The path to becoming a licensed nurse in Idaho is a structured process that begins with academic preparation and culminates in state approval to practice. High demand for skilled healthcare professionals makes nursing an attractive and stable career choice. Successfully navigating the state’s specific requirements involves a precise sequence of educational completion, examination success, and administrative diligence. This guide outlines the steps required to earn a nursing license, focusing on the procedural mandates set forth by the state.
Understanding Nursing Roles in Idaho
Aspiring nurses in Idaho typically pursue one of two licensure tracks: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). These roles are distinguished by their scope of practice, which dictates the complexity and independence of care they can provide. Both are governed by the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBON), the central authority responsible for regulating nursing education and practice within the state.
The Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, physician, or dentist. LPNs contribute to assessing a patient’s health status, participate in developing and modifying the strategy of care, and implement appropriate aspects of that care, including administering medications and treatments. The level of required supervision for an LPN is determined by the stability of the patient, the predictability of the outcome, and the environment of care.
The Registered Nurse holds a broader scope of practice, allowing for greater autonomy and responsibility in patient management. RNs are responsible for a more complex level of care, including assessing individual and group health statuses and using that data to identify and document nursing diagnoses. They also develop comprehensive intervention plans and are often tasked with delegation, administration, and teaching within the healthcare setting. The difference in scope requires distinct educational paths and separate licensing examinations.
Educational Requirements and Approved Programs
Obtaining a nursing license in Idaho begins with enrolling in a program that meets the educational standards established by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Requirements vary depending on whether the candidate is pursuing licensure as an LPN or an RN. All applicants must graduate from an approved nursing education program, whether it is in-state or an out-of-state program deemed substantially equivalent to Idaho’s requirements.
Candidates for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure generally complete a certificate or diploma program in practical nursing. These programs are often shorter, sometimes lasting between 11 months and three semesters. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment and includes foundational courses in medical-surgical nursing, maternal care, and pharmacology, coupled with hands-on clinical experiences.
Registered Nurse (RN) candidates have two main academic options: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN typically takes about two years, while the BSN generally requires four years of study, offering a more comprehensive education that often includes leadership, research, and public health concepts. Regardless of the degree level, the program must be formally approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing or accredited by a recognized national body (ACEN or CCNE) if the program is outside of Idaho. Successful completion of the required academic coursework and clinical practice hours is the prerequisite to applying for the national licensure examination.
Passing the NCLEX Exam
After graduating from an approved nursing program, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This standardized test is administered nationwide and is required for both Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) candidates to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe entry-level practice. The NCLEX is a comprehensive, computer-adaptive exam that assesses a candidate’s ability to think critically and make sound clinical judgments.
The process of taking the NCLEX requires coordination between the candidate, the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBON), and the testing vendor, Pearson VUE. The candidate must first submit an application for Licensure by Examination directly to the IBON. Once the board reviews the application and confirms eligibility, it notifies Pearson VUE of the clearance.
After receiving clearance from the IBON, the candidate must register and pay the examination fee to Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE then issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email, which is required to schedule the exam appointment. The ATT specifies a validity window, typically 90 days, during which the candidate must take the exam. Failing to follow the specific steps of applying to the IBON first and then registering with Pearson VUE will delay the ability to schedule the test.
Applying for Initial Idaho Licensure
The final step involves submitting a comprehensive application packet to the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBON) after successfully passing the NCLEX. This administrative phase requires the candidate to provide all necessary documentation to satisfy the state’s regulatory and public safety requirements. Applicants must complete the formal online application through the Nurse Portal, which serves as the hub for all licensing actions.
A mandatory component of the application is a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Applicants must submit a full set of fingerprints for processing by state and federal authorities. The IBON typically provides the necessary fingerprint cards upon request, which must be physically mailed to the board, as electronic submissions are not accepted. Additionally, the IBON requires official documentation of academic completion, such as an affidavit of graduation or official transcript sent directly from the nursing program.
The application is considered complete once the IBON has received the application, the required fees, the verified NCLEX pass result from Pearson VUE, and the satisfactory criminal background check results. The application fee for initial licensure by examination is typically around $98.25 to $115.00, which includes the cost associated with the fingerprint processing. Once all components are verified and approved, the board issues the active Idaho nursing license.
Maintaining Licensure and the Nurse Licensure Compact
After receiving an initial license, nurses must adhere to specific requirements for maintaining their professional status and eligibility to practice in Idaho. Idaho is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which benefits nurses who declare Idaho as their primary state of residence (PSOR). Holding an Idaho multi-state license grants the privilege of practicing physically or electronically in any other compact member state without needing additional licenses.
To maintain an active license, both Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses must renew their credentials biennially (every two years). The renewal schedule is staggered: RN licenses expire on August 31st of odd-numbered years, while LPN licenses expire on August 31st of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is ninety dollars, and the application must be submitted by the August 31st deadline to avoid the license becoming inactive.
Idaho requires nurses to demonstrate continued competence, which is satisfied by completing at least two learning activities within each two-year renewal period. These activities must be chosen from categories like practice, education, or professional engagement. One option for meeting this requirement is completing fifteen contact hours of continuing education every two years. The licensee must maintain documentation proving they have met the continued competence requirement in case of an audit by the Board of Nursing.