Top LPN Programs in Iowa

Iowa LPN Schools, License Requirements, Job Outlook, and Salary

The state of Iowa maintains the health standards by promoting nursing education and standards. The research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that LPN jobs are expected to grow 16% by 2024. Becoming an LPN is the quickest route to enter into the healthcare industry. The LPN program consists of theory as well as practical classes. Those who want to pursue an LPN course must be of 18 years and have a high school diploma.

The state is dedicated to nurturing the skills of the aspirants, who want to opt for nursing as their career and wish to become a care provider in the future. If you want to become an LPN in Iowa, you must check various parameters before opting for a particular school, like the size of the school or class, school's accreditation by the Iowa Nursing Board, the NCLEX-PN pass rate, etc. If you want to know in detail about this profession in the state of Iowa, you have landed at the right place.

Accredited Nursing Schools in Iowa

OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

• Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
• Financial Aid that a school provides
• Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

• Well-developed Architecture
• Better Infrastructure
• Superior Technology
• Ranking in US News and World Report
• Teachings offered by world-class faculty
• Inclusion of world-class facilities
• World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

Requirements To Be Fulfilled to Obtain the LPN License

After completion of the degree, it is necessary to obtain a license before working as a practical nurse in a professional environment. The license is granted by the State Board of Nursing on passing the NCLEX-PN test.

Next, the candidate is required to submit a fingerprint report, along with the criminal record and character certificate. The candidate having a criminal background may not be approved by the state, for which, s/he has to provide the letters of recommendation.

The candidate can apply for the NCLEX-PN test online by filling an application form. The fee for application and background check is $143. The state arranges for the test when the candidate is deemed eligible by the board.

Out-of-State

Nurses who are licensed in other states can get the license through endorsement. For this, they have to pay a fee of $169. If the nurse did not graduate in English, then it is mandatory for him/her to pass the TOEFL or the IELTS. Then, they have to request the Iowa Board to allow them to sit for the NCLEX-PN test.

License Renewal

The license obtained on passing the NCLEX-PN test expires after a particular time. In Iowa, the license needs to be renewed after every 3 years. The license can be renewed online by paying the renewal fees of $99. Somehow, if the Internet is not available, then a paper renewal can be requested by making a call on 515.281.4826.

Reinstatement of the LPN License

The license is considered valid for 3 years, after which, it has to be renewed. If the nurses fail to get it renewed within that time period, then they have to reinstate it. For reactivating the license, go to IBON Online Services. The nurses are supposed to submit the reactivation application, two fingerprint reports collected from the office of Board of Nursing, signed waiver, and a fee of $225. The license is issued for a time period of 2 years and the number of months to the birth month. The board processes the application after 5 working days. At any time, you can check the status of your application through IBON Online Services.

Duplicate License

In case the license gets misplaced or stolen, you can request the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry to issue a duplicate license. For that, you are required to submit an application form and a fee of $20. The board issues the duplicate license within 14 days.

The application form and fees can be mailed to the following address:
Iowa Board of Nursing
River Point Business Park
400 SW 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4685

Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa

The average salary of LPNs in Iowa, as per indeed.com, was $50,000 (as of August 31, 2016). As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses made the mean hourly wage of $19.10 and an annual salary of $39,730 (as of May 2015).

Information Source: indeed.com (as of August 31, 2016)

As per above data, Psychiatric Nurses were the highest paid professionals with a salary of $56,000 per annum, whereas Patient Care Technician Students were the least paid professionals with an annual salary of $17,000.

Average Annual Salaries of LPNs/LVNs in Different Cities of Iowa

Information Source: salary.com (as of August 31, 2016)

According to the statistics, LPNs were paid the least (i.e. $36,639) in Ames, whereas they earned considerably higher ($43,451) in Des Moines, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.

Job Outlook for Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses in Iowa

Owing to people being more aware of their health and availability of better medical facilities, the state of Iowa has bright prospects for LPNs. As per the BLS, in May 2015, a total of 6,750 licensed practical nurses were employed in the state, and from 2014 to 2024, the employment of these professionals is anticipated to grow 16% in the U.S. LPNs and LVNs who are willing to work in medically underserved and rural areas get heavy paychecks.