitals and everything in between.
If you want to start your career in inpatient care facilities, check out the job opportunities at some of Idaho’s popular hospitals and medical centers:
- Bingham Healthcare
- Earnest Health – Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest
- Idaho Falls Community Hospital
- Minidoka Memorial Hospital
- Mountain View Hospital
- North Canyon Network of Care
- Portneuf Medical Center
- SCA Health – Treasure Valley Hospital
- Scion Health – St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
- Saint Luke’s Health System
Some acute care hospitals offer nurse residency programs that help ease your transition into nursing by providing an extensive orientation, followed by an in-depth preceptorship with an experienced RN.
If you’re not interested in hospital settings, no problem — Idaho provides a variety of alternative career paths. You could find opportunities at research institutions like the Idaho Office of Underserved and Rural Medical Research, in educational establishments, or within government agencies such as the State of Idaho or the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Looking for a softer path in your nursing career? Check out our video to explore your options:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Idaho requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years with your license expiring on your birthday. To stay active, you’ll need to meet continuing competency requirements, submit the renewal application by the deadline, and pay the $70 renewal fee.
How Much Does an RN Make in Idaho?
Recent data on RN wages in Idaho shows that registered nurses in the state earn $89,770 per year. Keep in mind that factors such as your education, experience, and workplace type can significantly influence your earnings.
Thinking about the ways to increase your RN salary? Idaho nurses working in large urban centers typically make higher wages. Check out job options in the state’s most populous cities:
Helpful Resources for Idaho Nurses
Looking for information on how to earn an RN license in Idaho — and how to succeed once you do? Explore these resources for support with practice guidance, networking, and job search:
- American Nursing Association Idaho
- Idaho Center for Nursing
- Idaho Health Care Association
- Idaho Nurse Practice Act
- Idaho Nursing Action Coalition
Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?
You’ve mastered how to become an RN in Idaho — now it’s time to find a job that fits. IntelyCare’s smart job-matching system can connect you with a world of nursing job opportunities tailored to your preferences and ambitions. Discover available opportunities today.