Best RN Programs in Iowa for 2024

North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a public educational institution in Mason City. It also operates various community education centers in Hampton, Charles City, Osage, and Lake Mills. It was founded in 1918, and was originally named Mason City Junior College. With more than 100 years of educational service, the college has transfer agreements with several four-year institutions for its students’ seamless transfer and transition. Hands-on experiences are an essential part of the curriculum, made possible by the College’s facilities such as the Diesel Technology Lab, Health Simulation Center, and Careers labs. Moreover, its nursing program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. - This Associate Degree Nursing program has two entry options—for beginning students and for LPNs. It has two annual starts (summer and fall terms). Upon program completion, graduates are conferred an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This provides eligibility to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam,

RN to BSN - This RN to BSN program allows associate-prepared RNs to complete their BSN coursework, both locally and online. The RN to BSN 3+1 structure allows three-year coursework completion at NIACC and one-year BSN completion at the University of Iowa’s online RN-BSN program. Moreover, NIACC has formal articulation agreements with several universities offering baccalaureate degrees in nursing. This allows seamless transition from NIACC to its partner institution. These partners include, but are not limited to: Allen College, Clarke University, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and University of Dubuque.

Iowa Central Community College is a comprehensive public educational institution with seven centers, academies and campuses across Iowa, aside from its main campus in Fort Dodge. This community college was organized 1966, and is presently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The college offers a flexible study program with options for on campus and on-site for some of its programs. In terms of accreditation, its ADN program under the Health Sciences Department is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The said department also offers a Practical Nursing Program.

Associate Degree Nursing Program - With 84 required credits, this AAS program prepares students for their roles as registered nurses. In the first and second semester in the program, the coursework is similar to that of the Practical Nursing Program. Hence, students can obtain a practical nursing diploma after the first summer, and he/she can also obtain an AAS degree after finishing the program. Due to limited enrollment, admission is selective. Moreover, an advanced standing option for LPNs is offered, allowing them to continue in the second year.

Practical Nursing Program - With 44 and a half credit hours required, this diploma program prepares students for entry-level nursing care positions under the supervision of an RN or physician. Since the first two semesters are similar to that of the AAS degree, students can transition to the said degree after completing the diploma program. Coursework includes extensive clinical work of 360 hours in various healthcare settings. This program has an approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Southwestern Community College is located in Creston, Iowa.  Their nursing program is unique; they describe it as a "ladder program."  Their students first complete their LPN.  This allows them to earn their LPN degree and work within a year, and simultaneously obtain the AAS in nursing.  They also have the option of opting out of the RN portion.