Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Iowa

Morningside University's BSN program in Sioux City provides a rigorous education combining classroom theory with extensive hands-on practice through diverse clinical rotations and a modern simulation center. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, completion of prerequisites, and a background check, but no ACT or SAT is specified as mandatory. The program excels with high NCLEX pass rates and strong employment outcomes, preparing compassionate students for successful careers as registered nurses in various healthcare settings.

• Campus-based program
• High NCLEX pass rate
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Requires 2.75 GPA for admission
• Background check required
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Hands-on learning approach
• Prepares for RN licensure
• High employment success rate

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Mercy College of Health Sciences is a two-year, campus-based course designed for NCLEX-RN preparation, with flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes. Admission necessitates a 2.7 GPA in prerequisites and a minimum score on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. Graduates achieve a 100% job placement rate with a median wage of $75,330, and the program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. It includes hands-on clinical experience, 80 total credits, and options for RN to BSN advancement.

• Two-year program duration.
• Flexible evening and weekend classes.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Median wage $75,330.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
• 2.7 GPA admission requirement.
• ATI TEAS exam required.

Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam in three years, featuring early clinical rotations from the first semester. With an 86.7% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement, admission requires a 2.7 GPA in prerequisites and a minimum 63% on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. The curriculum includes 67 major credits covering areas like pharmacology and pediatric nursing, and LPNs can receive four credits toward the degree. Accredited by CCNE and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, it's a campus-based program with personalized instruction.

• NCLEX pass rate 86.7%
• 100% job placement rate
• 67 major credits
• Clinical hours start semester 1
• LPNs get four credits
• GPA 2.7 required
• ATI TEAS test 63% minimum
• Three years to complete
• Campus-based program
• Accredited by CCNE

Saint Ambrose University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Davenport, IA, is a campus-based offering that prepares students for nursing careers with a holistic approach, integrating ethics and professional development. It includes in-person and online tracks, such as LPN to BSN and RN to BSN options, with clinical experiences in healthcare settings. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Higher Learning Commission, admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and an active CNA certification for in-person students. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on a 124-credit curriculum with group clinicals, simulations, and a capstone project, supported by financial aid and scholarships.

• 124 credits total
• On campus or online
• 33 gen ed credits
• 64 nursing credits
• 27 elective credits
• Group clinicals and simulations
• One-on-one preceptorship
• Capstone project
• Max transfer credits 90
• Accredited and recognized

Saint Ambrose University's online LPN to BSN program is designed for working healthcare professionals, offering a flexible pathway to advance from LPN to BSN entirely online, available in approved states. It emphasizes practical nursing skills and leadership, with clinical placements in select states. Admission requires an active LPN license, with priority deadlines of December 1 for fall and July 1 for spring, but no entrance exam is specified. The program supports career advancement by balancing work and study, featuring rolling admissions and comprehensive education tailored for busy professionals.

• Online LPN to BSN program
• Flexible for working professionals
• Approved in select states
• Requires active LPN license
• Rolling admissions until cohort filled
• Priority deadlines: Dec 1, Jul 1
• Clinical placements in approved states
• Comprehensive nursing education
• Designed for career advancement
• Balances work and study

Iowa Central Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program in Fort Dodge provides a campus-based education with 720 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. Students can earn a Practical Nursing diploma after the first summer or complete the ADN to become a Registered Nurse. Applications are accepted in spring and fall, with scholarships available to support this affordable path. The curriculum meets Iowa's core standards, ensuring readiness for various nursing roles. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program.

• Campus-based program
• 720 clinical hours
• Spring and fall starts
• Scholarships available
• Meets Iowa core standards
• Practical Nursing option
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Affordable education path
• Registered Nurse preparation
• Extensive clinical work

Focused on hospital settings, this Associate Degree Nursing program at Iowa Central Community College emphasizes 720 hours of clinical experience in healthcare environments. It offers a pathway to a Practical Nursing diploma or full ADN, requiring prior college acceptance. Scholarships make it accessible, and the blend of classroom and hands-on work prepares students for nursing careers. No entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's-level program.

• 720 clinical hours
• Campus-based program
• Practical Nursing diploma option
• Scholarships available
• Hospital concentration
• Requires Iowa Central acceptance
• Hands-on healthcare experience
• Affordable nursing path
• Extensive clinical work
• Blend of classroom and clinical

With a physician concentration, Iowa Central Community College's ADN program in Fort Dodge includes 720 clinical hours in varied healthcare settings. It prepares students to become Registered Nurses, with applications open in specific windows for spring and fall starts. Scholarships enhance affordability, and admission requires acceptance to the college first. This bachelor's-level program does not require an entrance exam.

• Campus-based program
• 720 clinical hours
• Physician concentration
• Scholarships available
• Spring and fall starts
• RN career pathway
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Admission to college first
• Classroom and clinical mix
• Focus on practical skills

Specializing in pediatric care, this Associate Degree Nursing program at Iowa Central Community College features 720 clinical hours and a curriculum designed for RN licensure. Applicants must gain college acceptance before applying, with scholarships available. The program blends classroom studies with practical experience in diverse settings, focusing on pediatric nursing. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level offering.

• Pediatric concentration available.
• 720 clinical hours required.
• Scholarship opportunities offered.
• Campus-based program.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Diverse healthcare settings.
• Must apply to college first.
• Focus on pediatric nursing.
• Classroom and clinical blend.
• Pathway to diverse careers.

Iowa Central Community College's ADN program with a rehabilitation focus provides 720 clinical hours across healthcare environments, accepting LPNs for advanced standing. It combines classroom and clinical work to prepare students for RN careers, with scholarships available. Admission requires prior college acceptance, emphasizing hands-on experience. This bachelor's-level program does not necessitate an entrance exam.

• Focus on Rehabilitation
• 720 clinical hours
• Scholarships available
• Accepts LPNs for advanced standing
• Combines classroom and clinical work
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Requires college acceptance first
• Hands-on experience emphasized
• Comprehensive nursing education

Northwestern College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates over 700 clinical hours in diverse settings with a holistic health approach, emphasizing compassionate care and hands-on training. Accredited by CCNE, it achieves a 100% pass rate on nursing boards. The curriculum includes a freshman seminar and senior capstone, with admission requiring pre-nursing courses and ACT or SAT scores for early acceptance based on high school GPA.

• 700+ clinical hours
• 100% board pass rate
• Accredited by CCNE
• Early acceptance available
• Holistic health focus
• Diverse clinical settings
• Freshman seminar included
• Senior capstone project
• Hands-on training
• Compassionate care emphasis