Highly trained healthcare professionals who provide acute care to their patients are called Registered Nurses (RNs). Their job includes administering medicines, taking vital signs, dressing wounds, and educating patients about their condition. RNs mostly work in hospitals, and clinics, etc.

Should I Become a Nurse in Idaho?

To become a Nurse in Idaho, the candidates must obtain a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). In addition to that, they must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Further details on this career are explained as follows.

Education Required A bachelor’s degree
Major Requirement Nursing (BSN)
License/Certification Get registered as a nurse
Experience/Training An internship or volunteer work is recommended
Key Skills/Qualities Compassion, Communication, Stamina, Attention-to-detail, Patience, Critical-thinking, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)
Job Outlook (2018-28) 12%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Idaho $69,480 (Registered Nurses)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2,982,280 Registered Nurses (RNs) were employed in the US, while 14,110 were from the state of Idaho. The number of Registered Nurses is anticipated to rise by 12% in the US between 2018 and 2028.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Idaho

Are you a resident of Idaho who wants to pursue a nursing career? If that is the case, follow this simple and easy guide to achieve your goal.

    1. Get the Required Education


To work as a Nurse in Idaho, it is mandatory to complete the required level of education. This education can be earned in 2 different ways which are explained below.

    1. Associate Degree in Nursing

The associate degree in Nursing (ADN) can be completed in 2 years. It is a faster and cheaper route to becoming a Nurse so more people opt for it. The ADN combines theory courses with clinical experience. Completing an ADN makes you eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

With the passage of time and advancement in the health sector, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) has become a staple for hiring nurses. Therefore, ADN degrees are becoming more and more obsolete. Many people earn a BSN degree that can be completed in 4 years. Whereas those who possess ADN degrees enroll in accelerated ADN-to-BSN degrees which take 2 years to complete.

    1. Get the Status of a Registered Nurse in Idaho

The NCLEX-RN exam is conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It must be taken by all nurses who want to get registered. They must clear this exam to obtain the status of a Registered Nurse (RN).

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Idaho?

It takes almost 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The next step is passing the NCLEX-RN exam and getting the status of a Registered Nurse which may take a year or more. So, overall, it may take 5 years or more to become a Registered Nurse in Idaho.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Idaho?

To become eligible to work as a Registered Nurse in Idaho, the candidates must have:

  • Graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution
  • Taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Gained the status of Registered Nurse (RN)

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Idaho?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that all Registered Nurses employed in the state of Idaho earned an annual mean salary of $69,480. While California was reported as the highest paying state for this profession with an annual mean salary of $113,240.