Become a Nurse in Idaho – Licensure & Requirements

Idaho Nursing Salaries

^{Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025 estimates).}

There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Idaho. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in Idaho, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Idaho nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Idaho, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Compact State Status

Idaho is a Nursing Licensure Compact state (Nurse Licensure Compact; Idaho Board of Nursing).

Prescriptive Authority in Idaho

According to the Rules of the Idaho Board of Nursing (current IDAPA 24.34.01), Section 200.05, all APRNs may prescribe and dispense pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents pursuant to applicable state and federal law. Prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances must meet the applicable controlled-substance requirements under current rule.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Idaho

APRNs in Idaho include certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

Education: Successful completion of a graduate or postgraduate approved advanced practice nursing program degree (current IDAPA 24.34.01).

Examination: Varies for Different Certifications

Certification Required: National Certification in Specialty Area

Fees:

• $102 Application Fee (includes $32 fingerprint fee) (Idaho Board of Nursing)
• Certification Examination Fee (Varies for Different Certifications)

Renewal: APRN licenses are renewed every two years for a $70 renewal fee (Idaho Board of Nursing). Under current IDAPA 24.34.01, Section 100.11, renewal requires maintaining a current registered nurse (RN) license or privilege to practice in Idaho, current national certification, and participation in peer review. The Idaho Board's APRN policy separately treats fewer than 200 hours of active advanced-practice within the renewal period as an active-practice deficiency requiring re-entry handling.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Registered Nurse (RN) in Idaho

Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program (current IDAPA 24.34.01)

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

• $102 Application Fee (includes $32 fingerprint fee) (Idaho Board of Nursing)
• $200 Examination Fee (NCLEX fees and payment)

Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $102 application fee (which includes a $32 fingerprint fee) is required (Idaho Board of Nursing). Registered nurses who hold a multistate license or privilege to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact need not apply for licensure in Idaho unless they change their primary state of residence to Idaho; a nurse moving primary residence from one compact state to another must apply for licensure in the new primary state of residence within 60 days.

Renewal: RNs must show proof of previous license renewal and pay a $70 renewal fee (Idaho Board of Nursing). Idaho does not currently mandate continuing education hours for RN license renewal.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Idaho

Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program (current IDAPA 24.34.01)

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

• $102 Application Fee (includes $32 fingerprint fee) (Idaho Board of Nursing)
• $200 Examination Fee (NCLEX fees and payment)

Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $102 application fee (which includes a $32 fingerprint fee) is required (Idaho Board of Nursing). Licensed practical nurses who hold a multistate license or privilege to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact need not apply for licensure in Idaho unless they change their primary state of residence to Idaho; a nurse moving primary residence from one compact state to another must apply for licensure in the new primary state of residence within 60 days (Nurse Licensure Compact).

Renewal: Current fee for renewing is $70 (Idaho Board of Nursing).

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

^{Idaho APRN, RN, and LPN licensure requirements above are drawn from current IDAPA 24.34.01 and Idaho Board of Nursing materials cited by claim above; BLS wage data is drawn from the May 2025 OEWS release cited above; NCLEX examination fees are drawn from the official NCLEX fee page cited above; and Nurse Licensure Compact status is drawn from the compact commission and Idaho Board of Nursing, both cited above.}