Idaho
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Idaho Nursing CEU Overview
Idaho does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
Idaho has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in Idaho
Idaho has approximately 23,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 2 million. The state's healthcare industry is concentrated in Boise, where St. Luke's Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System are the largest employers. Rural Idaho faces significant nursing shortages, with many communities lacking adequate healthcare access.
Idaho does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state Board of Nursing allows employers and professional organizations to drive ongoing education requirements. Idaho nurses maintaining specialty certifications must meet those organizations' CE requirements.
Common Practice Settings in Idaho
Boise Health Systems
St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus provide most specialized care in the state and offer internal CE programs.
Rural Health Clinics
Remote areas of Idaho rely on rural health clinics where nurses often work with expanded responsibilities.
Critical Access Hospitals
Many small Idaho communities have critical access hospitals serving as the primary healthcare resource.
Idaho License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not mandated, most employers expect ongoing professional development.
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
Consider telehealth training given the importance of virtual care in rural Idaho.
Document education for your professional portfolio and future applications.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Idaho
Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses in border communities near Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, or Nevada who may work across state lines.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Idaho does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
- Must have practiced 200 hours in past 5 years OR complete refresher.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Idaho does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
- Must have practiced 200 hours in past 5 years OR complete refresher.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Idaho does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Washington requires 8 hours, while Oregon also has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Idaho allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Idaho requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Idaho compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Idaho Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Idaho Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.