As a Midwestern state committed to advancing nursing education, Iowa is actively supporting students in pursuing registered nursing (RN) degrees to meet the healthcare worker shortage. With an anticipated 12% increase in nursing jobs through 2030, Iowa has expanded educational opportunities to meet this demand. The state encourages nurses to attain a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, emphasizing that advanced degrees not only lead to career growth but also boost earning potential in Iowa's evolving healthcare landscape.
Jump to:
- ADN & RN Diploma Programs
- BSN Programs
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Iowa
Best RN Programs in Iowa
Selecting the best nursing school in Iowa can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Iowa by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 31 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Graceland University
Score: 100.00
Located in beautiful Lamoni, Iowa, Graceland University is a leader in online BSN offerings. Graceland students excel with small class sizes as well as innovative lab and clinical placements. Caring faculty ensure that students have excellent role models to depend on.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (816) 833-0524
University of Dubuque
Score: 98.31
The University of Dubuque offers world-class BSN program designed to guide students into the diverse and challenging world of nursing care. Those who complete the program are prepared to optimize patient and family health, develop self-analysis, demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills, and strive to provide quality patient-centered care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (563) 589-3000
Allen College
Score: 97.88
Allen College is located in Waterloo, Iowa, on the Cedar River. Nursing students enrolled in the college's BSN and LPN to RN programs are exposed to a holistic teaching approach that balances personal experience, knowledge, and attitude to prepare them for the healthcare workforce.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
- Phone: (319) 226-2014
Kirkwood Community College
Score: 97.85
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kirkwood Community College strives to meet the demand that Iowa has for nurses in upcoming years through its stellar ADN program. Students enrolled in KCC's program learn patient care skills through labs, simulations, and a 12-16 week one-on-one clinical preceptorship.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (319) 398-5411
University of Iowa
Score: 96.52
The University of Iowa's College of Nursing is located in the heart of Iowa City. With 2 entry opportunities to the BSN program - an Early Admission pathway for high-achieving high school students and a Competitive Admission pathway for transfer, 2nd degree, and current Iowa students, enrollees are able to maximize opportunities for their learning and professional success.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (319) 335-7018
North Iowa Area Community College
Score: 95.77
North Iowa Area Community College is based in Mason City, Iowa. With a robust associate degree in nursing program, graduates enter the workforce ready to be strong patient advocates and committed to community healthcare. An LPN to ADN pathway is also available.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
- Phone: (641) 423-1264
Coe College
Score: 95.44
Coe College is located in bustling Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Students work to attain a BSN degree in the field - graduates are a welcome addition to the healthcare team in a variety of settings due to their evidence-based training and practical demeanor.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (319) 399-8000
Northwestern College
Score: 95.41
Located in Orange City, Northwestern College's faith-based nursing program culminates in the coveted BSN degree. Enrolled students move through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, informatics, and the integration of faith. More than 700 hours of clinical experience are also included.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (712) 707-7000
Iowa Central Community College
Score: 94.46
Iowa Central Community College's Fort Dodge campus offers an excellent ADN program which shares 2 semesters of curriculum with their Practical Nursing (PN) program, giving students the choice to opt out at the completion of the PN portion or continue on to earn the ADN. A total of 74 credit hours are required to complete the ADN degree.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (515) 576-0099
Mount Mercy University
Score: 94.04
Mount Mercy University is located in bustling Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A long-established and highly acclaimed program, Mount Mercy's BSN graduates are prepared through theoretical content, labs, and simulations, and are a welcome addition to local clinics and hospitals.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (319) 363-8213
Iowa Nursing Programs – ADN, Diploma, and BSN Degrees
If you are interested in a registered nursing career, Iowa offers several entry-level degree points to help you enter the world of nursing. Most students opt to start with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Read on to learn more about each degree level to see if it's the right fit for you.
ADN & RN Diploma Programs
The ADN is the quickest degree pathway to registered nursing practice in Iowa. These programs are offered at numerous community colleges and universities throughout the state, taking just 2 years to complete. Students may also opt for a nursing diploma, which are typically offered through specialty nursing schools and hospitals, taking 1-2 years to complete. The difference between an ADN and a nursing diploma is that the ADN includes other core college courses, while the diploma is focused strictly on basic nursing education. As long as the schools/programs you choose are accredited, either path will leave you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination for RN licensure. These affordable pathways lead to entry-level careers in registered nursing. Keep in mind that some hospital systems and employers prefer hiring RNs with a BSN degree.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Iowa include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Completion of basic science courses, such as biology, anatomy, and physiology, with a minimum grade of “C”
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
- Background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunizations
- Personal statement or essay sometimes required
More information on ADN and RN diploma programs:
Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60 – 72 credits | Limited, with in-person clinicals and labs |
Nursing Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 36 – 48 credits | Rare; typically in-person only |
Both ADN and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online program.
BSN Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered the gold standard of nursing degrees. This four-year program is commonly offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats at colleges and universities across Iowa. Many healthcare employers in the state prefer BSN-educated nurses for entry-level RN employment, and it opens the door to easily complete a graduate-level nursing program in the future. With both full-time and part-time options available, BSN programs consist of core education courses, nursing-specific courses, and hands-on clinical training hours. As with ADN and RN diploma programs, clinical hours will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid BSN program in Iowa.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Iowa typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc. with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
- ACT or SAT scores may be required for direct-entry BSN programs.
- Background check and drug screening
- One or more letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
More info on BSN programs in Iowa:
Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
---|---|---|---|
BSN | $20,000 – $50,000 | 120 – 126 credits | Yes, with in-person clinicals |
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN:
RN to BSN: Those who already have an ADN or nursing diploma and want to advance to a bachelor's degree may be interested in the RN to BSN bridge pathway. Taken full-time, these programs can often be completed in just 1-2 years, as students are given credit for their prior nursing coursework. Part-time RN to BSN programs can take 3-4 years to complete, and are available both on-campus and online, though clinical hours must be completed in person.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN): This program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. An ideal way to switch careers, ABSN programs are intensive, and can be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study, or up to 2 years part-time Accelerated BSN programs can be completed online, but some campus visits may be required, and students will still need to complete their clinical hours in person.
Other Entry-Level Nursing Pathways
Becoming an RN is not your only option for a nursing career in Iowa. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs are also available. While these careers have a different scope of practice from RNs, their training is often quicker and they can be a great stepping stone to future registered nursing programs and careers. Learn more about each program below:
- CNA programs in Iowa
- LPN programs in Iowa
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For Iowans looking to advance their nursing education into the graduate realm, there are also many options. Whether you are looking for a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there's a program for you. Keep in mind that most of these programs require that you already hold a minimum of a BSN or MSN, hold an active an unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Check out each of the pathways below for more information:
- Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- RN to MSN
- Direct-Entry MSN
- Accelerated MSN
- Post-Master's Nursing Certificate
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- RN to NP
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- MSN to DNP
- BSN to DNP
- Ph.D. in Nursing
Choosing an Accredited Nursing Program
Accreditation for Registered Nurse (RN) programs is a formal review process that ensures a nursing school or program meets established quality standards, particularly in its curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. In the United States, two primary organizations accredit nursing programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In Iowa, nursing programs commonly seek accreditation from one or both of these agencies to demonstrate that their education standards meet national benchmarks.
Accreditation is crucial for students and employers alike. For students, attending an accredited RN program is essential because many states, including Iowa, require graduation from an accredited program to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, a mandatory step to become a licensed nurse. Furthermore, many employers prefer, or even require, applicants to have completed an accredited program, as it indicates that the candidate has received a robust and standardized education. Additionally, federal financial aid is often only available to students enrolled in accredited programs, making it financially advantageous for many students.
Choosing an unaccredited program can have serious consequences. Without accreditation, graduates may be ineligible to take the NCLEX-RN, blocking their pathway to becoming a licensed RN. They may also find it challenging to transfer credits to accredited institutions if they wish to pursue advanced nursing degrees. This lack of recognized quality assurance can also limit employment opportunities, as employers typically favor candidates from accredited programs.
Getting an RN License in Iowa
In Iowa, the RN licensing process begins with completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a nationally standardized test assessing critical entry-level nursing skills. After passing the NCLEX-RN, candidates must apply for licensure with the Iowa Board of Nursing and meet continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Iowa:
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Iowa Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
For Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure, candidates must first hold an active RN license and complete an advanced nursing degree (MSN or DNP) in a specialty area such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). APRNs in Iowa must pass a national certification exam in their area of practice and meet additional requirements for advanced licensure, including CE in pharmacology for those with prescriptive authority.
Requirements for APRN Licensure in Iowa:
- Active Iowa RN license
- Completion of an advanced nursing program (MSN or DNP) specific to an APRN role
- National certification in chosen APRN specialty
- Application to the Iowa Board of Nursing for APRN licensure
- Renewal: CE hours, including pharmacology-specific CE for prescriptive authority
Continued List of All RN Programs in Iowa
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
11. | Southeastern Community College West Burlington, IA 52655 | Phone: (866) 722-4692 | Programs: Diploma, ADN | 90.52 | sccnc.edu |
12. | Luther College Decorah, IA 52101 | Phone: (563) 387-2000 | Programs: BSN | 90.49 | luther.edu |
13. | Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, IA 52132 | Phone: (800) 728-2256 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.72 | nicc.edu |
14. | Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville, IA 51334 | Phone: (712) 362-2604 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.72 | iowalakes.edu |
15. | Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA 52501 | Phone: (641) 683-5111 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 87.29 | indianhills.edu |
16. | Morningside College Sioux City, IA 51106 | Phone: (712) 274-5000 | Programs: BSN | 86.36 | morningside.edu |
17. | Southwestern Community College Creston, IA 50801 | Phone: (800) 247-4023 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.82 | swcciowa.edu |
18. | St. Luke's College Sioux City, IA 51104 | Phone: (712) 279-3149 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.43 | stlukescollege.edu |
19. | Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA 51201 | Phone: (712) 324-5061 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.76 | nwicc.edu |
20. | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA 50023 | Phone: (800) 362-2127 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 83.20 | internal.dmacc.edu |
21. | Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown, IA 50158 | Phone: (641) 752-4643 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, | 81.03 | mcc.iavalley.edu |
22. | Purdue Global University - Davenport Davenport, IA 52807 | Phone: (563) 355-3500 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 81.01 | purdueglobal.edu |
23. | St. Ambrose University Davenport, IA 52803 | Phone: (563) 333-6000 | Programs: BSN | 80.79 | sau.edu |
24. | Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines, IA 50309 | Phone: (515) 643-3180 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 79.87 | mchs.edu |
25. | Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IA 50701 | Phone: (319) 296-2320 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 78.16 | hawkeyecollege.edu |
26. | Clarke University Dubuque, IA 52001 | Phone: (563) 588-6300 | Programs: BSN | 78.16 | clarke.edu |
27. | Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA 51106 | Phone: (712) 274-6400 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 77.53 | witcc.edu |
28. | Grand View University Des Moines, IA 50316 | Phone: (515) 263-2800 | Programs: BSN | 76.60 | grandview.edu |
29. | Briar Cliff University Sioux City, IA 51104 | Phone: (712) 279-5321 | Programs: BSN | 72.05 | briarcliff.edu |
30. | Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA 51503 | Phone: (712) 325-3200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 71.94 | iwcc.edu |
31. | Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Davenport, IA 52801 | Phone: (563) 336-3300 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 68.68 | eicc.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.