How to Become an RN in Idaho: 5 Steps
Want to discover how to become an RN in Idaho? With a top-five spot in rankings of the best U.S. states, Idaho is known for its strong economy and job outlook. Nurses here also benefit from high demand for healthcare workers, access to quality medical facilities, and state-run programs that offer loan repayment and grant options. And when you’re not saving lives, you can recharge in some of the most stunning outdoor settings in the country — from alpine trails to peaceful lakeshores.
Ready to learn how to become a registered nurse in Idaho? This guide walks you through every step — from getting your education to landing your first job.
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.
- Supportive state programs: The state offers loan repayment programs and scholarships for aspiring nurses willing to work in underserved areas.
- 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.
What Does an RN in Idaho Do?
When looking into how to become an RN in Idaho, you’ll discover a broad range of specialties, from supporting geriatric patients in long-term care facilities to assisting surgeons in the operating room. Here are some examples of career paths you could choose:
- 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.
As you dive deeper into how to become an RN in Idaho, you’ll quickly realize that while the settings may differ, many key duties stay the same. 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?
The journey of how to become an RN in Idaho starts with completing an accredited nursing program, with study lengths ranging from two to four years, depending on whether you choose an ADN or BSN path.
| 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
To become a nurse in Idaho, you’ll need to complete academic training, acquire hands-on clinical experience, and secure an RN license. Here’s a detailed look at each step.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
The first step of how to become an RN in Idaho is completing an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. 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.
Want to pursue a BSN degree in Idaho? Here are some of the top-rated programs to consider:
- Lewis-Clark State College
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
- Boise State University
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Idaho State University
If you’re seeking an ADN program, see some of the top two-year nursing programs in Idaho:
- North Idaho College
- College of Eastern Idaho
- College of Western Idaho
- College of Southern Idaho
- Carrington College
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 the initial RN license in Idaho, 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. Your results will be emailed to you by the Idaho Board of Nursing within approximately 2 to 5 business days. You can also monitor the progress of your application through the Nurse Portal.
Curious about what the exam looks like? The NCLEX uses a computer-adaptive format, meaning the number of questions you answer (between 85 and 150) will vary based on your performance. The test covers key areas, including the following:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
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 around that.
Step 3: Wait for Your Idaho RN License
After completing the NCLEX-RN and submitting all required documentation, the final step is simply to wait for your license to be issued. The Idaho Board of Nursing will review your exam results, application, and background check results. 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, or want the flexibility to explore jobs in multiple states.
If you live near the border and are considering work in neighboring states, check out nursing jobs in the states Idaho shares a border with:
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
You’ve learned how to become an RN in Idaho. Now, your RN license is your ticket to finding RN jobs in Idaho in your preferred specialties and settings — from major healthcare systems to rural hospitals and everything in between.
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 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
- Minidoka Memorial Hospital
- Mountain View Hospital
- Portneuf Medical Center
- SCA Health – Treasure Valley Hospital
- Scion Health – St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
- St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center
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.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Idaho requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years. To stay active, you’ll need to meet continuing competency requirements, submit the renewal application by the deadline, and pay the $70 renewal fee. For more details, visit our guide on license renewals by state.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Idaho?
Now that you know how to become an RN in Idaho, let’s take a closer look at the earning potential. The average salary for RNs in the Gem State is $89,770 per year, but keep in mind that factors such as your education, experience, and workplace type can significantly influence your earnings.
Want to increase your earning potential or find more job opportunities? You might want to check out Idaho’s larger cities, where demand for healthcare professionals and pay tend to be higher:
Helpful Resources for Idaho Nurses
Looking for information on how to become an RN 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.