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LPN Program Update: Change to Direct Admission
We’re excited to announce a major update to our Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program—direct admission is now available! Instead of requiring two semesters of prerequisites, you can start your nursing education right away. This streamlined 3-semester program offers hands-on clinical experience and essential nursing knowledge, preparing you for the NCLEX-PN and a rewarding career in healthcare.
Our program is affordable, has a high NCLEX pass rate, and boasts strong job placement for graduates—comparing favorably to nursing schools across the state.
Upon successfully completing the program, you will earn an Intermediate Technical Certificate in Nursing and will have met the educational requirements in the state of Idaho to take the NCLEX-PN, the national licensure exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Fast Program Completion with Built-In Advancement Opportunities
The LPN program is a 3-semester program, meaning you can graduate, take your NCLEX-PN exam, and work as a PN within 3 semesters of graduating high school. If you desire to become an RN, the PN program is a fantastic starting place since CEI also offers an LPN to RN Bridge program.
What is the Mission of the CEI Nursing Program?
Our mission is to serve individuals and communities through educating competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable nursing students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LPN?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a key healthcare professional who provides essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs typically work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and home healthcare. In these roles, they monitor patients' vital signs, assist with daily activities, administer medications, and foster a comforting environment for patients and their families.
One of the most exciting aspects of being an LPN is the opportunity for career advancement. LPNs can further their education and transition to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through bridge programs, such as those offered at CEI. This advancement requires additional training and education, leading to higher salaries and increased responsibilities, including managing patient care plans and supervising other nursing staff.
If you’re passionate about helping others and seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming an LPN provides a strong foundation with ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
What is Direct Admission?
Direct Admission means that students are accepted straight into the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program if they meet the initial admission criteria. This streamlines the path to becoming an LPN, allowing students to focus immediately on their nursing coursework and training without the need to complete general education or pre-nursing courses beforehand.
What are the Direct Admission Requirements?
See Application Guide
What can I do to “lighten my load” within the program?
The following courses may be taken as dual credit in high school or prior to admission to/start of the program. Any of the following courses taken before or during the program must have a minimum grade of C+:
- English 101
- Math 153
- BIOL 227 and Lab
- BIOL 228 and Lab
- CNA certificate or NUR 101 completion with C+ or better. (if CNA is not completed prior to the start of the program, NUR 101 will be taken in the first semester of the program)
Is there any way to complete the program more quickly?
If you already have all the following courses with a minimum grade of C+, you can complete the program in 2 semesters instead of 3:
- English 101
- Math 153
- BIOL 227 and Lab
- BIOL 228 and Lab
- CNA certificate or NUR 101 completion with C+ or better. (if CNA is not completed prior to the start of the program, NUR 101 will be taken in the first semester of the program)
How much does CEI’s LPN program cost?
The total cost of the program is approximately $10,000. This breakdown includes:
- Tuition: 46 credits at a rate of $140 per credit, totaling $6,440.
- Fees, Books, and Supplies: Estimated to be around $3,500.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
| Program | Start Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing | Fall Semester (August start) | March 1st |
| Practical Nursing | Spring Semester (January start) | October 1st |
Please read all bulleted points below
- Acceptance/Declination letters will be sent via email to all applicants 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.
- If you have any questions about the admission process, please contact the Nursing Department.
- All communication will be sent through your CEI email. If you are not checking it (or haven't forwarded it to your personal email) you may miss important information. If you are accepted to the program, a confirmation email will be required. Please read all emails carefully and thoroughly to make sure you don't miss any information.
Application Requirements
After You Are Accepted into the Program
Acceptance is given on a “conditional” basis. After acceptance, the student will be given a list of tasks to complete prior to full acceptance. These tasks will be detailed in a “next steps” letter, and will include instructions on completing drug screening, a mandatory orientation time, how to enter information into the clinical site compliance tool, and more. If any of these steps are not completed, the conditional acceptance will be rescinded. Please pay close attention to the “next steps” letter which will be sent to your CEI email.
Students accepted into the LPN program must attend mandatory orientations before the start of classes. Orientations are scheduled for the 2nd Monday of April for a fall start and the 2nd Monday of November for a spring start. Additionally, there will be a mandatory all-day session on the Wednesday before the first week of classes in the first semester.
Student Success
Below is information for College of Eastern Idaho Practical Nurse (PN) program:
First Time NCLEX-PN* Pass rates
| First Time NCLEX-PN* Pass rates | |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2024 | pending |
Job Placement Rate*
| Job Placement Rate* | |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 96% |
| 2020 | 96% |
| 2021 | 96% |
| 2022 | 90% |
| 2023 | 95% |
| 2024 | pending |
CEI’s Practical Nursing (PN) program is operated with the approval of the Idaho Board of Nursing
Contact Information
Idaho Board of Nursing
280 N. 8th St. #210
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 577-2476
Effective December 10, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on December 10, 2026.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs?status=Candidate
Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.