Online Nursing Schools in IA: Top Programs
Whether you’re an aspiring nurse or an experienced one, a nursing school in Iowa can help you achieve your goals. This guide showcases the best nursing programs in Iowa with online programs with a special eye on admissions, curriculum, and cost. We also rundown licensing and certification you need in the state.
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Nursing Health ScienceTypes of Online Nursing Programs in Iowa
Online nursing programs in Iowa are available at every degree level and deliver the same high-quality curriculum as campus-based options. While you still complete required clinical hours in person at an approved site, many lecture and theory courses are fully online.
Studying online can mean fewer campus visits, more flexible scheduling, and potentially lower tuition. These programs work well for motivated, independent learners, but the most flexible formats can be challenging for students who prefer a set class schedule.
Key advantages of Iowa’s online nursing programs include:
- Flexible class formats, including both synchronous and asynchronous options
- Minimal on-campus requirements for most programs
- Lower costs compared with many traditional programs
- Ability to balance coursework with work or family responsibilities
Overall, Iowa’s online nursing programs offer a convenient route for students who want structure where it counts—during clinicals—while enjoying the freedom of online coursework.
Entry-to-Mid-Level Nursing
Undergraduate programs are a great way to start on a path toward a nursing career. These programs include degrees, certificates, and diplomas and can take anywhere from a single semester to four years to complete. Whether you’re pursuing a CNA, ADN, LPN, or BSN program, you’ll find many avenues for success in healthcare.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Starting your nursing career as a CNA is a great way to dive in quickly and gain access to an in-demand position that can support you through the rest of your nursing education. CNA certificates usually take 1-2 semesters to complete and require you to pass an online exam and a skills test to become registered in the state.
Example: Northeast Iowa Community College
- Cost: $899 total
- Length: 1-2 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Expert Insight
Starting as a CNA is highly beneficial because it allows you to learn the basic skills needed to work in a direct care environment and helps build confidence when interacting with patients. When I became a nurse after working as a CNA for 8 months, I felt much more comfortable handling different patient populations and also had a special appreciation for the CNAs and the support they provide.
Programs that might interest you:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPN) are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or just practical nurses (PNs). The programs typically take one year to complete and are a great stepping stone between a CNA and a registered nurse. They’re also great stepping stones for professionals in related careers who wish to transition to nursing, such as those working in medical assisting in Iowa.
Example: Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Cost: $7,488 total
- Length: One year
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Traditional associate degrees in nursing (ADNs) are for those with no previous nursing education or experience. Depending on the program and a student’s availability, an ADN degree usually takes two years. ADN programs in Iowa teach the essential knowledge and skills needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam leading to RN licensure.
Example: Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Cost: $15,184 total
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are the highest undergraduate degrees that a nurse can get. They usually take four years to complete and often have bridge program options for LPNs and ADN nurses (discussed below). Nurses with a BSN typically receive more responsibility and higher compensation than those with a diploma or ADN.
Example: Allen College UnityPoint Health
- Cost: $21,000 total
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing. Typically, the accelerated BSN program only requires students to take nursing-specific courses, including labs and clinical experiences. General education requirements are usually transferred over from the student’s previous bachelor’s degree. These degrees can typically be completed in two years or less.
Example: Elmhurst University
- Cost: $50,000 total
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Online
Master’s and Postgraduate Programs
Graduate and post-graduate nursing degrees allow nurses to take a deeper dive into the areas of healthcare that they are interested in, such as mental health, family practice, or gerontology. These programs include graduate certificates, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D. in Nursing. The programs vary greatly in length, taking as little as one semester to four years.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Traditional Master of Science in Nursing degrees in Iowa are for students who already possess a BSN and are looking for additional education to help them advance in their career, whether that means through specialization, increased responsibility, or better compensation. These degrees typically offer several specialty-track options and take 1-2 years to complete.
Example: Allen College UnityPoint Health – MSN
- Cost: $30,000 total
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and Ph.D. programs are for advanced nurses who have their MSN. DNP programs in Iowa prepare students for nursing leadership roles in health facilities or as advanced practice nurses. Ph.D. programs are for students wishing to research new nursing theories and methods to advance the field. Students who complete a Ph.D. programs can also obtain teaching positions at colleges and universities.
Example: Allen College UnityPoint Health
- Cost: $30,000 total
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
For those with MSN or DNP degrees, post-graduate certificates can hone knowledge in a particular area of healthcare. Common post-graduate certificates include family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology acute care practitioner. Certificates can take anywhere from one to four semesters.
Example: Morningside University
- Cost: $655 per credit hour
- Length: 4 semesters
- Mode: Online
Bridge and Step-In Programs
Bridge programs are designed to help students get to the next nursing level as quickly as possible, often giving students college credit for past education and experience. Bridge programs include LPN to RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and BSN to DNP degrees. These programs are typically shorter than they would be if followed traditionally.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Designed to prepare LPNs to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, LPN to RN and LPN to BSN degrees are commonly available online or in a hybrid format. LPN to RN programs usually take two years or less to finish, while the LPN to BSN can take up to three years.
Example: St. Ambrose University
- Cost: $592/credit
- Length: 3-4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
For those who earned their RN licenses through a diploma or associate degree program, attending an RN to BSN program in Iowa is a great next step. Referred to as a bridge program, RN to BSN programs expand upon existing nursing knowledge and result in increased earning potential, responsibility, and job opportunities.
Example: Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Cost: $2,679 per semester
- Length: 1 year
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
If you are a current RN without a bachelor’s degree but would like to advance your career and move into a leadership position, then an online RN to MSN bridge program is for you. These programs allow you to use the experience you already have to bypass a bachelor’s degree and earn an MSN. This can lead to specialization and increased compensation and career opportunities.
Example: Allen College UnityPoint Health
- Cost: $30,000 total
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
BSN to DNP
The transition from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a crucial step for those seeking to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. The right BSN to DNP bridge program can set the stage for this ultimate career leap, blending advanced clinical expertise with leadership skills. Programs typically take 3-4 years to complete.
Example: Iowa College of Nursing
- Cost: $89,566 total
- Length: 4 years
- Mode: Online or Hybrid
Step-by-Step Guide to Licensing for Registered Nurses in Iowa
Those looking to become RNs in Iowa will need to follow the steps laid out by the state to become licensed. You’ll need to apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing, which ensures that all the state laws related to nursing practice, education, and licensure are upheld. To help you understand Iowa’s specific licensure requirements before you begin your degree, we’ve outline them below.
1 – An Accredited Nursing Degree
Your first step toward becoming a registered nurse is completing an approved program from an accredited institution that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Accrediting institutions include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You can choose a diploma, ADN, or BSN program offered through any Iowa state-approved nursing school. Depending on the program, you’ll finish in about 2-4 years.
2 – Ace the NCLEX Exam
As your second step, you’ll need to complete the NCLEX candidate bulletin through NCSBN. The NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in all 50 states. You must pay a $200 fee every time you sit for the exam. You’ll know you’re eligible to sit for the exam in Iowa when you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. You can then schedule your exam at a local testing center.
The NCLEX-RN exam is pass/fail and tests your knowledge in a handful of foundation areas. Testing categories include psychosocial integrity, safety and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, and reduction of risk potential. Expect 75-265 questions in total. To adequately prepare for the exam and get a feel for the layout, consider the following:
- Purchasing a prep course
- Taking multiple practice exams
- Studying weeks ahead of time
Expert Insight
The NCLEX-RN was surprisingly difficult due to its comprehensive subject matter and the types of questions asked, even for someone like myself who typically does well on standardized exams – in order to pass, adequate preparation is key.
3 – Complete the State Licensure Application
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam, follow the rest of the licensing requirements by submitting an application for licensure using the Iowa Board of Nursing’s online application, paying the $143 fee, and submitting official transcripts. All applications expire one year after they’re started online. The Board conducts a criminal history check and reviews any records of prior disciplinary action before the application proceeds.
4 – Renew and Maintain Your Professional License
Once you are licensed as a registered nurse, your license will need to be renewed every three years on the 16th day of your birth month. Renewal requires a minimum of 36 contact hours working as a nurse in the previous three years. Those RNs who work with dependent adults and children need to complete training hours related to reporting child/dependent abuse as part of those hours. You’ll need to complete training courses offered by the Iowa Department of Human Services for renewal.
5 – Work Toward Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Once you become a registered nurse, you’re free to pursue specialty certifications, whether that’s through advanced degrees or offered by third parties. Advanced certifications can include topics such as pain management, informatics, or adult gerontology acute care. Specialty certifications are achieved through relevant experience and passing an exam, and they need to be renewed every few years.
Income & Career Opportunities for Registered Nurses in Iowa
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $63,840 | $78,630 | $100,500 |
| Ames, IA | $64,360 | $77,160 | $99,440 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,940 | $78,370 | $102,250 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $63,650 | $77,150 | $98,610 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $64,680 | $78,630 | $100,500 |
| Dubuque, IA | $65,700 | $76,790 | $96,570 |
| Iowa City, IA | $70,290 | $85,940 | $106,150 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $69,070 | $84,600 | $112,940 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $62,270 | $75,840 | $96,440 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $63,100 | $76,920 | $97,310 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Registered Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,391,000 | 3,557,100 | 166,100 | 4.9% | 189,100 |
| Iowa | 37,010 | 40,410 | 3,400 | 9.2% | 2,260 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
