Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Iowa

University of Iowa's Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care is a specialized post-master's program targeting Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking expertise in pediatric acute care. Spanning 21 semester hours with a minimum 2.50 GPA requirement, the hybrid program integrates comprehensive didactic and clinical training. Nurses will develop advanced skills in evidence-based pediatric acute care, focusing on complex diagnostic procedures, specialized pharmacology, and intensive clinical practicums. The program's strategic design allows experienced nurses to expand their professional capabilities through targeted, high-quality educational experiences.

• Post-master's APRN certificate
• 21 semester hours total
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required
• Clinical and didactic courses
• Advanced pediatric acute care focus
• Gap analysis determines coursework
• Multiple clinical practicums
• Specialty pharmacology training
• Advanced diagnostic procedures
• Evidence-based clinical training

The University of Iowa's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive post-master's pathway for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking to broaden their clinical expertise. Requiring 26 semester hours, the hybrid program provides an in-depth curriculum covering patient care across all life stages, from infants to older adults. With a focus on evidence-based clinical training, students will engage in extensive clinical practicums, advanced diagnostic procedures, and specialized pharmacology courses. The program's individualized approach ensures nurses develop comprehensive skills for delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare.

• 26 semester hours total
• Post-master's APRN program
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced patient care focus
• Covers infants to older adults
• Evidence-based clinical training
• Specialized diagnostic procedures
• Pharmacology specialty courses

University of Iowa's Post Graduate PMHNP Certificate delivers a transformative doctoral-level curriculum for nurses specializing in psychiatric-mental health practice. This hybrid program uniquely combines online and on-campus learning, accommodating diverse student needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards. With a limited class size of 24 students, the program boasts a remarkable 100% certification exam and job placement rate. Students receive comprehensive training in leadership, advanced psychiatric practice, and versatile healthcare roles, preparing them to make significant contributions to mental health environments.

• Hybrid online & on-campus delivery.
• 3-Year/4-Year Plan of Study.
• Class size limited to 24 students.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
• Focus on leadership in healthcare.
• Comprehensive didactic & clinical experiences.
• Prepares for advanced psychiatric practice.

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program represents a cutting-edge approach to pediatric healthcare education. Distinguished as one of the nation's earliest PNP-PC programs, it offers an extensive 630-hour clinical training experience. Students develop advanced practice skills across diverse settings, including rural and urban healthcare environments, school-based centers, and outpatient clinics. The curriculum emphasizes pediatric-focused coursework and strong clinical preceptorship, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for comprehensive child healthcare providers.

• One of nation's earliest PNP-PC programs
• 630 total clinical hours
• Strong clinical preceptorship
• Pediatric-focused coursework
• Advanced practice registered nurse training

University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program stands as Iowa's exclusive PNP-AC offering. Accepting just 10 students annually, this innovative hybrid program prepares BSN-prepared nurses to manage complex pediatric healthcare challenges. Combining online coursework with specialized clinical training, students develop advanced skills for providing expert care to critically ill children. The program's unique curriculum includes a DNP project requirement and focuses intensively on acute, critical, and chronic pediatric patient care, positioning graduates at the forefront of specialized pediatric healthcare.

• Only PNP-AC program in Iowa
• 10 students accepted annually
• Online and clinical hybrid format
• DNP project requirement
• Specialized pediatric acute care focus

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. CCNE-approved and nationally recognized, this hybrid program emphasizes primary care leadership and comprehensive healthcare delivery. Students gain advanced practice nursing skills designed to address complex healthcare challenges efficiently. The curriculum combines rigorous didactic learning with extensive clinical experiences, preparing nurses to practice at the full extent of their advanced training and deliver high-quality, cost-effective patient care across diverse healthcare settings.

• CCNE Approved DNP Program
• Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership
• Primary Care Focus
• Hybrid Program Format
• Nationally Recognized Nursing College

University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides a flexible, comprehensive pathway for advanced mental health professionals. Offering multiple program tracks, including three to four-year BSN to DNP and two-year post-MSN options, the curriculum blends rigorous didactic learning with extensive clinical experiences. Nationally recognized and preparing students for ANCC certification, the program equips nurses to transform mental healthcare through high-quality, cost-efficient patient care. Students develop advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities in mental health practice.

• Doctorate-level mental health education
• Multiple program track options
• Nationally recognized nursing program
• Practice to full education extent
• Advanced clinical experiences
• ANCC Certification preparation
• First DNP program nationally approved

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner represents a forward-thinking approach to advanced nursing education. First approved in 2009, this hybrid program prepares nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape with comprehensive clinical expertise. Students develop doctoral-level knowledge focusing on delivering high-quality, cost-efficient healthcare across adult and geriatric populations. The curriculum emphasizes national certification exam preparation and advanced clinical practice, positioning graduates to address complex patient needs with exceptional professional competence.

• Doctoral-level nursing education
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• First DNP program approved in 2009

University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a top-10 nationally ranked program preparing advanced nurses for critical care environments. The hybrid format accepts up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses annually, offering personalized learning experiences. With 720 clinical training hours, students develop expertise in managing critically ill adults and older adults, focusing on symptom management, patient care transitions, and complex physiological stabilization. The program provides leadership skill development and offers post-graduate certificate options for expanded professional opportunities.

• Hybrid Learning Format
• 720 Clinical Training Hours
• BSN to DNP Path
• Complex Patient Care Focus
• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• Leadership Skill Development

University of Iowa's DNP in Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) offers a distinguished pathway for nurses seeking advanced specialization. Ranked among the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report, the program provides a comprehensive approach to acute and critical care. Beginning with online courses and transitioning to cohort-based learning, students complete 720 clinical hours under faculty advisor guidance. Flexible options include a 1-year Post Graduate Certificate for primary care NPs and post-MSN to DNP paths, ensuring adaptability for diverse nursing professionals seeking advanced practice credentials.

• Hybrid program type
• 720 clinical hours required
• Online initial courses
• Cohort-based learning later
• 1-year Post Graduate Certificate
• Post MSN to DNP options
• Faculty advisor support
• Focus on acute, critical care
• For BSN prepared nurses

The University of Iowa's DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for leadership roles in primary care through a blend of didactic and clinical experiences. This hybrid program aligns with the AACN's recommendation for the DNP as the preferred degree for advanced practice nurses. It focuses on equipping graduates to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient care and to be integral partners in healthcare redesign. The program is designed for those seeking to advance their practice with a doctoral degree, offering a curriculum that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare system.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on primary care
• Leadership in healthcare
• Doctoral degree preparation
• Blend of didactic and clinical

The University of Iowa's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares nurses for advanced practice through comprehensive didactic and clinical training. Graduates earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, qualifying them to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Exam. The program offers flexible pathways including BSN to DNP options and post-MSN/NP to DNP tracks, catering to nurses at various career stages. Focused on high-quality, cost-efficient patient care, the curriculum aligns with the Institute of Medicine's recommendations for nursing education. This hybrid program combines online and campus learning, designed to fit the schedules of working professionals.

• DNP degree with PMHNP specialization
• Eligible for ANCC Certification Exam
• Flexible BSN to DNP pathways
• Post-MSN/NP to DNP options
• Hybrid online and campus learning
• Focus on cost-efficient patient care
• Aligns with IOM nursing recommendations
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Designed for working professionals
• Prepares for advanced practice roles

The University of Iowa's DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) program prepares nurses for advanced practice in acute care settings. Focused on infants, children, and adolescents, the program combines didactic and clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible for national certification. The hybrid program offers flexibility with BSN to DNP and Post MSN to DNP options. It emphasizes leadership in healthcare, aligning with AACN recommendations. The curriculum is designed for those seeking to enhance their clinical expertise in pediatric acute care.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on acute care
• BSN to DNP options
• Post MSN to DNP available
• National certification eligible
• Leadership in healthcare focus
• Clinical expertise enhancement
• Flexible study options
• Pediatric acute care specialization
• Combines didactic and clinical

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in comprehensive pediatric healthcare. This innovative program focuses on developing nurse leaders capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges through evidence-based practice. Students gain intensive clinical experiences and doctoral-level education, positioning them to provide high-quality primary care for children. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with advanced clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and leadership competencies needed in today's dynamic healthcare environment.

• DNP terminal degree program
• Hybrid learning format
• Advanced pediatric clinical training
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Nurse leadership development

Morningside University's online Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN track is a 50-credit program with 750 clinical hours and two on-site residencies, costing $655 per credit. It prepares students for holistic care across all ages and national certification, with no entrance exam required for this master's level program.

• 50 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit
• Fully online program
• 4-6 semester completion
• Two on-site residencies
• National certification preparation
• Full and part-time options
• 23 core + 27 specialty credits

This online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN at Morningside University is a 49-credit program with 750 clinical hours and two residencies, costing $655 per credit. It focuses on elderly care and certification preparation, with no entrance exam required for the master's level.

• 49 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit cost
• Online program format
• Two on-site residencies
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• 4-6 semester completion
• Specializes in elderly care

Morningside University's Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a 50-credit online MSN with 750 clinical hours, costing $655 per credit. It requires a bachelor's in nursing, 3.0 GPA, and active RN license, preparing for certification without an entrance exam.

• Online course format.
• 50 total credit hours.
• $655 per credit cost.
• 2 years completion time.
• 750 clinical/practicum hours.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires bachelor's in nursing.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Active RN license needed.

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Morningside University is a 35-credit online post-master's program with 750 clinical hours, focusing on acute and critical care. Priced at $655 per credit, it prepares for ANCC or AACN certification, and no entrance exam is required.

• 35 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit cost
• Fully online program
• Two onsite residencies
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Post-master's certificate
• Four semester completion
• Advanced nursing practice
• Acute and critical care focus

Morningside University offers an online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate, a 35-credit program with 750 clinical hours. It specializes in adult and elderly care, costs $655 per credit, and prepares for national certification without an entrance exam.

• 35 total credit hours
• 100% online program
• $655 per credit
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for national certification
• Post-Master's certificate option
• Two on-site residencies
• Specializes in aging population care

Morningside University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care is an online doctoral program with 1,000 practicum hours, emphasizing evidence-based care for acute settings. It requires no entrance exam and offers flexible enrollment for advanced practice roles.

• Fully online doctoral program
• Rolling semester enrollment
• Flexible study plan
• 1,000 practicum hours
• Individualized faculty instruction

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at Morningside University blends coursework with practical experiences, requiring a BSN or MSN for admission. It focuses on evidence-based practice and leadership, with no entrance exam needed.

• Online coursework flexibility.
• Family Primary Care concentration.
• BSN or MSN admission paths.
• Rolling enrollment options.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Prepares for advanced roles.
• Individualized faculty instruction.

Clarke University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a hybrid DNP program offering online coursework with just eight campus visits, ideal for working professionals. It requires 81 credits and 1000 clinical hours, focusing on mental health care, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic treatments. Graduates are prepared for roles in private practice, clinical settings, and community health. No entrance exam is mentioned, and the program features small class sizes and experienced DNP faculty.

• 81 total credit hours
• Hybrid online/campus program
• Three years full-time option
• Five years part-time option
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Small class sizes (20 students)
• Simulation Lab training
• Faculty are practicing DNPs

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program blending online learning with monthly face-to-face sessions. It spans 81 credits and 1000 clinical hours over three to five years, emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered care across the lifespan. Graduates are eligible for national certification. No entrance exam is mentioned, and the program includes small cohorts and a focus on full practice scope.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• National certification eligible
• Full practice license scope
• Comprehensive patient care approach

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program with limited campus visits, designed for advanced nursing professionals. It involves 81 credits and 1000 clinical hours, covering mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacology. No entrance exam is mentioned, and it offers small class sizes and options for full-degree or certificate completion.

• 81 total credit hours
• Three years full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Limited to 20 students per class
• Simulation Lab training
• Prepare for various healthcare settings

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program requiring 81 credits and 1000 clinical hours, completable in three to five years. It focuses on evidence-based care, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for national certification. No entrance exam is mentioned, and features include small cohorts, monthly face-to-face sessions, and financial aid availability.

• Hybrid learning format
• 81 credit hours
• 1,000 clinical hours
• 3-5 year completion
• Small cohort sizes
• National certification eligibility
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Ethical decision-making training
• Healthcare advocacy

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program with only eight campus visits, offering a three-year curriculum. It includes 81 credits and 1000 clinical hours, specializing in mental health care for adolescents and adults through psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic treatments. No entrance exam is mentioned, and it provides simulation lab experiences and small class sizes for personalized mentorship.

• 81 total program credits
• Hybrid learning format
• Only 8 campus visits
• 1000 clinical training hours
• Three years full-time option
• Five years part-time available
• Post-graduate certificate option
• Simulation Lab experiences
• Small class sizes (20 students)
• Clinical rotations included

Briar Cliff University's MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is an online, part-time program for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, spanning three years with 750 clinical hours. It focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan, emphasizes holistic care, and explicitly does not require the GRE for admission. CCNE-accredited and ranked #2 for online PMHNP programs, it includes clinicals near the student's location.

• 3-year part-time online program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• No GRE required
• 54.5 total graduate credits
• CCNE accredited program
• Clinical sites near student's location
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Experienced veteran faculty mentors

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at Briar Cliff University is an online, part-time option for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, taking three years with 750 clinical hours and some mandatory on-site days. It prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP certification exams, focuses on holistic and evidence-based practice, and does not require the GRE. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and 2000 clinical hours, with CCNE accreditation ensuring quality education.

• Online part-time program
• 3-year duration
• 750 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited
• No GRE required
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 2000 clinical hours needed
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• Mandatory on-site days
• Holistic care emphasis

Briar Cliff University's Post-Graduate ARNP Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health is an online, part-time program for MSN-prepared nurses, focusing on advanced practice in mental health care. It requires 750 clinical hours over two years, emphasizes holistic and evidence-based approaches, and does not require an entrance exam. With CCNE accreditation and a competitive tuition of $525 per credit, it prepares graduates to serve diverse populations and pursue leadership roles in healthcare.

• Online part-time graduate program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• Three specialized NP tracks
• CCNE accredited program
• 3-year program duration
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Requires prior MSN degree
• 2,000 RN clinical hours prerequisite
• Competitive $525/credit tuition
• Minimal on-campus requirements

The Post-Graduate ARNP Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care at Briar Cliff University is an online, part-time program designed for nurses with an MSN, specializing in care for adult and geriatric patients. It includes 750 clinical hours and 53.5 credits over two years, with no entrance exam required. Accredited by CCNE and featuring veteran faculty mentorship, the program offers flexible learning and hands-on experience in diverse settings at $525 per credit.

• Online part-time graduate program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• 53.5 total program credits
• $525 per credit tuition
• CCNE accredited program
• Requires prior MSN degree
• Veteran faculty mentors
• Clinicals in diverse settings

Graceland University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program equips RNs with advanced skills for primary care across all ages, emphasizing patient-centered and holistic approaches. The curriculum includes pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, and clinical practice in local communities under supervision. Graduates are prepared for the NP Certification Exam, with flexibility for working professionals and accreditation by CCNE and Iowa State Board of Nursing. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• Online program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Clinical practicum in local communities
• Prepares for NP Certification Exam
• Flexible for working professionals
• Focus on patient-centered care
• Blend of theory and clinical practice
• Supervised by approved preceptors
• Covers pharmacotherapeutics
• Advanced health assessment

This online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Graceland University addresses the mental health provider shortage by training RNs in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. It covers psychopharmacology, behavioral therapy, and ethical practices, with hands-on clinical practicums. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and a 2.5 GPA; no entrance exam is specified, but it is not explicitly stated as waived.

• Online format
• Focus on PMHNP
• $830 per semester hour
• BSN and RN license required
• 2.5 GPA for admission
• Clinical practicums included
• Covers psychopharmacology
• Behavioral therapy training
• Ethical issues in mental health
• Evidence-based practice focus