Idaho Nursing Schools

Nursing schools in Idaho are the first step for aspiring nurses in the process of becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Idaho. There are several degrees offered to meet different levels of educational requirements for nurses in Idaho, starting from an associate’s degree and going all the way to a doctoral degree. In order to become a nurse in Idaho, students will have to fulfill certain education and licensure requirements. The following guide will help you learn more about nursing schools in Idaho, including admission requirements, degree options available and salary potential.

Nursing Degrees in Idaho

There are several levels of education available for aspiring nurses in Idaho. Students coming fresh out of high school can go for either an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Even though both degrees have a strong job outlook, employers are increasingly showing preference towards hiring registered nurses with at least a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)

Other more advanced study options include a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). The degree you enroll in would depend on your previous educational credentials and future career goals.

Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Idaho

The admission requirements for nursing schools in Idaho would vary according to the level of the degree. For instance, an associate’s degree would require a high school diploma and a completed application packet, while a master’s degree would require a bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation, GRE scores and a minimum undergraduate GPA. Aspiring nurses are advised to get in touch with the nursing schools they intend to enroll in to get a complete list of admission requirements.

Coursework in Nursing Schools in Idaho

The level of complexity of the courses in a nursing program would depend on the level of education you are enrolled in. Common coursework students can expect in nursing programs would include subjects on the lines of gerontology, pharmacology, microbiology, women and infant health, population health, ethics in the field of medicine, mental health, physiology and leadership management in healthcare. Students enrolled in a nursing degree at any level can expect to take both theoretical and practical courses. Specialization options are also available at higher education levels.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses in Idaho

Registered nurses are expected to experience tremendous growth in the coming years, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a nationwide growth of 7% in the years from 2019 to 2029. This growth will add an approximate of 221,900 new jobs in the field of nursing, all across the US. The growth for registered nurses in Idaho is significantly higher than the national average. According to data from O*Net Online, the projected growth for registered nurses in the years from 2018 to 2028 was 20%. The number of registered nurses in the state is expected to go from 14,240 to 17,070 in this time frame.

In addition to the above, the salary potential for registered nurses in Idaho is also quite good, with an annual mean wage of $71,640 in 2020.

An RN to BSN Degree is a bridge program that is designed for nurses who already have their Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and would like to continue their education by getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more and more employers are beginning to show preference towards hiring Registered Nurses with at least a 4-year long bachelor’s degree. Since the field of nursing is getting more competitive by the day, students are advised to invest in a BSN program which will help them learn valuable skills that as a result, will create greater career opportunities over the passage of time.

National Estimates for Registered Nurses in Idaho

Employment 1Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wage 2Employment per 1,000 jobsLocation quotient 9
12800$34.44$71,640180.83

(1) Estimates for detailed occupations do not sum to the totals because the totals include occupations not shown separately. Estimates do not include self-employed workers.

(2) Annual wages have been calculated by multiplying the hourly mean wage by a “year-round, full-time” hours figure of 2,080 hours; for those occupations where there is not an hourly wage published, the annual wage has been directly calculated from the reported survey data.

(9) The location quotient is the ratio of the area concentration of occupational employment to the national average concentration. A location quotient greater than one indicates the occupation has a higher share of employment than average, and a location quotient less than one indicates the occupation is less prevalent in the area than average.

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