Are you searching for the best nursing schools in Iowa? Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or advancing your nursing career, finding the right nursing program is essential. In or near Iowa, you’ll find a range of accredited nursing programs, from entry-level certificates to advanced nursing degrees.
Explore nursing schools in Iowa to choose the right program for your future in nursing.
Iowa Nursing Degree Programs
RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
RN to BSN programs in Iowa are tailored for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, advance in their careers, or pursue graduate education. These programs can often be completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on leadership, research, and community health. Many schools offer flexible online formats to accommodate working nurses.
RN to BSN and RN to MSN Bridge Programs by Specialization in Iowa
Bridge programs in Iowa provide registered nurses with clear academic pathways to higher degrees. RN to BSN programs help build leadership and public health expertise, while RN to MSN bridge programs allow for specialization in roles such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. These programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals through evening, weekend, and online formats.
William Penn University BSN, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Oskaloosa, Iowa
BSN programs emphasize leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for a wider range of nursing roles.
RN programs, often offered at community colleges, provide a faster route to becoming a registered nurse, focusing on practical skills and direct patient care.
RN to BSN programs are designed for working RNs who want to advance their education and career prospects, typically offering flexible online or hybrid learning options.
Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensing exam for registered nurses.
Clinical placements are a crucial component, offering hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Curriculum often includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and community health.
These programs aim to address the growing demand for qualified nurses in Iowa and across the nation.
Upper Iowa University Nursing Programs in Fayette, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health, and community health.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice to provide safe and effective patient care.
Emphasis on patient education, communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the curriculum, including practice exams and review sessions.
Opportunity to develop leadership skills and explore various nursing specialties.
High job placement rates for graduates, with strong career prospects in a growing healthcare field.
Nursing Schools in Fayette, Iowa
Address: 605 Washington St, Fayette, Iowa 52142-1857
University of Iowa BSN, DNP, MSN, RN Nursing Programs in Iowa City, Iowa
Comprehensive Programs: Offer a full spectrum of nursing education from entry-level RN to advanced practice doctorates.
BSN Foundation: BSN program typically provides a strong foundation in nursing science, critical thinking, and clinical skills.
MSN Specializations: MSN programs allow nurses to specialize in areas such as advanced practice (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist), nursing administration, or nursing education.
DNP Leadership: DNP programs focus on developing leaders in nursing practice, healthcare administration, and health policy.
Clinical Experiences: Strong emphasis on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, often including the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Research Opportunities: Programs typically encourage student involvement in research and evidence-based practice.
Interprofessional Collaboration: Opportunities for interprofessional education with other healthcare disciplines like medicine, pharmacy, and public health.
Nursing Schools in Iowa City, Iowa
Address: 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
Saint Ambrose University Nursing Programs in Davenport, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing principles, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and community health nursing.
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice to provide safe and effective patient care.
Dedicated faculty with expertise in various nursing specialties, providing personalized mentorship and guidance.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination through comprehensive review courses, practice exams, and individualized support.
Focus on interprofessional collaboration, enabling students to work effectively within healthcare teams.
Strong emphasis on ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice.
Nursing Schools in Davenport, Iowa
Address: 518 W Locust St, Davenport, Iowa 52803-2898
North Iowa Area Community College Nursing Programs in Mason City, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn care, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN preparation, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
Emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leadership skills essential for professional nursing practice.
Simulation lab experiences that mimic real-world scenarios, enhancing skills and confidence.
Opportunities for professional development through student nurse organizations and networking events.
Morningside University BSN, CRNA, DNP, MSN, NP, RN Nursing Programs in Sioux City, Iowa
Focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills development.
Emphasis on patient-centered care across diverse populations.
Clinical experiences in regional healthcare facilities, potentially including UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's and MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center.
Career paths range from entry-level registered nursing to advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner (NP) and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Opportunities for leadership and management positions within healthcare organizations.
Potential for specialization in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care.
Strong emphasis on ethical decision-making and professional responsibility.
Nursing Schools in Sioux City, Iowa
Address: 1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51106-1751
Mount Mercy University Nursing Programs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Emphasis on developing effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Dedicated faculty with real-world nursing experience to provide mentorship and guidance.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, including review sessions, practice exams, and individualized support.
Strong career outlook with high demand for registered nurses in various healthcare settings.
Nursing Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Address: 1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797
Iowa Central Community College Nursing Programs in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing.
Hands-on Clinical Experience: Extensive clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs: Opportunity to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment using advanced patient simulators.
NCLEX-RN Preparation: Dedicated coursework and resources to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Includes practice exams and review sessions.
Experienced Faculty: Instruction from highly qualified and experienced nursing faculty with diverse clinical backgrounds.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Provides a strong foundation for career advancement in various nursing specialties and leadership roles.
Flexible Learning Options: May offer full-time and part-time options to accommodate diverse student needs.
Nursing Schools in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Address: One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
Iowa Lakes Community College ADN, BSN, LPN, RN Nursing Programs in Estherville, Iowa
Offers pathways for students to enter the nursing field at different levels, from entry-level LPN to registered nurse (RN) via ADN or potentially BSN transfer programs.
Focuses on practical, hands-on training in clinical settings, preparing graduates for immediate employment.
Curriculum typically includes core nursing principles, patient care skills, pharmacology, and ethics.
May offer flexible learning options, such as evening or weekend classes, to accommodate working students.
Provides opportunities for career advancement, with ADN and LPN programs serving as stepping stones to BSN degrees at four-year institutions.
Emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, communication, and teamwork in providing quality patient care.
Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN (for LPN) or NCLEX-RN (for ADN/BSN) licensing exams.
Nursing Schools in Estherville, Iowa
Address: 19 S 7th St, Estherville, Iowa 51334-2295
Iowa Wesleyan University Nursing Programs in Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum encompassing nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatrics, mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations throughout Iowa.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills necessary for providing safe and patient-centered care.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination through dedicated review courses, practice questions, and simulated testing environments.
Focus on ethical and legal principles guiding nursing practice, ensuring graduates are equipped to practice responsibly and professionally.
Opportunity to develop leadership skills and participate in professional nursing organizations.
Integration of evidence-based practice and current research to promote continuous learning and improvement in nursing care.
Nursing Schools in Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Address: 601 N Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
Iowa Western Community College Nursing Programs in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, maternal-child nursing, and geriatrics.
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Dedicated faculty with real-world nursing experience.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, including review courses and practice tests.
Career opportunities in various nursing specialties.
Emphasis on professional development and leadership skills.
Nursing Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Address: 2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503-1057
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
Emphasis on patient-centered care, communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
Preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) through dedicated review sessions and practice exams.
Opportunities for hands-on learning through simulation labs and real-world patient scenarios.
Strong career outlook with high demand for Registered Nurses in various specialties and geographic locations.
Grand View University Nursing Programs in Des Moines, Iowa
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing principles, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice to provide safe and effective patient care.
Dedicated faculty with real-world nursing experience committed to student success.
Preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) through comprehensive review courses, practice exams, and individualized support.
Opportunities for simulation-based learning using high-fidelity mannequins to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Career outlook for Registered Nurses is strong, with high demand in various healthcare settings nationwide.
Nursing Schools in Des Moines, Iowa
Address: 1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Clarke University BSN, DNP, FNP, MSN, NP, PMHNP, RN Nursing Programs in Dubuque, Iowa
Focus on holistic care: Emphasizes treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit.
Strong clinical experiences: Provides opportunities for hands-on learning in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community organizations in the Dubuque area.
Emphasis on ethical practice: Incorporates ethical considerations into nursing education and practice.
Advanced practice specializations: Offers pathways for nurses to specialize in areas such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Leadership development: Encourages students to develop leadership skills necessary for advancing in their nursing careers.
Commitment to social justice: Integrates social justice principles into the curriculum.
Small class sizes: Promotes individualized attention and close interaction between students and faculty.
1. What types of nursing programs are available in Iowa?
Nursing schools in Iowa offer various programs, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs – Entry-level training for nursing assistants.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs – Typically one year of training.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A two-year program that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year degree that provides more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
RN-to-BSN programs – Designed for current RNs who want to earn a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Advanced education for specialized nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The highest level of clinical nursing education.
2. How do I choose the best nursing school in Iowa?
When selecting a nursing school, consider factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical training opportunities, tuition costs, and program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person).
3. Why is nursing school accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures your program meets high educational standards. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited school is required for licensure and financial aid eligibility.
4. How do I check if a nursing program in Iowa is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by visiting the school’s website, checking the ACEN or CCNE directories, or contacting the State Board of Nursing in Iowa.
5. How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
The duration depends on the type of program:
CNA program: A few weeks to a few months.
LPN/LVN program: About 12 months.
ADN program: 2 years.
BSN program: 4 years.
RN-to-BSN program: 12-24 months.
MSN program: 2 years (after BSN).
DNP program: 3-4 years.
6. Can I complete a nursing program online?
Some programs, such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP, offer online coursework. However, pre-licensure programs (like ADN and BSN) require in-person clinical training.
7. What is the NCLEX, and why is it important?
The NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) and NCLEX-RN (for RNs) are national exams required for licensure. Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to sit for these exams.
8. What financial aid options are available for nursing students?
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs may qualify for:
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs).
State grants and scholarships.
Nursing-specific scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance programs.
9. What are the job opportunities for nurses in Iowa?
Nurses in Iowa can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, and specialized care facilities. Advanced degrees open opportunities in leadership, education, and specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
10. How much do nurses earn in Iowa?
Salaries vary based on education, experience, and location. On average:
CNA: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
LPN/LVN: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
RN (ADN or BSN): $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
MSN-prepared nurses: $90,000 – $120,000 per year.
Nurse practitioners and APRNs: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.