How to Become an RN in Idaho – What You Need to Know

Pursuing a nursing career is not going to be a walk in the park—and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But it is indeed a noble path.

We know you’re dead set on becoming a licensed nurse if you’re reading this, so props to you!

But first things first, how do you become a registered nurse in Idaho? 

Whether you’ve always wanted to serve in the medical industry or plan to make a career shift to nursing, this guide is for you.

We are going to give you four simple steps on how to become an RN in Idaho, and we’ll answer some of the questions you’re probably thinking of.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it! 

Four Simple Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Idaho:

Let’s break down how to become an RN in four simple steps…

1. Choose your desired nursing education program (ADN, BSN, or ABSN)
2. Choose your nursing school
3. Pass the exams of your nursing school and the NCLEX exam
4. Obtain Licensure by Examination or Endorsement 

How to Become an RN in Idaho Step #1: Choose Your Nursing Education Program

You’re free to choose how you want to pursue your nursing education. You can get an ADN, a BSN, or an accelerated nursing degree. Let’s go over each one.

ADN

An ADN, or an Associate Degree in Nursing, is the fastest route to get your RN license. It usually takes two to three years before you can complete your ADN degree. 

If you are time and money-sensitive, getting an ADN may be the perfect choice.

BSN

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is the most popular path to becoming a registered nurse. This path opens you to the most opportunities—from higher pay to leadership roles to job opportunities.

It usually takes four years to complete a BSN course. If you’re not in a rush, have the money, and are focused on climbing up various leadership roles in your local hospital, a BSN degree is your best choice. 

ABSN

The condensed version of a BSN is the ABSN—or accelerated BSN. This degree caters to non-nursing degree holders who wish to go to nursing school. 

An ABSN degree typically takes around 14-16 months to complete. 

If you plan to switch degrees, even if your previous degree is far from nursing, an ABSN is the fastest path you can take. 

How to Become an RN in Idaho Step #2: Choose Your Nursing School

Once you’ve decided on your nursing education program, it’s time to pick which school you want to study in. 

Here are some things to look for when choosing the best school for you:

• Accreditation
• NCLEX passing rate
• Curriculum

Accreditation

To ensure you find quality education, your chosen school must offer programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). 

You can find a list of accredited RN schools in Idaho here. 

NCLEX Passing Rate

One reliable indicator of a good college or university is its NCLEX passing rate. If an institution pumps out consistent licensure exam passers, that says a lot about the quality of their education system.

Having a high NCLEX pass rate isn’t necessary, but it gives you comfort knowing you have a high chance of obtaining a license if you enroll in a school known for producing students who pass this crucial exam. 

Curriculum

Make sure your chosen university or college offers the program you’re looking for. 

You should also consider how focused your chosen school is on assisting you with finding jobs. Do they offer programs that teach you how to build your resume? Do they hold job fairs? 

These are some questions you might want to ask yourself when considering a university or college.

How to Become an RN in Idaho Step #3: Pass the Exams of Your Nursing School and the NCLEX Exam

All colleges and universities hold entrance exams to evaluate if you have enough knowledge to go into nursing school. Once you pass that, you’ll have to attend your classes and take proficiency exams which are all part of your curriculum. 

Some schools also hold an exit exam like a mock exam to prepare you for your licensure test. 

Once you graduate, all that’s left is for you to register for your licensure exam and to make sure you ace it! 

How to Become an RN in Idaho Step #4: Obtain Licensure by Examination or Endorsement

After completing your nursing education program, you can acquire your license in Idaho in two ways: by examination or by endorsement. 

Licensure by examination means you must pass your NCLEX exam to become a licensed RN. 

You need to fulfill certain requirements before you can take your NCLEX exam. You can check the official Idaho Board of Nursing website under Licensure by Exam for the complete list of requirements.

On the other hand, licensure by endorsement means you are licensed and registered as an RN in a different state but want to obtain an RN license in Idaho. 

Having a good standing record is one crucial requirement to qualify for an endorsement licensure. 

For more details on how to get licensure by endorsement, the details are on the official Idaho Board of Nursing website under Endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an RN in Idaho

You already know the step-by-step process of how to become an RN in Idaho. 

But you may still have a few more questions. 

Here, we will answer some of the questions you may be thinking of.

How much is the average annual salary of RNs in Idaho?

The average annual salary in Idaho is around $67,110. 

Specifically, you can expect to earn about $68,990 in Boise, and $61,570 in Idaho Falls. 

How long does it take to become an RN in Idaho?

It depends on the program you’re planning to take. Getting an ADN or BSN degree will take you 2-3 years or four years, respectively. 

After finishing your studies, you’ll be asked to register for your exam, in which the results will be released after two weeks to a month. 

When should I renew my Idaho nursing license?

RNs must renew their license every two (2) years. To renew, you must fulfill at least 15 contact hours of continuing education or e-courses accredited by the board. For more options, you can visit the Idaho Board of Nursing guidelines for renewal. 

Are nurses in demand in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho is projected to have a high demand for nurses until 2025. 

Helpful Resources for Idaho RNs

• Idaho Board of Nursing Website (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• Idaho RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Idaho BON
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Idaho BON

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Idaho

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Idaho BON:

Visit the Idaho BON website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Idaho

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Idaho BON:

Visit the Idaho BON website for updates.

Conclusion

Have you laid out your plans yet on taking up nursing? Let’s hope this guide made it easier for you to sketch out your goals! 

Whichever path you take or specialty you decide to work on; we wish you the best of luck!

If you have any more questions, please leave us a comment!