Nursing, Practical
Nursing, Practical
Transform Your Passion into a Nursing Career with Comprehensive Training
Program Overview
Embark on a rewarding and in-demand career as a Licensed Practical Nurse through College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Practical Nursing program. This program will prepare you provide top-notch care to patients in various healthcare settings including long-term care facilities, medical offices, and home healthcare. With options to earn either an Intermediate Technical Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science, you will gain the credentials needed to sit for the NCLEX-PN and start your career with a strong foundation.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors will provide you with a comprehensive education aligned with the latest industry standards and requirements. Through classroom learning and practical, hands-on application, you will learn to manage patient care, work collaboratively, and apply safety and quality improvement practices. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to enter the workforce as a confident nursing professional ready to impact the community through high-quality, patient-centered care.
Learning Opportunities
- Patient Care Proficiency: Learn and practice essential nursing skills to provide compassionate care for patients.
- Medical Knowledge: Gain a thorough understanding of medical procedures, pharmacology, and patient health assessment.
- Clinical Experience: Apply your skills in clinical settings, gaining practical experience in actual healthcare environments.
- Communication Skills: Develop strong communication abilities to effectively interact with patients and healthcare teams.
- Career Readiness: Prepare to enter the workforce as a competent Practical Nurse, equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Partnerships
Local industry partners, including Saint Alphonsus, St. Luke's, and West Valley Hospital, play a vital role in shaping your education at CWI, offering curriculum guidance and access to preceptorships and employment opportunities.
Areas of Study
- The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. Upon satisfactory completion, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Upon passing this exam, you will be licensed to practice nursing as an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- At this time, CWI does not have a Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing bridge program.
Degrees & Certificates
Practical Nursing – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Cost:
$10,580
Practical Nursing – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost:
$9,121
The following outcomes reflect the NCLEX exam results of CWI Practical Nursing graduates taking the exam for the first time.
- 2024 graduates: 50% completion rate, 100% pass rate
- 2023 graduates: 83% completion rate, 100% pass rate, 100% job placement
- 2022 graduates: 100% pass rate
Let's Get Started
Career Opportunities
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
62
Annual Openings*
$
26.75
Hourly Median Wage*
$
55,640
Annual Median Salary
16.39
%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
"Because of CWI, I was able to advance my education on my own time and at an affordable cost. I always have people available to help guide me through this journey, and now I will be able to proudly say I got my education and career from CWI." Read More >
Admissions
Admission into the Registered Nursing program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.
STEP 1
- Review the Practical Nursing Application Steps which includes details on:
- Qualifications and requirements
- Admission to CWI
- Prerequisite classes
- The Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam
- Verifying certifications
- Applying to the program
STEP 2
- Complete each step of the application process as indicated.
STEP 3
- Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.
Spring 2027 Application Period
- Sept. 1 – Oct. 19, 2026
Program Accreditation
The Practical Nursing program at College of Western Idaho's Nampa Campus Health and Science Building, located in Nampa, Idaho, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is initial accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Let's Get Started
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Related Programs
Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation
Your Start to a Career in Healthcare with Training to Become a CNA
Health Science & Public Health
Build the Foundation for a Successful Career in the Healthcare Industry
Nursing, Registered
Make Your Passion for Healthcare a Reality in Nursing and Train with the Best
Let's Get Started
News
Request More Information
Interested in learning more about this program or getting started? Fill out the information below to be contacted by a member of our team.
Connect With Us
Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!