Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Iowa

Morningside University's Nursing (BSN) program in Sioux City, IA, prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a curriculum that blends theory and hands-on practice. The program is designed for compassionate individuals aiming to care for individuals, families, and populations. It includes clinical experiences in various healthcare settings and a state-of-the-art simulation center for practical learning. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and a background check. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate and employment success, offering a comprehensive path to becoming a registered nurse.

• Campus-based program
• High NCLEX pass rate
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Requires 2.75 GPA for admission
• Background check required
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Hands-on learning approach
• Prepares for RN licensure
• High employment success rate

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse in just two years. With a focus on foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical experience, students gain the skills needed for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program offers flexible scheduling, including evening classes and weekend clinicals, making it ideal for students balancing other commitments. Admission requires a 2.7 GPA in prerequisite courses and a minimum score on the ATI TEAS exam. Graduates enjoy a 100% job placement rate within a year, with a median wage of $75,330. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

• Two-year program duration.
• Flexible evening and weekend classes.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Median wage $75,330.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
• 2.7 GPA admission requirement.
• ATI TEAS exam required.

Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN® exam in as little as three years. With clinical rotations starting in the first semester, students gain hands-on experience early. The program boasts an 86.7% NCLEX pass rate and a 100% job placement rate within a year of graduation. Admission requires a GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite courses and a minimum score of 63% on the ATI TEAS test. LPNs can receive four academic credits toward their BSN. The curriculum covers fundamentals, pharmacology, mental health, pediatric, and gerontological nursing, among others, totaling 67 major credits.

• NCLEX pass rate 86.7%
• 100% job placement rate
• 67 major credits
• Clinical hours start semester 1
• LPNs get four credits
• GPA 2.7 required
• ATI TEAS test 63% minimum
• Three years to complete
• Campus-based program
• Accredited by CCNE

Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, integrating ethics, standards of care, and professional identity development. Students can choose between in-person and online tracks, including LPN to BSN and RN to BSN options, with clinical experiences in real healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring a high-quality education. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and an active CNA certification for in-person students. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help manage costs.

• 124 credits total
• On campus or online
• 33 gen ed credits
• 64 nursing credits
• 27 elective credits
• Group clinicals and simulations
• One-on-one preceptorship
• Capstone project
• Max transfer credits 90
• Accredited and recognized

Saint Ambrose University's online LPN to BSN program is tailored for working healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers. This flexible program allows students to balance work and study, offering a pathway from LPN to BSN entirely online. Designed for residents of approved states, it emphasizes practical nursing skills and leadership. Admission requires an active LPN license and prioritizes applications received by December 1 for fall and July 1 for spring. The program supports students through clinical placements in select states, ensuring a comprehensive nursing education. Ideal for those aiming to elevate their nursing practice, it combines convenience with rigorous academic standards.

• Online LPN to BSN program
• Flexible for working professionals
• Approved in select states
• Requires active LPN license
• Rolling admissions until cohort filled
• Priority deadlines: Dec 1, Jul 1
• Clinical placements in approved states
• Comprehensive nursing education
• Designed for career advancement
• Balances work and study

Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA, offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program combines concentrated classroom studies with extensive clinical work, totaling 720 hours across various healthcare settings. Students can start as Practical Nurses after the first summer or continue to complete the ADN. The program is open for applications in spring and fall, with specific deadlines. Scholarships are available, making this an affordable path to becoming a Registered Nurse. The curriculum meets Iowa's core performance standards, ensuring graduates are ready for diverse nursing roles.

• Campus-based program
• 720 clinical hours
• Spring and fall starts
• Scholarships available
• Meets Iowa core standards
• Practical Nursing option
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Affordable education path
• Registered Nurse preparation
• Extensive clinical work

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Iowa Central Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a blend of classroom studies and extensive clinical experience. With 720 hours of clinical work in various healthcare settings, students gain hands-on experience. The program allows students to earn a Practical Nursing diploma after the first summer or continue towards an Associate Degree in Nursing. Admission requires prior acceptance to Iowa Central. Scholarships are available, making this program an affordable path to a nursing career. Ideal for those seeking to enter the healthcare field with a focus on hospital settings.

• 720 clinical hours
• Campus-based program
• Practical Nursing diploma option
• Scholarships available
• Hospital concentration
• Requires Iowa Central acceptance
• Hands-on healthcare experience
• Affordable nursing path
• Extensive clinical work
• Blend of classroom and clinical

Iowa Central Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program in Fort Dodge, IA, prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a focus on the Physician concentration. The program combines concentrated classroom studies with 720 hours of clinical work across various healthcare settings. Ideal for aspiring nurses, it offers a pathway to become a Registered Nurse (RN) with opportunities in diverse healthcare environments. Admission requires acceptance to Iowa Central first, with nursing applications open in specific windows for spring and fall starts. Scholarships are available, enhancing accessibility to this career-transforming education.

• Campus-based program
• 720 clinical hours
• Physician concentration
• Scholarships available
• Spring and fall starts
• RN career pathway
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Admission to college first
• Classroom and clinical mix
• Focus on practical skills

Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA, offers an Associate Degree Nursing program with a Pediatric concentration, blending classroom studies with 720 hours of clinical experience. This program prepares students for diverse healthcare settings, emphasizing pediatric care. Applicants must first gain admission to Iowa Central before applying to the nursing program. Scholarships are available, making this program accessible to many. The curriculum is designed for those aiming to become Registered Nurses, with a focus on pediatric nursing, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in various healthcare environments.

• Pediatric concentration available.
• 720 clinical hours required.
• Scholarship opportunities offered.
• Campus-based program.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Diverse healthcare settings.
• Must apply to college first.
• Focus on pediatric nursing.
• Classroom and clinical blend.
• Pathway to diverse careers.

Iowa Central Community College offers an Associate Degree Nursing program with a focus on Rehabilitation, preparing students for a rewarding career in healthcare. The program combines classroom studies with 720 hours of clinical work across various healthcare settings. Ideal for those seeking to become Registered Nurses, it includes scholarship opportunities and requires prior acceptance to the college. The curriculum is designed for both new students and LPNs looking to advance their careers, emphasizing hands-on experience and comprehensive nursing education.

• Focus on Rehabilitation
• 720 clinical hours
• Scholarships available
• Accepts LPNs for advanced standing
• Combines classroom and clinical work
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Requires college acceptance first
• Hands-on experience emphasized
• Comprehensive nursing education

Northwestern College in Iowa offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for a fulfilling career in nursing. The program emphasizes compassionate care, combining strong science and patient care training with a focus on holistic health. Students gain over 700 clinical hours in diverse settings, ensuring hands-on experience. The curriculum includes a freshman seminar to explore healthcare vocations and a senior capstone on health and wholeness. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program boasts a 100% pass rate on nursing boards. Admission requires pre-nursing courses and application in the second semester, with early acceptance based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

• 700+ clinical hours
• 100% board pass rate
• Accredited by CCNE
• Early acceptance available
• Holistic health focus
• Diverse clinical settings
• Freshman seminar included
• Senior capstone project
• Hands-on training
• Compassionate care emphasis