Iowa Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in Iowa is 33
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Iowa ADN programs is 83.78%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Iowa BSN programs is 86.42%.
- Find the best ranked Iowa nursing schools, RN to BSN programs, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs.
Iowa Nursing Licenses at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | Yes |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | Yes |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | P: (515) 281-6488 |
The process to earn a nursing license in Iowa involves completing a nursing program, registering for the NCLEX exam, and applying for state licensure. This may also include obtaining a temporary license, if applicable, and eventually renewing the license. Each step comes with its own timeframe and associated costs.
| Step in Licensure Process | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Nursing Program (ADN/BSN) | 2-4 years (ADN) <br> 4 years (BSN) | $10,000 – $60,000+ |
| Register for NCLEX Exam | Varies | $200 – $500 |
| Fingerprinting/Background Check | Depends on state | $50 – $100 |
| Take NCLEX Exam | Once registered | Included in registration |
| Await NCLEX Results | Up to 6 weeks typically | N/A |
| Apply for State Licensure | After passing NCLEX | $169 |
| Temporary License Issued (if applicable) | 2-8 weeks | No additional fee |
| Obtain Official Nursing License | 2-8 weeks after applying | Included in application fee |
| Renewal of License | Three-year renewal cycle | $99 |
| Continuing Education | Yearly usually | Varies |
Key Highlights for Iowa Nursing Licenses
- The average duration and cost for nursing programs within Iowa vary between 2-4 years and $10,000 – $60,000+ respectively, with differences between ADN and BSN programs.
- To get authorization for the NCLEX exam, nurses should register at the NCLEX site, pay the associated fees, and wait for the approval. The cost of the registration typically ranges from $200 – $500, excluding any fees for fingerprinting or background checks.
- After taking the NCLEX exam, nurses typically have to wait for up to 6 weeks to receive the results.
- To apply for state licensure in Iowa, nurses should submit an application along with a fee of $169 after passing the NCLEX exam. The timeframe until licensure is granted typically varies between 2-8 weeks.
- Iowa issues temporary licenses without additional fee, which are valid for up to 30 days.
- The official nursing license can be obtained within 4-8 weeks after passing the NCLEX, with no extra cost beyond the initial application fee.
- In Iowa, the license renewal process occurs on a three-year renewal cycle, with the typical renewal fee being $99. Renewal requirements also include 36 contact hours of continuing education per year.
Iowa Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Licenses
In Iowa, aspiring Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must comply with a set of educational, certification, and licensure requirements, which vary according to the specific APRN role. Gaining prescriptive authority and renewing licenses also involve specific steps, while scope of practice and role-specific requirements are defined by state law. Important factors like practice authority and insurance liability should also be taken into consideration during the licensing process.
- Education Requirements: APRNs in Iowa must have completed a graduate-level education program in one of the four recognized APRN roles: Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
- Certification: APRNs must obtain national certification in their chosen role and population focus from an approved certifying body.
- State Licensure: In Iowa, the Board of Nursing regulates APRN practice. Licensure requirements include an application, fees, proof of education and certification, and sometimes a background check.
- Prescriptive Authority: Many APRNs in Iowa have the authority to prescribe medications, with the extent of this authority varying by state. Some states require a collaborative agreement with a physician or additional certification.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: APRN licenses in Iowa must be renewed periodically, with requirements for continuing education or practice hours.
- Practice Authority: Iowa is a full practice state. This means that Iowa allows all APRNs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments (including prescribing medications) under the licensure authority of the state board of nursing. For more detailed information, please consult the Iowa Nursing Practice Act.
- eNLC Participation: APRNs practicing in Iowa, a state that is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), can practice in other eNLC states without obtaining additional licenses.
- Scope of Practice: In Iowa, the scope of practice for APRNs includes patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.
- Role-Specific Requirements: Each APRN role in Iowa may have additional specific requirements related to education, clinical hours, or specialized skills.
- Transition to Practice: Iowa does not require new APRNs to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours before gaining full practice authority.
- Insurance and Liability: APRNs in Iowa should be aware of malpractice insurance requirements and may need to secure their own policy depending on their employment situation and state regulations.
