Idaho may be known for its potatoes, however, it is also the state with the farthest inland Pacific seaport (Lewiston), and it is also the only place in the world other than India where star garnets can be found in significant quantities. In fact, almost every known type of gemstone can be found in Idaho, giving it the nickname “Gem State.” If you come from Idaho and are interested in the idea of the LPN profession, you may curious to know what an LPN program in Idaho looks like and what requirements Idaho may have in place for LPN licensing. This page will provide some information on LPN programs and licensing in Idaho. The first section covers what LPN schooling programs in Idaho look like, followed by sections that cover general information about what LPNs do, Idaho-specific information about licensing, and finally a section listing information about schools where a person may be able to find Practical Nursing courses or programs in Idaho.

Idaho Practical Nurse Schooling: General Information

Idaho’s LPN schooling may generally consist of classes, labs, and clinicals, much like RN programs. Classes may be of both the nursing and general education varieties; for the latter, students might have to take classes like English and psychology. For nursing classes, students may be able to study on topics like medical measurements and units, nutrition, and other various subjects. Labs may also be required for many of these classes; in the lab, students may practice practical skills they have learned in class under the supervision of a teacher. Students may also get practice with practical techniques and skills in their clinicals one or more days a week, if offered through the program. Often, the students will start out with smaller amount of work in the clinical and gain more as time goes on and their nursing skills and knowledge progress.

Common Job Tasks of Idaho LPNs

LPNs may do a variety of different tasks throughout the course of their work. They may change bandages, cleanse wounds, bathe patients, dress patients, and help patients with their personal hygiene. While monitoring patients’ health statuses, LPNs may take and record blood sugar, blood pressure, height, temperature, and weight. They may also talk to the patient about any health concerns the patient has and communicate these concerns and feedback to the doctor supervising the patient’s care. Some tasks that LPNs do require specialized schooling, so not all LPNs can perform these tasks. Examples include working with IVs, certain catheter-related tasks, and assisting with dialysis. LPNs perform many other job duties, as well. Some of these can be completing paperwork (aka billing insurance companies), supervising aides and assistants, and administering medications. Location of employment can have a large effect on which tasks LPNs perform, as well. For example, LPNs working in a hospital may perform different tasks from LPNs working in a clinic.

LPN Licensing Information for Idaho

Idaho participates in the Nursing Licensure Compact (in other words, practical nurses who reside outside of Idaho in another Compact state but want to practice in Idaho can practice with their own state’s license and are not required to have an Idaho license – and vice versa). LPNs who reside in Idaho must meet certain requirements and follow a certain process in order to be licensed to practice as an LPN. While some of these requirements follow, the most comprehensive information about LPN licensing in Idaho can be found on the Idaho Board of Nursing’s website.

Applicants for Licensed Practical Nurses need to complete an application and have it notarized. They must also get fingerprinted and submit to a criminal history check, fill out a census questionnaire form, and send in appropriate fees. A 2-inch-by-3-inch or 2-inch-by-2-inch head-and-shoulders photo taken within the last year must accompany the application. The school that the LPN graduated from must also fill out a notarized affidavit of graduation and send it directly to the IBN. Lastly, a person who wants to become an LPN needs to take the NCLEX-PN. If the applicant wishes to get a temporary permit, which is valid for 90 days or until the results of the NCLEX exam have been received, there is an additional fee that may need to be paid.

The NCLEX is an exam that is entirely computerized and bases questions off of the examinee’s previous response. Each exam is thus unique, and this makes it slightly different from other tests. The NCLEX is pass/fail, and examinees are not required to meet a specific percentage of questions correct in order to pass; rather, they have to meet a preset standard.

Technical Colleges & Schools in Idaho

The colleges and technical schools below may offer programs that allow people to study to become LPNs. Contact the schools directly if you’re looking for specific information about programs that may be available.

College of Western Idaho
1360 South Eagle Flight Way, Boise, ID 83709
(208) 562-3000

College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 732-6221

Eastern Idaho Technical College
1600 S 25th East, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 524-3000

Idaho State University
921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 282-0211

Lewis and Clark College
500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501
(208) 792-5272

North Idaho College
1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
(208) 769-3300

Find LPN Programs Near Me
Select Your State for Local LPN Information