How to become a nurse in Idaho
Requirements for Idaho Nurse License
What are the requirements to become a nurse in Idaho?
Nursing is regulated by the State of Idaho. This means that there is a state board that issues licenses to qualified individuals and regulates the profession. To practice nursing in Idaho, you must obtain a license from the Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN). Idaho nurses can become licensed by examination or endorsement.
There are three levels of nurse licensing in Idaho. Each level has different requirements.
Practical nursing (RN):
- Applicants must complete a practical nursing program
- Be of sound physical and mental health
- Pass a practical nursing exam;
or Have a practical nursing license from another state;
or Have a practical nursing license issued by another country
Professional nursing (LPN):
- Applicants must complete a professional nursing program
- Be of sound physical and mental health
- Pass a professional nursing exam;
or Have a professional nursing license from another state;
or Have a professional nursing license issued by another country
Advanced practice professional nursing (APPN):
- Applicants must be licensed as a professional nurse in Idaho
- Complete an advanced practice professional nursing program
- Be of sound physical and mental health
- Pass a professional nursing exam;
or Have a professional nursing license from another state;
or Have a professional nursing license issued by another country
How do I become a licensed RN or LPN in Idaho?
Applications for licensure can be obtained from the IBN website or by contacting the IBN. To request an application contact the board of nursing with the following information:
Name, phone number, mailing address, state of licensure and whether you’ve ever been licensed in Idaho.
Call: (208) 334-3110
Fax: (208) 334-3262
Send your documents to:
State of Idaho
Board of Nursing
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0061
Applicants for licensure by examination should submit an Idaho Application Nurse Licensure by Examination to the IBN.
Applicants for licensure by endorsement should submit the Idaho Application for Licensure by Endorsement.
How much do the Idaho RN and LPN licenses cost?
RN licensure fee: $90
LPN licensure fee: $75
Biennial renewal fee: $90
Are there any continuing education requirements for Idaho RNs and LPNs?
There are no continuing education requirements for Idaho RNs and LPNs.
How do I become a licensed APPN in Idaho?
Becoming an Idaho licensed Advanced Practice Professional Nurse can open so many doors. APPNs can be midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists. Many APPNs strike out on their own, forming their own business. But first you need the APPN license from the IBN.
APPNs must be licensed RNs. There are several APPN applications. Make sure you have the right one.
Applications for licensure can be obtained from the IBN website or by contacting the IBN. To request an application contact the board of nursing with the following information:
Name, phone number, mailing address, state of licensure and if you’ve ever been licensed in Idaho.
Call: (208) 334-3110
Fax: (208) 334-3262
Send your documents to:
State of Idaho
Board of Nursing
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0061
When you submit your application, be sure to include all requested documentation. Applications must be completed in ink and notarized.
How much does the APPN license cost?
APPN licensure fee: $90 Fingerprint processing fee: $30
Do Idaho APPNs need to apply for prescriptive authority?
Idaho APPNs do not need prescriptive authority to practices, but certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists may apply for prescriptive authority if they want to prescribe or dispense drugs. Applicants must complete 30 hours of education in pharmacotherapeutics and submit the Application for Prescriptive and Dispensing Authorization to the Idaho Board of Nursing. There is a $50 fee.
Are there any continuing education requirements for Idaho APPNs?
Idaho APPNs must document 30 hours of continuing education every two years. They must complete the Continuing Education Activities Report Form and submit it to the IBN every two years or the license will not be renewed.
Is there anything else I should know about practicing in Idaho as an APPN?
In addition to getting your APPN license, nurses should think about forming their own Idaho business entity with the Idaho Secretary of State. This will offer you tax benefits as well as liability protections. Idaho does not require nurses to set up any one type of entity. In addition to standard corporations and limited liability companies, Idaho allows nurses to set up professional corporations (PC) as well as professional limited liability companies (PLLC). These entities allow licensed individuals to form a corporation or LLC for the purpose of practicing their profession. Shareholders must also be licensed nurses or allied professionals.
Idaho does not require businesses to indicate the type of business they perform in the business name, for example “APPN.”