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Idaho RN Certification and Schools - ID

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

Education for Idaho RNs

Nursing is an academic study of science, biology and medicine. Advancement opportunities are limited without a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from one of the accredited Idaho RN schools. The state has also identified a crucial need for nursing educators with advanced degrees, so higher education officials are offering more programs to groom tomorrow’s nursing academics. In Idaho and most other states, qualified nursing candidates are increasingly pursuing BSN degrees from four-year universities. The American Nurses Association (ANA) and Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognize the BSN as having the most comprehensive and portable curriculum for entry-level registered nurses. The four-year programs are offered at colleges and universities, including schools in Idaho. Acceptance to these programs can be competitive and is often dependent upon high school grades, community service hours, and standardized college-entrance examination scores. College graduates with liberal arts degrees can pursue a “second degree BSN” through a two-year program at a university. An “accelerated BSN” is condensed into one year. Idaho’s universities offer these programs through traditional programs and online courses.

Upon completion of an accredited nursing program in Idaho, graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required before a registered nurse can become licensed in Idaho. Because of the critical nursing shortage, the state and local educational institutions have developed numerous exam preparation courses and job-placement programs for nursing graduates.

Idaho also participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows licensed nurses to practice nursing in participating states without holding additional licenses in those states. Participating states include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, St. Luke's Boise Medical Center, St. Luke's Children's Hospital and Complex Care Hospital.