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RN Programs in Iowa

Ready to Make a Difference? Your Journey to Becoming an RN in Iowa Starts Here!

Hey there, future healthcare superstar! Are you dreaming of a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives? Look no further than becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the great state of Iowa! In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to turn that dream into a reality. So, grab your stethoscope and let’s get started!

Why Iowa is the Perfect Place to Launch Your Nursing Career

Picture this: friendly faces, stunning landscapes, and a healthcare system that’s top-notch. That’s Iowa in a nutshell! The Hawkeye State is not only a fantastic place to live, but it’s also an incredible spot to kick off your nursing journey. Here’s why:

Robust healthcare system
Competitive salaries (we’re talking an average of $64,000 per year!)
Promising job outlook with a projected 9% growth rate from 2020 to 2030

For more juicy details, check out the official state website of Iowa and the BLS page on Registered Nurses.

Prerequisites: Your Launchpad to Nursing Success

Before you can dive into an RN program in Iowa, there are a few boxes you’ll need to check off:

High school diploma or GED
Gotta be at least 18 years old to join the party
Crush those prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and math
Ace entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
Pass background checks and drug screenings with flying colors
Make sure your immunization records and physical exams are up-to-date

What You’ll Learn: A Sneak Peek into RN Program Curriculum

Iowa’s RN programs are designed to arm you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a healthcare hero. Here’s a taste of what you’ll dive into:

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology
Patient care, ethics, and medical-surgical nursing
Hands-on clinical training in hospitals and healthcare facilities
Specializations like pediatrics, geriatrics, or emergency care

Most RN programs take around 2-3 years to complete, depending on whether you choose the diploma or associate degree route.

Top RN Programs in Iowa: Where to Earn Your Scrubs

Ready to find your dream school? Check out these top-notch institutions offering RN programs in Iowa:

  1. University of Iowa College of Nursing
    50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242
    Program Page
    Bonus: Iowa City is a vibrant college town with a thriving cultural scene and tons of fun things to do!

  2. Kirkwood Community College
    6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Program Page
    Perk: Cedar Rapids offers the perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.

  3. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
    2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
    Program Page
    Plus: Ankeny is a charming suburb of Des Moines, giving you the best of both worlds!

  4. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)
    1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA 52132
    Program Page
    ️ Bonus: Calmar is known for its welcoming community and picturesque surroundings.

Where to Work: Top Healthcare Facilities in Iowa

Once you’ve got that RN license in hand, it’s time to find your dream job! Here are some of the best places to work as an RN in Iowa:

  1. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
    Employment Opportunities
    Fun Fact: This top-ranked hospital in Iowa City is known for its groundbreaking medical research and comprehensive patient care.

  2. UnityPoint Health
    Employment Opportunities
    Perk: With multiple locations across Iowa, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your perfect fit!

  3. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
    Employment Opportunities
    Did You Know? This is one of the largest hospitals in Iowa, offering a wide range of specialties to explore.

Becoming Official: RN Licensure Requirements

To make it official and start practicing as an RN in Iowa, you’ll need to:

  1. Graduate from an accredited RN program
  2. Crush the NCLEX-RN exam
  3. Submit your application to the Iowa Board of Nursing
  4. Pass a background check and fingerprinting

For all the nitty-gritty details, head over to the Iowa Board of Nursing Licensure page.

Paying for Your RN Education: Don’t Sweat It!

We know what you’re thinking: “How much is this going to cost me?” The price tag for RN programs in Iowa can vary, but here’s a general breakdown:

  • Associate Degree: $6,000 to $20,000
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $20,000 to $40,000

But don’t worry! There are plenty of financial aid options out there, like:

Federal and state grants
Scholarships
Student loans

To explore your options, check out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Iowa College Aid website.

Crossing State Lines: Licensure Reciprocity ️

Great news, travel lovers! Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means that if you’re licensed in another compact state, you can practice in Iowa without getting a new license. For more info, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Ready to Start Your RN Adventure in Iowa?

Phew, that was a lot of information! But now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need to become an RN in Iowa, it’s time to take the leap. Reach out to one of the schools we mentioned and start your application process. Your future as a healthcare hero is waiting!

Remember, the journey to becoming an RN isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. You’ve got this! Now go out there and make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Iowa needs compassionate, dedicated nurses like you!

RN Schools Near You & Online in Iowa

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Des Moines Area Community College

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

Coe College

  • 1220 1st Ave NE # 1 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (319) 399-8000

Mt. Mercy College

  • 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (319) 363-8213

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

Saint Ambrose University

  • 518 W Locust St. Davenport, IA 52803
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (563) 333-6000

Eastern Iowa Community College District

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

Luther College

  • 700 College Drive Decorah, IA 52101
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (563) 387-2000

Grand View University

  • 1200 Grandview Avenue Des Moines, IA 50316
    Programs: BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (515) 263-2800

Mercy College – Health Science

  • 928 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (515) 643-3180

Clarke College

  • 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001
    Programs: BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, RN, RN to BSN
    (888) 825-2753

The University of Dubuque

  • 2000 University Avenue Dubuque, IA 52001
    Programs: BSN, RN
    (563) 589-3000

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

University of Iowa

  • 50 Newton Road Iowa City, IA 52242
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, EMT Paramedic, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (319) 335-3500

Graceland University

  • 1 University Place Lamoni, IA 50140
    Programs: BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Nursing Administration, RN
    (641) 784-5000

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

Iowa Wesleyan College

  • 601 North Main Street Mt Pleasant, IA 52641
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (319) 385-8021

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

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences

  • 2720 Stone Park Boulevard Sioux City, IA 51104
    Programs: ADN, Radiography, RN
    (712) 279-3149

Morningside College

  • 1501 Morningside Avenue Sioux City, IA 51106
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)831-0806

Briar Cliff University

  • 3303 Rebecca Street Sioux City, IA 51104
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN
    1(800)662-3303

Hawkeye Community College

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

Allen College

  • 1990 Heath Street Waterloo, IA 50703
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (319) 226-2000

Southeastern Community College

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