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

LPN Schools Near You & Online in Iowa

Des Moines Area Community College

  • 800 Porter Avenue Ankeny, IA 50315
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (515) 287-8700

Kaplan University

Kirkwood Community College

  • 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (319) 398-5411

Iowa Western Community College

  • 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 325-3200

Southwestern Community College

  • 1501 W. Townline St. Creston, IA 50801
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    (641) 782-7081

Eastern Iowa Community College District

  • 306 West River Drive Davenport, IA 52801
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    1(800)462-3255

Iowa Lakes Community College

  • 3200 College Drive Emmetsburg, IA 50536
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 852-3554

Iowa Central Community College

  • One Triton Circle Fort Dodge, IA 50501
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    1(800)362-2793

Iowa Valley Community College District

  • 3702 South Center Street Marshalltown, IA 50158
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    (641) 752-4643

North Iowa Area Community College

  • 500 College Drive Mason City, IA 50401
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (641) 423-1264

Indian Hills Community College

  • 525 Grandview Avenue Ottumwa, IA 52501
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (641) 683-5111

Northeast Iowa Community College

  • 10250 Sundown Road Peosta, IA 52068
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (563) 556-5110

Northwest Iowa Community College

  • 603 West Park Street Sheldon, IA 51201
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Radiography, RN
    (712) 324-5061

Western Iowa Technical Community College

  • 4647 Stone Avenue Sioux City, IA 51102
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 274-6400

Hawkeye Community College

  • 1501 East Orange Rd. Waterloo, IA 50704
    Programs: ADN, LPN, RN
    (319) 296-2320

Southeastern Community College

  • 1500 West Agency Rd. West Burlington, IA 52655
    Programs: ADN, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (866) 772-4692