Olivia Chen, NP
June 2, 2025
LPNs deliver fundamental hands-on medical care to patients in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities throughout Iowa. The healthcare needs of rural areas depend heavily on these professionals because they function as the main medical contact for patients. LPNs work under RN and physician supervision to handle chronic disease management and medication administration while assisting patients in their recovery process. The healthcare system of Iowa depends on LPNs to provide essential care services because they connect patients to their trusted local healthcare providers.
Ottumwa, IA - Public 2-Year - indianhills.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA, offers a Practical Nursing program designed for students seeking a hands-on healthcare career. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, blending classroom instruction with clinical experience. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, with additional health screenings for clinical participation. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students, making this an affordable path to a rewarding nursing career. The program emphasizes patient care, safety, and professional ethics, equipping graduates for immediate employment in various healthcare settings.
Sheldon, IA - Public 2-Year - nwicc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Iowa Community College offers a Practical Nursing diploma program designed for those passionate about caring for others. This two-semester program combines theory, lab, and clinical experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Prerequisites include a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA, three years of science, and a Certified Nurse Aide Certificate. The program boasts exceptional NCLEX pass rates and qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship, offering free tuition. Students gain skills in medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing, with clinical experiences in local health facilities.
Marshalltown, IA - Public 2-Year - mcc.iavalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marshalltown Community College in Iowa offers a Practical Nursing Diploma program, designed for students aiming to enter the nursing field quickly. This one-year, campus-based program prepares students for licensure as Practical Nurses in Iowa and Illinois, with a curriculum covering medical, surgical, maternal-child, pediatrics, geriatric, and mental health nursing. Clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care, and mental health facilities provide hands-on learning. Accredited by the Iowa Board of Nursing, the program emphasizes science and patient care skills. Graduates can pursue careers with an average annual salary of $45,876, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Creston, IA - Public 2-Year - swcciowa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwestern Community College in Creston, IA, offers a Practical Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This campus-based program focuses on hands-on learning, with students spending time in classrooms and healthcare facilities. The curriculum covers the nursing process, health-illness continuum, critical thinking, and more. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, with past pass rates averaging 93%. The program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and may qualify for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, reducing costs. Admissions require an online application, with classes starting in late August.
Waterloo, IA - Public 2-Year - hawkeyecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA, offers a Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This one-year, campus-based program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, totaling 192 clinical hours. Students learn essential nursing skills, patient care, and medication administration. The program boasts a 96% NCLEX pass rate and qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, covering up to 100% of tuition for eligible students. Admission requires prerequisite courses and meeting minimum assessment scores. Graduates are ready to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, addressing the global nursing shortage.
Nursing programs in Iowa do not provide complete online LPN programs because nursing education requires direct patient contact. Some educational institutions provide hybrid programs that combine online learning with practical laboratory sessions and clinical practice. The flexible learning formats enable students to study theory components through online platforms while completing necessary hands-on requirements in person. Working adults can choose from evening and part-time educational programs. All programs need students to attend in-person training, but the increasing number of flexible educational options enables students to manage their responsibilities during their studies.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Iowa Community College |
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| Southwestern Community College |
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| Indian Hills Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Iowa Board of Nursing, Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an IBON-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $143 application fee (includes $50 criminal background check), submit online application and FD-258 fingerprint card for state and federal checks |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks, licensure typically granted within 6–8 weeks after passing NCLEX |
| License Renewal Period | Three-year cycle, expires on the 15th day of the licensee’s birth month, $99 renewal fee due 30 days prior to expiration |
| Continuing Education | 36 contact hours of board-approved learning activities required each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $169 endorsement fee, Nursys verification of current unrestricted LPN license, proof of recent practice or completion of a board-approved refresher |
The annual salary range for LPNs in Iowa extends from $45,000 to $50,000, although urban locations and specialized facilities may offer higher compensation. The demand for LPNs continues to be strong, particularly in long-term care facilities and rural health clinics. The aging population of Iowa will drive ongoing job growth in the state. LPNs maintain stable employment while earning competitive salaries and have the chance to create meaningful impacts in their local communities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Iowa | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,000 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$61,496 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$55,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,651 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~610 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Hills Community College |
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| Western Iowa Tech Community College |
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| Northeast Iowa Community College |
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The LPN license is the first step for those looking to move onto a higher level of nursing education. The state of Iowa offers LPN to RN bridge programs to allow nurses to advance directly to registered nursing work. LPNs who grow their professional background and earn more credentials can rise to leadership positions and can specialize in IV therapy or geriatrics or continue their education at another level. Nurses stand to gain from these pathways, which foster lifelong learning and career mobility.
Additional Nursing Programs in Iowa
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