There are currently over 12,000 registered nurses working in the state, and about 10,000 licensed nursing assistants, vocational nurses and nurse practitioners. The salary for a registered nurse in Idaho is about $60,000 annually, with nursing assistants and vocational nurses earning $23,000 to $40,000. Nurse practitioners earn the highest salaries by far, coming in at about $95,000 per year. An Idaho nursing license is transferrable to 23 other states.
A recent article reports that registered nursing is a “hot job” in South-Central Idaho, with predictions indicating the region will hire about 45 new nurses a year until 2022. The need for bilingual nurses is especially high, so speaking multiple languages is ideal if interested in living and working in this part of the state. New hires will also enjoy comprehensive benefits and retirement packages.
Featured Idaho Nurse

A BSN degree opens doors that are unimaginable. I graduated from a diploma program in 1974 and finally obtained my BSN in 2006. I enjoyed the experience so much that I completed my PhD in 2012. I wrote a new book: Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time To Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke and started a telephone lifestyle counseling business, Living for a Healthy Heart, LLC.
RN-to-BSN Programs in Idaho
Here we have compiled a comprehensive listing of Idaho’s RN to BSN programs. In the summaries below, you will find all the essential program information to help you quickly and easily narrow down your RN to BSN search. NCLEX-RN pass rates are as reported by the school.
Boise State University |
$
335
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Campus |
1910 University Dr
Boise, ID 83725 |
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|
Brigham Young University - Idaho |
$
312
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Hybrid |
525 S Center
Rexburg, ID 83460-1690 |
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|
Idaho State University |
$
328
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Campus |
921 S 8th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83209 |
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|
Lewis-Clark State College |
$
307
per credit hour
|
Application Deadlines
|
|
School Website | Online |
500 8th Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501 |
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|
Northwest Nazarene University |
$
395
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesNot listed |
|
School Website | Online |
623 S. University Blvd.
Nampa, ID 83686-5897 |
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Please contact the RN to BSN program in Idaho that you are interested in enrolling in to confirm details and to learn more. If you run an accredited RN to BSN program in Idaho that is not listed above; please reach out to us with program information and proof of accreditation. Thank you!
State Commitment to RN to BSN Education Paths
The Future of Nursing campaign is a nationwide effort to bring the country up to the standards of nursing as outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. As a part of the effort, Idaho has formed a State Action Coalition with the singular objective of achieving the goals set forth by the campaign. Having at least 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN degree is an integral part of this initiative and we have outlined below the ways in which Idaho is actively progressing on this front.
- Education
- Leadership
- Practice & Care
- Interprofessional Care
- Diversity
- Data
What is being done to increase the number of Idaho RN’s with a BSN?
The Council of Nursing Education Leaders has completed an articulation agreement with the leading academic institutions for nurses in the state.
Are students enrolled via identified promising models of education progression?
No
What programs are being implemented to prepare nurses to lead change to advance health?
The AC recently placed a nurse on the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board and has begun implementing a leadership program.
Is the Coalition working to remove barriers to RN level of care?
No
Are they advancing state policy to remove barriers to care provided by APRNs?
No
Is the state working to improve communication, transparency, and cooperation between healthcare providers?
The AC is building relationships with different stakeholders and making interprofessional collaboration a part of their leadership initiatives.
How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?
Reflecting the results of a recent survey, the AC has launched a state chapter of the American Assembly of Men in Nursing.
What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?
The AC collaborates with other state organizations and makes recommendations for better data policy decisions.
Contact Info
Steve Millard
Idaho Hospital Association
Sandie Nadelson
Idaho Alliance for Leaders in Nursing
Source: Campaign for Action
For a detailed progress report and additional workgroup contact information, please see the Idaho Action Coalition page.
Idaho Licensing
Idaho is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you move to another state participating in the NLC (pictured in green), you can practice without getting a new license. For licensing information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Employment Outlook
Additional Information
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Idaho Nursing Resources & Contact Information
View Info280 N. 8th Street, Suite 210
Boise, ID 83720Phone: 208.334.3110
Fax: 208.334.32623525 Piedmont Road
Building Five, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30305Phone: (888) 721-8904
Fax: (404) 240-0998Useful Resources
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National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Chapters in Idaho
View Info
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State Health Departments and Organizations
View Info1720 Westgate Drive
Boise, Idaho 83704
Other State RNtoBSN Information
Looking for other RN-BSN information in a nearby state? We’ve got you covered:
Montana RNtoBSN Information
North Dakota RNtoBSN Information
South Dakota RNtoBSN Information
Wyoming RNtoBSN Information