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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Idaho
College of Western Idaho (CWI) in Boise is the state's largest LPN training program. College of Eastern Idaho and North Idaho College serve other regions. Programs run 11–12 months with clinical placements at regional healthcare systems. Idaho's rapid population growth means clinical sites are adding capacity to accommodate more students.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Western Idaho | Nampa | Community College | 11 months | $6,200 |
| College of Eastern Idaho | Idaho Falls | Community College | 11 months | $5,800 |
| North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| College of Southern Idaho | Twin Falls | Community College | 11 months | $5,400 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Idaho
No Idaho LPN program is fully online — clinical hours at approved facilities are mandatory. CWI offers some hybrid coursework options. Idaho's geographic spread (the state is larger than all of New England combined) makes any online component valuable for students outside the Boise metro.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Idaho residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Idaho LPN Program
Idaho programs require standard prerequisites — TEAS or HESI entrance exam, background check, health screening, and BLS certification. CWI and other programs have rolling admissions or multiple entry points per year, which reduces wait times compared to states with single annual cohorts.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Idaho
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Idaho Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Idaho
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Idaho earn an average of $59,340 per year ($28.53/hour). This places Idaho below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Idaho typically range from $28,190 for entry-level positions to $74,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Idaho
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $61,800 |
| Idaho Falls | $57,400 |
| Twin Falls | $56,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Idaho is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Idaho
The majority of LPNs in Idaho work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Idaho is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Idaho
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Idaho
Idaho LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Idaho LPNs are regulated by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Idaho is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and care
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing Board-approved education
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid administration permitted after training
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines without additional training and facility protocols
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Triage
- Independent practice
Idaho LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Idaho | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Twin Falls area |
| College of Western Idaho | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Nampa/Boise area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Idaho Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: ibn.idaho.gov
- Phone: (208) 577-2476
- Address: 11341 W Chinden Blvd, Building 6, Boise, ID 83714
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →