Idaho — The Gem State
Idaho projects 18% CNA job growth through 2030 — one of the fastest in the country. Programs start at $850, St. Luke's pays up to $22/hr, and free employer-sponsored training is available statewide.
Idaho's healthcare sector is growing fast — and CNAs are at the center of that growth. With 18% projected job growth through 2030, an aging population spread across rural communities, and top employers like St. Luke's Health System actively recruiting, the timing to get certified in Idaho has never been better. Programs are short, affordable, and widely available from Boise to Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls.
Program costs & details
Idaho requires a minimum of 120 training hours — above the federal 75-hour minimum — including both classroom and supervised clinical instruction. Programs are offered at six college campuses plus numerous employer-sponsored sites. New classes start quarterly at most locations.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISU Workforce Training (cheapest in state) | Pocatello / Southeast Idaho | $850 | 12 weeks (accelerated) or 20 weeks | In-person — day or evening options |
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) | Nampa / Boise metro | $945 | 12 weeks | Hybrid — online theory + in-person skills |
| College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) | Idaho Falls / Salmon | Lowest out-of-pocket (fees included) | 12 weeks (meets twice per week) | In-person — classes start Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct |
| North Idaho College (NIC) | Coeur d'Alene | ~$1,000–$1,200 | 8–12 weeks | In-person |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Lewiston | ~$900–$1,100 | 8–12 weeks | In-person, skills-only option available |
| Employer-Sponsored Programs | Statewide | FREE (federal requirement) | Varies | On-the-job training — paid during training |
Idaho calculates your CNA certification expiration from the last day you worked as a paid CNA — not your certification date. So if you certify in January 2026 but only work until March 2026, your certification expires in March 2028 — not January 2028. If you can't document at least 8 paid CNA hours within 24 months, you must retake the competency exam. Track every shift from day one. Contact the Idaho Nurse Aide Program at nurseaide@dhw.idaho.gov if you're unsure of your expiration date.
2026 salary data
Idaho CNA wages average $19.57/hr ($37,270/year) statewide, with Boise leading at $17.88–$22/hr. St. Luke's Health System is the top-paying employer in the state at up to $22/hr. Hospital and acute care CNAs earn more than nursing home CNAs — and per diem independent contractor roles reach $16–$27/hr.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $17.88–$22/hr | ~$37,190–$45,760 | Highest metro-level salary in Idaho — St. Luke's & St. Al's hub |
| Nampa / Caldwell | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$43,680 | Treasure Valley growth area, lower COL than Boise |
| Coeur d'Alene | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$43,680 | Kootenai Health, North Idaho resort economy |
| Idaho Falls | $16–$20/hr | ~$33,280–$41,600 | Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center — steady demand |
| Pocatello | $15–$19/hr | ~$31,200–$39,520 | Portneuf Medical Center, ISU healthcare community |
| Lewiston | $16–$20/hr | ~$33,280–$41,600 | St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, lower COL |
| Per Diem / Travel CNA | $16–$27/hr | ~$33,280–$56,160 | Flexible scheduling, highest hourly ceiling in Idaho |
Sources: CNAClasses.com, BLS OES May 2023, cnaclasses.com (2026). Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience.
Landing your first job
Financial aid & free options
Your next step
Idaho's LPN programs run 12–18 months and the median LPN salary is $55,000+/year. Importantly, College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) and College of Southern Idaho (CSI) both require CNA certification for LPN admission — making your CNA the literal key to nursing school in Idaho.
120 hours. Prometric competency exam. Idaho Nurse Aide Registry. 8–12 weeks. Required for LPN admission at CEI and CSI.
CEI, CSI, CWI, North Idaho College all offer LPN programs. ~12–18 months. Many employers offer tuition assistance for working CNAs pursuing LPN.
Boise State University, ISU, NIC, and CWI offer ADN and BSN programs. LPN-to-RN bridge options available. Idaho RN median salary: $82,000+/year.
For moms in Idaho