Online Nursing Schools in ID: Your Guide to Top Programs
Idaho offers a wide range of nursing programs that blend online coursework with required in-person clinicals. This guide highlights some of the state’s top options for entry-level certificates to doctoral degrees, and outlines what to expect in terms of salary, career outlook, and RN licensing.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcarePre-NursingAdv Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingHealth ScienceInside Online Nursing Programs in Idaho
Idaho offers nursing programs at every level—from quick-entry certificates to advanced doctorates. Many programs include online coursework for theory-based learning, while hands-on clinical training is completed in person to meet licensing requirements.
We’ve reviewed some of Idaho’s strongest nursing schools and what to expect from each. These entries highlight essential details such as admission requirements, costs, career prospects, and available bridge programs that can accelerate your degree through transfer credits or prior experience. As you explore, consider the major program types:
- Certificates: Fast paths that prepare you for entry-level nursing support roles.
- Associate Degrees (ADN): A common route to becoming a registered nurse.
- Bachelor’s Degrees (BSN): Broader training with more career and leadership opportunities.
- Bridge Programs: Accelerated tracks that build on your existing credentials (e.g., LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN).
- Graduate Degrees (MSN, DNP): Advanced education for specialized, leadership, or practitioner roles.
Use these program spotlights to understand your options and choose the nursing path that best fits your goals.
Undergraduate Programs in Idaho
Idaho offers a variety of nursing programs for students at different points in their nursing education and career. Any format from traditional to online to hybrid learning options is available. Here are some of the most common selections.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
When becoming a CNA, you’re taught by and work under the supervision of experienced registered nurses. Students learn basic patient care skills and quality upkeep for patient rooms and care areas, as well as measuring vital signs and conducting safe patient transfers. CNAs also help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Example: Gritman Medical Center
- Cost: Tuition is $1,700
- Length: Eight weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs offer basic medical care to patients. In order to become an LPN in Idaho, students must complete an accredited program that combines coursework, laboratory experience, clinical practice in a physical healthcare setting, and the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs will often complete a shorter certificate program than those who opt for the RN route.
Example: Eagle Gate College
- Cost: Tuition is $18,645
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADNs are for students who want a speedy and affordable path to becoming an RN. Students who complete an ADN program qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Joyce University
- Cost: Tuition is $55,810
- Length: 20 months to 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSNs usually take four years for full-time students to complete, with graduates able to become registered nurses and work in various healthcare environments. Coursework often includes a variety of subjects such as physiology, nursing theory, pharmacology, and others, as well as clinicals.
Example: Idaho State University
- Cost: Tuition is $23,978
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Students with a bachelor’s degree in other disciplines can benefit from the pace of an ABSN program. Those who pursue this type of program can use their prior studies, skipping the need for general courses and focusing solely on nursing content. Coursework can often include studies on case management, health promotion, critical thinking, and leadership along with more advanced care techniques.
Example: Idaho State University
- Cost: $18,304
- Length: 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Bachelor’s and Graduate Degree Programs
Idaho schools offer online nursing programs at the graduate level, as well. These degrees can help you gain more advanced nursing experience, more senior roles, and higher pay.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
For those hoping to get into higher-level roles in nursing, MSN programs are the way to go. Depending on the program, students can either gain a BSN as well during the process or skip straight to obtaining the advanced MSN only.
Example: Lewis-Clark State College
- Cost: $7,610
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP degrees are best for those seeking leadership roles with a focus on evidence-based practice. On the other hand, obtaining a PhD in Nursing could be preferable for those who want to advance the field through research or teaching higher-level education to the next generations of nurses.
Example: Idaho State University
- Cost: Tuition is $39,438
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Programs: Entry-Level Certificates to Advanced Nursing Degrees
While limitations may exist, Idaho has bridge programs to help expedite the path between nursing professions and degrees. Here are explanations of each type of program with examples in the state.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to RN programs give current LPNs the chance to further their studies and advance as RNs by building on their education with higher, relevant coursework and preparing them to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Similarly, LPN to BSN programs allow current LPNs to earn their bachelor’s degree through combined online and in-person learning to eventually sit for the same exam.
It’s important to note that there are no online LPN to RN or LPN to BSN options in Idaho, but Idaho students may be able to enroll in out-of-state programs that serve their purpose.
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are for currently-licensed RNs who want to expand their nursing knowledge beyond clinical aspects. Curriculum can include classes about leadership, research, and population health. Students can directly transfer relevant past courses or take challenge exams for prerequisite needs.
Example: Lewis-Clark State College
- Cost: Tuition is $9,628
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
This type of bridge course allows those with an ADN to advance to an MSN by filling in the knowledge requirements for graduate-level nursing. Online coursework often combines with clinical rotations in local facilities, which offers specialized opportunities for students such as roles as nurse practitioners.
BSN to DNP
The time to earn a doctorate in nursing is greatly reduced for this type of BSN to DNP program. BSN to DNP programs are for RNs with a bachelor’s degree. There are different pathways to obtaining a doctorate, including specialization as a family nurse or adult-gerontology nurse practitioner.
Example: Boise State University
- Cost: Tuition is $57,400
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
Prospective students with bachelor’s degrees of a non-nursing background that want a relatively quick path to entry for the healthcare field are perfect candidates for direct-entry MSNs. Students are usually required to gain clinical experience at on-site facilities to complement their classroom learning.
Registered Nurse Licensing Requirements in Idaho
The Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) dictates practice requirements and oversees licensure for nurses in the state and they follow a specific process. See below for the complete steps required to become a licensed nurse in Idaho, as well as some educational ideas to think about once you receive your license.
1 – Nursing Degree with the Right Accreditation
Be sure to select an accredited nursing school in Idaho that aligns best with your short- and long-term goals. Nursing schools are known for their competitive admissions processes, so applying to more than one is not uncommon and increases your likelihood of acceptance.
2 – Successfully Complete the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once students have completed coursework and required clinical hours to take the NCLEX, they will need to create an online account and sign up with the IBN. Next, send the official transcripts from your nursing program to the IBN and pay the $118 fee for initial licensure.
Once the IBN has confirmed your transcripts, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX, which is the standard for licensure in Idaho (and many other states). Be sure to prepare for the exam as thoroughly as possible, using resources such as a beginner’s guides to the NCLEX or practice exams.
3 – Submit an Application for State Licensure
There are application fees, as well as ones for a fingerprinting-oriented background check, as part of the IBN’s state licensure requirements for RNs. You’ll also need to complete an application and ensure that the IBN has received your transcripts from the exam step above.
The application and processing time is usually within 5 to 10 business days, and you can check application status through the IBN’s online portal. Once done, you can find work as an RN and navigate healthcare job offers.
4 – Keep Your License Current and Renewed
Idaho RN licenses expire in odd-numbered years and must be renewed by Aug. 31 of that year to remain active. Currently, the renewal fee is $90. Idaho also requires all LPNs and RNs to have a minimum of 15 continuing education hours every two years for renewal. These can be obtained through colleges, universities, and healthcare organizations that have an educational department. All of these can provide transcripts as proof that you completed the required continuing education.
Expert Insight
I was happy to discover that many of the courses required by my organization also qualified as continuing education hours for state license renewal.
5 – Pursue Advanced Certifications (Optional)
Many Idaho nurses earn certifications to keep their careers moving forward. Among the most popular specialty certifications are CCRN, or Certified Critical Care Nurse; NP, or Certified Nurse Practitioner; CNM, or Certified Nurse Midwife; or pediatric nurse.
Earning one of these certifications can lead to greater responsibility, more leadership roles at a healthcare business, and increased pay. Most colleges and universities have specific programs for certifications, and national or specialty organizations offer them, as well.
Career Growth for Idaho’s Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $65,690 | $86,100 | $118,460 |
| Boise City, ID | $71,560 | $93,830 | $123,800 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $72,200 | $94,870 | $126,200 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $62,670 | $78,880 | $98,740 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $70,220 | $84,310 | $123,360 |
| Pocatello, ID | $61,620 | $78,220 | $97,230 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $73,600 | $80,950 | $100,740 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Idaho
Finding the right nursing program can be challenging. In Idaho, a number of schools offer nursing programs with online components, which can make your journey to a degree much easier.
To help narrow your search, EduMed researched and analyzed Idaho’s nursing programs and ranked them according to a set of academic and financial criteria. See which hybrid & online Idaho nursing programs stand out this year, and click on About the Ranking to read our detailed methodology.
