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 offers a campus-based Practical Nursing program, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a focus on hands-on clinical experience. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, along with health screenings for clinical participation. Financial aid and scholarships are available, making it an affordable option. The curriculum emphasizes patient care, safety, and professional ethics, equipping graduates for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings without requiring an entrance exam.
Sheldon, IA - Public 2-Year - nwicc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Iowa Community College's Practical Nursing diploma program is a two-semester, campus-based course with online general education components. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of theory, lab work, and clinical experiences in local health facilities. Prerequisites include a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA, three years of science, and a Certified Nurse Aide Certificate. The program boasts high NCLEX pass rates, qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship offering free tuition, and covers key areas like medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing. No entrance exam is required for this diploma-level program.
Marshalltown, IA - Public 2-Year - mcc.iavalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marshalltown Community College provides a one-year Practical Nursing Diploma program on campus, accredited by the Iowa Board of Nursing. It prepares students for licensure in Iowa and Illinois through a curriculum that includes medical, surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing. Hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care, and mental health facilities enhance learning, focusing on science and patient care skills. Graduates can expect an average annual salary of $45,876. This program is ideal for those seeking a quick entry into nursing without a specified concentration.
Creston, IA - Public 2-Year - swcciowa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwestern Community College in Creston, IA, provides a campus-based Practical Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, with a strong 93% average pass rate. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, covering the nursing process, health-illness continuum, and critical thinking skills. Approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and eligible for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, it offers an affordable pathway with high job placement rates and small class sizes. Admissions require an online application, with classes starting in late August; no entrance exam is specified for this LPN program.
Waterloo, IA - Public 2-Year - hawkeyecollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hawkeye Community College's Practical Nursing diploma program in Waterloo, IA, is a one-year campus-based course that prepares students for LPN licensure with a strong 96% NCLEX pass rate. It includes 192 clinical hours for hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, supported by a state-of-the-art simulation lab. The program is eligible for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, potentially covering full tuition for qualified applicants. Admission requires prerequisite courses and assessment scores, but no entrance exam is needed. Daytime classes start in fall and spring, focusing on essential nursing skills and patient care to address workforce needs.
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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