Licensed Practical Nurse in Idaho
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.
Jobs (ID)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Idaho, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Idaho Board of Nursing. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required as part of the application process, and the application fee is $102. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which facilitates licensure for LPNs from other compact states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Idaho. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Idaho requirements
| Licensing body | Idaho Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $102 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 15.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Idaho is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Endorsement is available for those establishing residency or from non-compact states.Reciprocal states: Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice without additional licensure unless they declare Idaho as their primary state of residence. For endorsement, applicants need an active, unencumbered license from another U.S. jurisdiction, graduation from an accredited nursing program, and must have actively practiced nursing a minimum of 80 hours in the past three years. |
| Notes | Applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. New graduate nurses are exempt from Continued Competence Requirements during their first renewal cycle. LPN licenses expire on August 31st of even-numbered years. There is a $35 late fee for renewals after August 31st. A temporary license costs $25. |
Source: Idaho Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See whether Idaho recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleIdaho license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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