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BACK TO PROGRAMS
Why CEI Nursing?
Our proven student success data and low cost compare favorably with any nursing school in the state. Our students graduate from a cost-effective program, have a high pass rate on their NCLEX, and get jobs as LPNs upon graduation.
Successful completion of the program requirements earns an Intermediate Technical Certificate in nursing and makes the student eligible to sit for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Our program values nursing knowledge and the skills required to be an expert nurse. To support this, we have facilities that include a skills lab where students learn and practice various essential nursing skills. They can then put the knowledge, judgment, and skills they have learned in the program into hands-on, interactive practice in their high-fidelity simulation lab with state-of-the-art manikins. This lets students practice critical real-life skills in an environment where they can learn from their mistakes without real-life consequences.
Non-Competitive Admission Process and Built-In Advancement Opportunities
Currently, our PN program is admitted on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. This means that if you meet the qualifications for the program and submit your completed application while slots are still available, you will be admitted to the PN program. The PN program is a 9-month program, meaning you can graduate, take your NCLEX-PN exam, and work as a PN within 9-10 months of starting the PN program. 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. We hold half of the slots in our Bridge program (see RN program) for recently graduated or current CEI PN graduates. If you complete the Bridge Program, becoming an RN one year after graduation as a PN is possible.
Please read All bulleted points below
- Currently, our PN program is admitted on a first qualified, first admitted basis. This means that if you meet the qualifications for the program and submit your completed application while slots for the program are still available, you will be admitted to the PN program.
- In-progress pre-requisite courses from outside institutions will no longer be accepted. You must be enrolled in a CEI course to apply with in-progress pre-requisite courses.
Application Deadlines
| Intended Start Date | Application Submission Period | Pre-requisite Courses Completed by (if taking courses at CEI) | Transfer Credits to CEI by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Closes March 1, 2023 at 5pm | May 20, 2023 | March 1, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | Closes October 1, 2023 at 5pm | December 20, 2023 | October 1, 2023 |
- If you do not receive an email confirming receipt of your application within 7 days or have any questions about the admission process, please call the department of nursing
- All communication will be 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
See PN program application checklist linked below
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 mailed to your CEI email.
CEI’s Practical Nursing (PN) program is operated with the approval of the Idaho Board of Nursing
Idaho Board of Nursing.
Contact Information
Idaho Board of Nursing
280 N. 8th St. #210
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 577-2476
Below is information for College of Eastern Idaho Practical Nurse (PN) program:
First Time NCLEX-PN* Pass rates
| First Time NCLEX-PN* Pass rates | |
| 2022 | pending |
| 2021 | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% |
*NCLEX-PN is the licensing exam all graduates of ANY PN program nationwide that students must pass in order to be registered as, and work as, LPNs.
Job Placement Rate*
| Job Placement Rate* | |
| 2021 | 96% |
| 2020 | 96% |
| 2019 | 96% |
Reported employment by respondents who report working as PNs within 12 months of graduation. This is for the fiscal year. This data does not include those who have gone on to higher education for advanced degrees (RN etc).
Why Nursing?
- Nursing matters. Nurses make a real difference in the lives of their patients, their families, and the community.
- Nurses work in a stable industry. There is definitely job security.
- Salary. Practical Nurses in Idaho in 2022 make an average salary of $48,471/year.
- It is a portable career. Every state needs nurses and there are established mechanisms to move your license (once registered in one state) between states.
- Nurses can choose their specialty.
- Nurses receive excellent benefits
- Flexible work hours. Depending on your needs and employer determination, you may be able to work days, nights, weekends, etc. With work shift lengths between 4 hours and 12 hours.
- Nurses have the opportunity to work with various other healthcare professionals.
- Nurses have many leadership opportunities.
- Room for advancement. When you graduate from CEI you will have earned an Intermediate Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing, but with CEI’s ADN bridge option in place, if accepted to the Bridge program you can graduate with an AAS in nursing, and become an RN in as little as one year after graduating the PN program. From here, CEI has established articulation agreements in place with several 4-year Universities, where RN graduates have an established pathway to earn a BSN (bachelors of science in nursing) degree in as little as 6 months after graduation. From there they can go on to earn more advanced degrees such as a master's in nursing or certification in a specialty, Doctorates in Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing, and more.
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.