LPN Programs in Iowa

Iowa LPN Training

Many businesses aren't interested in hiring people with limited experience and education. However, the health care industry has continued to grow despite the economic downturn, and many jobs are opening up for those that have Iowa LPN training. Anyone who enjoys helping people, and has always wanted to work closely with doctors, nurses, and other health professionals should consider LPN training.

Iowa LPN is a specialized education course designed to help someone pass the national exam for licensed practical nurses. LPNs are responsible for providing a high quality of bedside care to patients in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health facilities, and other health care environments. LPNs help to make patients comfortable, answer questions from patient families, and assist doctors and nurses with treatment.

Becoming an LPN in Iowa

Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Individuals who are licensed in compact states can work in other compact states without becoming licensed in those states. Once must be licensed in his or her primary state of residence.

In order to qualify for LPN licensure in Iowa by examination or by endorsement, an individual must have:

• Graduated from an board-approved LPN program
• Their criminal record approved by the board
• Passed the NCLEX

Foreign educated individuals must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed above for all applicants:

• Passing score on the TOEFL, unless instruction and text books were in English
• Professional Report application from CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)

Individuals applying to become an LPN in Iowa must submit:

• An application to take the Iowa LPN Examination, along with the application fee of $143.00 for examination and $169 for endorsement (This includes the money used to conduct the criminal background check).
• Two fingerprint cards and a signed waiver form
• Information regarding any criminal offenses committed by the applicant
• An official nursing transcript submitted directly to the Iowa Board of Nursing
• NCLEX Registration (by examination - $200 fee)

The exam application and NCLEX registration expire 90 days after an individual is authorized to test.

Renewing an LPN License

Licenses in Iowa are granted for 2 or 3 years. Those who are granted a 3 year license must complete 36 contact hours of continuing education in each 3 year period. Those who are licensed for 2 years must meet a 24 contact hour requirement.

Additional Resources

• Iowa Nursing Licensure

Iowa LPN Resources

• Iowa Department of Health