Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs offer registered nurses with associate degree or diploma qualifications the opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for career advancement. These programs are vital for Iowa because the expanding healthcare services depend on nurses who have obtained higher educational degrees. BSN-prepared nurses perform essential duties throughout Iowa’s hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities as well as public health agencies.
Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - morningside.edu
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Morningside University's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible and affordable path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, with a per-credit cost of $369 and the ability to transfer up to 94 credits. Designed for working professionals, it emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and preparation for advanced roles, requiring an active RN license, a 2.75 GPA, and CCNE accreditation. No ACT or SAT is needed for entrance, as it is a bachelor's-level program tailored for those already licensed.
Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu
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The University of Iowa's online RN-BSN program offers licensed registered nurses a flexible and nationally recognized pathway to enhance their credentials. Ranked #4 for Best BSN Program in 2024, it builds on existing nursing knowledge through a comprehensive curriculum, preparing graduates for advanced roles and further studies. As a military-friendly institution with an on-campus hospital, it provides robust support and practical experience. No specific entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program, making it accessible for working professionals.
Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu
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Iowa State University's RN-to-BSN hybrid program offers a flexible pathway for registered nurses to advance their education, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission and 32 credits to graduate. Emphasizing research, leadership, population health, and ethical care, it prepares nurses for diverse healthcare environments without a specific concentration. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned as required, focusing on professional development through interactive learning.
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - mchs.edu
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Mercy College of Health Sciences offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed online in just 12 months, designed for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement. With a focus on leadership and quality patient care, the curriculum integrates nursing innovation and executive competencies. The program is affordable at over $10,000 total cost, features flexible scheduling, and is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program, making it accessible for working professionals. Faculty bring over 23 years of experience, and students benefit from fall and spring start dates.
Davenport, IA - Private 4-year - sau.edu
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Saint Ambrose University's online RN-to-BSN program offers a flexible path for working nurses to advance their careers without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam. This 124-credit-hour program emphasizes holistic patient care, diversity, and interprofessional collaboration through state-of-the-art simulation labs and small class sizes. Accredited and military-friendly, it focuses on developing advanced clinical skills and ethical reasoning, preparing graduates for various healthcare settings. With competitive tuition and transfer credit opportunities, it integrates seamlessly into professional life while upholding human dignity in nursing practice.
Iowa provides various online RN to BSN programs specifically designed for working nurses who seek to continue their education. Students enrolled in these programs learn from home as they manage their work and family responsibilities. Students in online programs have access to educational materials at any time because the delivery method operates without set class schedules. Students in hybrid programs study online most of the time but need to attend in-person sessions periodically. Students who want a structured learning environment can choose from evening or weekend classes at some institutions. Online programs designed for fast completion help students who want to finish their degree swiftly.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Morningside University |
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| Mount Mercy University |
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| Briar Cliff University |
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| Certifying Board | Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from an IBN‑approved BSN program, pass the NCLEX‑RN, and complete a fingerprint‑based background check |
| License Renewal Period | Every three years by the 15th of your birth month with a 30‑day grace period after expiration |
| Continuing Education | 36 contact hours every three years, with documentation retained for four years |
| License Application Fee | $99 renewal, $169 endorsement (includes $119 application + $50 background check), late renewal $149 |
| Clinical Hours | Verification of required didactic and clinical practicum hours via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Processed first‑in, first‑out, background checks take ~30 days, license issued after NCLEX results and clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $169 fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprint clearance |
The salary levels and career variety of BSN-prepared nurses in Iowa surpass those of nurses holding associate degrees. The average annual salary for registered nurses in Iowa is between $70,000 and $80,000, and BSN holders usually receive salaries at the higher end of this range. BSN-educated nurses have excellent opportunities to take on leadership roles and work in case management and specialty care because these positions come with better pay. The demand for qualified nursing professionals remains constant in Iowa as hospitals in urban areas, regional clinics, and rural health systems require more staff. Employment projections indicate that registered nurses will experience growing demand which will result in thousands of new job openings during the next ten years.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Iowa | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $68,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $32.84 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$82,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $68,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~870 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Graceland University-Lamoni |
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| Morningside University |
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| Mercy College of Health Sciences |
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The BSN degree provides Iowa nurses with various career advancement opportunities. With this degree nurses qualify for graduate programs that enable them to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or nurse educators. The positions demand either master’s or doctoral degrees yet BSN serves as the essential educational requirement. BSN-prepared nurses typically get promoted to charge nurse, unit manager or team coordinator roles through their workplace advancement. The BSN qualification allows nurses to apply for specialized certifications that improve their expertise in oncology, informatics and critical care fields. BSN nurses who want to leave clinical work can find employment in health education as well as policy development and quality improvement. The licensure education requirements for BSN nurses remain unchanged but they pursue more advanced professional development activities. Earning a BSN in Iowa both improves clinical competency and provides nurses with lasting opportunities for leadership roles, specialized practice, and advanced nursing practice.
Additional Nursing Programs in Iowa
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