LPN to BSN Programs in Iowa

Iowa LPN to BSN Programs

The government estimates that the number of nursing jobs available in the state of Iowa is expected to increase by at least 20% in the next 10 to 20 years. People who wish to take advantage of this huge job increase may want to consider earning a higher, advanced nursing degree, such as a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. This higher degree allows nurses to expand upon the jobs they can take and earn a higher hourly wage. Nurses in the state of Iowa who already hold a current LPN certificate may want to consider pursuing an LPN to BSN program.

An LPN to BSN program is an accelerated bridge nursing program that builds off of the knowledge and experience a student has learned while working in the healthcare industry as a nurse. Students who enter this LPN to BSN program are given the chance to test out of basic nursing classes. These classes are courses that cover knowledge and skills the student may have learned while working in a real world work environment. A student must take a written test to prove they have the knowledge and skills to test out of the course.

Another advantage of the LPN to BSN program is the ability for students to use work experience as part of their clinicals. Every nursing student must take part in clinicals. Clinicals is where a student gains valuable hands-on experience in the nursing industry. These clinicals are usually performed as a separate course. Students who hold a nursing job can opt to have their work experience used as part of their clinicals credit. This allows them to speed up the time it takes to earn their BSN degree.

The admission process to an LPN to BSN program in the state of Iowa is the same as any four year college program. Prospective students will have to submit proof of a high school diploma or GED certificate, ACT or SAT scores, and a completed admissions packet. Prospective students will also need to submit proof that they hold a valid, current LPN certificate in the state of Iowa and that they have held a job in the nursing industry for at least six months. Proof of holding a job in the nursing industry can come in the form of letters of recommendation from former employers or proof of current employment from a healthcare or nursing employer.