Best Nursing Schools in Iowa: Online & Campus
Explore the top nursing schools in Iowa and find the online or campus program that can help you reach your academic and career goals.
Whether you’re just starting out on your nursing degree journey, looking to go from RN to BSN nurse, or planning to move into an advanced nursing career that requires a grad degree, Iowa nursing schools can help you achieve your goals. This guide showcases the best nursing programs in Iowa, including flexible online programs, to help you get started on your school search. You’ll also find other helpful information on Iowa nursing licensure requirements, degree paths, and financial aid opportunities. Dive into your next pursuit by examining our collection of top programs for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
Private
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
Private
St Luke’s College
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
Private
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
Private
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
Private
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Private
Online Learning Details
Online nursing programs in Iowa exist at all degree levels, and distance learning follows the same quality curricula as in-person nursing programs in Iowa but with the convenience of learning from home. While most programs still require in-person clinical training at an approved healthcare facility, most online programs offer fully-online didactic learning.
Remote learners enjoy flexible scheduling, self-paced classes, and often lower tuition rates. Most remote nursing students also have no on-campus obligations. Online nursing programs in Iowa are a good fit for motivated students who are self-starters and good at working independently. Some synchronous programs offer a solid structure, but the more flexible asynchronous programs can present challenges for students who thrive in highly structured learning environments. Read the school profiles below to learn more about actual programs in the state.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Iowa
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing education or going back to school for additional credentials, there’s a nursing program to meet your educational needs. You’ll find many types of nursing programs in Iowa to choose from, including online, in-person, hybrid, and accelerated degrees. Here’s a look at some of the most common options available in the state today.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Iowa
ADN Programs
Associate nursing degrees (ADNs) best serve 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.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
BSNs are for individuals who already possess ADNs or RN licensure. Full-time students usually need four years to complete a traditional BSN program. Nursing students with RN licenses can complete these programs in about two years.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs work best for students who want to get in and out of school quickly. Schools offering these degrees typically say that learners graduate in three years or fewer by following an accelerated learning path. As with traditional BSNs, you can find them at both public and private schools.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Iowa for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Designed to prepare LPNs to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, LPN to RN and LPN to BSN degrees are commonly available online and in-person. LPN to RN programs usually take two years or less to finish, while the LPN to BSN can take up to three years.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
For those who have ADNs and current RN licenses, 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 and job opportunities.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Iowa
MSN Programs
Nursing schools in Iowa offer both traditional and direct-entry MSN nursing programs. The traditional MSN is for students who already possess BSNs. For those with bachelor’s degrees in outside fields who want to switch to nursing, direct-entry MSN programs can accommodate you.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD programs are for advanced learners with MSNs. DNP programs in Iowa prepare students for nursing leadership roles in health facilities or as advanced practice nurses. PhD programs are for students wishing to research new nursing theories and methods to advance the field. PhDs can also obtain teaching positions at colleges and universities.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
For those with DNP or MSN degrees, post-graduate certificates can hone knowledge in a particular area. Common post-graduate certificates include family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology acute care practitioner.
Examples of Iowa Nursing Schools with This Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Iowa
While tuition rates can be daunting, there are a lot of financial aid options to help make those costs more manageable. In addition to scholarships, work-study positions, or assistantships that your school may offer, you should also apply to as many local, regional, state, and national scholarships and grants as possible.
Several private organizations in Iowa and around the U.S. offer substantial financial aid for nursing students. The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, B4 Brands, Dallas County Hospital, and Des Moines Women’s Club all provide valuable scholarships to students attending nursing programs in Iowa.
For more information on financial aid to offset the cost of your degree, check out our nursing scholarship guide, guide to graduating from nursing school debt-free, and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Iowa: Licensing Information and Requirements
Those looking to become RNs in Iowa need to apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing. The state’s nursing board ensures that all the state laws related to nursing practice, education, and licensure are upheld. It’s important to understand Iowa’s specific licensure requirements before you begin your degree.
Complete State-Approved RN Degree
Complete a degree program from an accredited institution that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Choose an ASN or BSN program offered through any Iowa state-approved nursing school. Depending on the program, you’ll finish in about 2-4 years.
Submit Application for Licensure to the State
Next, submit an application for licensure using the Board’s online application and by paying $143. 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. After step three below, you’ll only have 90 days to pass the exam before your application for licensure expires.
Submit NCLEX-RN Exam Application and Schedule Time
As your third step, 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.
Pass NCLEX-RN Exam
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 total. To prepare for the exam and get a feel for the layout, be sure to take at least one practice exam.
Keep Licensure Current
Licensed RNs in Iowa must complete 36 contact hours every three years on the 16th of the RN’s birth month. 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.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Iowa
Registered nurses (RNs) in Iowa have a positive job outlook, with current employment of 35,700 RNs projected to grow to 39,270, adding 3,570 new jobs—a growth rate of 10%. Each year, around 2,370 RN positions are expected to open due to growth, retirements, and turnover, reflecting steady demand. Salaries for Iowa RNs vary based on experience and location, with a statewide median salary of $71,570. Entry-level nurses in the 10th percentile earn approximately $61,250, while those in the 90th percentile make up to $90,800.
Regional variations are notable; for example, RNs in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn a median salary of $77,270, while Iowa City offers a higher median of $79,830, with top earners making up to $98,600. The combination of job stability and solid salary ranges makes Iowa an attractive state for aspiring RNs, especially given the higher salaries in urban areas and the overall job growth rate.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $61,250 | $71,570 | $90,800 |
| Ames, IA | $61,240 | $68,590 | $85,500 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,740 | $67,150 | $90,710 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,440 | $68,400 | $88,910 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $63,570 | $77,270 | $92,190 |
| Dubuque, IA | $59,780 | $67,830 | $82,260 |
| Iowa City, IA | $65,290 | $79,830 | $98,600 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $58,540 | $66,080 | $86,630 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $59,230 | $67,780 | $86,340 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
