Iowa Nursing Schools

There are 30+ nursing schools in Iowa in our database with accredited nursing programs at varying levels, offering plenty of different options.

Most states in the U.S. are suffering from the worldwide nursing shortage to some degree, and Iowa is no exception. There are a lot of contributing factors when it comes to nursing shortages, including a nursing population that’s reaching retirement age, nursing students leaving the state to go work in areas like New York City or Boston, a lack of qualified educators for nursing programs, enrollment wait lists, and more. When a nursing shortage happens in a state that encompasses large metropolitan areas and sparsely populated, rural areas, it can mean tough times for community hospitals and rural doctors’ offices.

To help combat a lot of the things that contribute to Iowa’s nursing shortage, several of the state’s nursing schools have implemented various strategies that will allow them to turn out qualified medical personnel in a shorter period of time. These include things like online educational programs. Iowa’s nursing schools are located in rural and urban areas alike, which makes it easy for prospective students to find a good nursing school near them.

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Careers for Iowa Nurses

Iowa displays considerable variation in its nurses’ salaries, like most states do. Nurses in urban areas generally earn a bit more than those in rural areas, and those employed by state hospitals generally earn more than those working for community facilities. An RN working at a hospital in Des Moines, for example, will earn a median annual salary of $60,866. If that nurse moved to Sioux City, he or she would earn a median annual salary of $54,688. All figures are from the BLS.

Iowa Board of Nursing

Iowa’s Board of Nursing can provide important information to nursing students, educators, and nurses. People can learn all they need to know about licensing, examinations, renewals, health care laws, industry news, approved nursing programs, and more. The Iowa Board of Nursing can be reached at RiverPoint Business Park, 400 S.W. 8th Street, Ste. B, Des Moines, IA, 50309-4685, or on their website here.

★ Featured Nursing Schools Accepting Iowa Applicants

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Iowa Nursing Degrees by Program

Use the quick links below to view detailed information on the specific nursing degree you are considering. Includes degree info and school options in your state.

Nursing Degrees & Financial Info at Iowa Colleges

One major obstacle to enrolling more nursing students is tuition costs. In an effort to help woo more prospective students into Iowa’s nursing programs, there are several financial aid measures that help students pay for some or all of their nursing tuition. These include:

  • Scholarships awarded by individual schools
  • The Iowa Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
  • The Iowa Student Loan Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness Program
  • The Iowa Nurses Foundation Scholarship
  • Tuition reimbursement schemes provided by employers

These are only some of the financial aid programs available. Students interested in a nursing career would do well to research all of the loan repayment, grant, and scholarship programs that they can.

Nursing Scholarships & Grants Info for Iowa

The following nursing scholarships and grants are for Iowa residents as well as out-of-state students attending colleges and universities in the state.

Allen Memorial Hospital Corporation
The Corporation provides nursing scholarships for Iowa residents who plan to work in the state upon graduation.  Award amounts vary and are based on financial need.  Applicants must also demonstrate academic achievement and potential. For applications, write the Corporation at 1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50703.

Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital
The Hospital provides scholarships to Iowa residents enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the state.  Award amounts range from $100 to $2,100.  Eligibility criteria include financial need, college admission scores, class rank, and community service activities.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Hospital at 993 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 or by phone at (712) 396-6000.

University of Iowa
The College of Nursing offers over 25 scholarship opportunities for nursing students.  Undergraduate and graduate nursing students are eligible for scholarships.  Each has specific criteria that applicants must meet to be considered.  Award amounts vary as do submission deadlines.  For more information on available nursing scholarships, contact the College at 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 or call them at (319) 335-7018.

Genesis Health Services Foundation
The Foundation offers several types of nursing grants and scholarships.  The Gala Nursing Scholarship is a $5,000 forgivable loan for nursing students who are Iowa residents.  Applicants must attend an accredited four-year nursing program to be eligible. The Virginia I. Pilcher, R.N. Scholarship is for an R.N. employed by Genesis Medical Center to pursue an advanced nursing degree.  Contact the Foundation directly for applications. Write to them at 1127 East Rusholme Street, Davenport, IA 52803.

St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation
The Foundation provides nursing scholarships to volunteers of St. Luke’s and their families.  Additional eligible applicants include associates and auxiliary members. These scholarships are merit-based and determined by letters of recommendation, academic achievement, and essays. Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of February annually. For applications and guidelines, write the Foundation at 1026 A Avenue, N.E., Suite 105, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.  If you have general questions, call the Foundation at (319) 369-7716.

Margaret E. Dallas Scholarships
If you are a resident of Cedar County in Iowa and attending an accredited nursing program, you may be eligible for a scholarship from this foundation.  Award amounts vary but are typically less than $1,000.  Scholarships are renewable.  For guidelines, write the foundation at 400 East 6th Street, Tipton IA 52772.

Ruth Parks Trust for the Education of Nurses
Nursing students who live within 20 miles of Ida Grove, IA are eligible to apply for a nursing scholarship from the Trust. Applicants must be pursuing an R.N. degree.  In addition to the application form, nursing students will be required to document financial need, academic achievement, and career goals. Completed applications are due by May annually. For guidelines, write the Trust, c/o United Bank of Iowa, 501 2nd Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445.

List of Nursing Schools & Accredited Programs in Iowa

★ Featured Nursing Schools Accepting Iowa Applicants

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List of Iowa Nursing Schools

Allen College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
Adult & Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (ANP/GNP) (dual certification)
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APMHNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Leadership in Health Care Delivery (Administration)
Nursing Education
Master’s Completion Program for Nurse Practitioners
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1990 Heath St
Waterloo, Iowa 50703-1999
Phone:(319) 226-2000
Website:www.allencollege.edu
Allen College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Briar Cliff University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3303 Rebecca St
Sioux City, Iowa 51104
Phone:(712) 279-1662
Phone: (800) 662-3303
Website:www.briarcliff.edu
Briar Cliff University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Clarke College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1550 Clarke Dr
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3198
Phone:(88) 825-2753
Website:www.clarke.edu
Clarke College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Coe College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1220 First Ave Nurse Educator
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-5092
Phone:(319) 399-8500
Phone: (877) 225 5263
Website:www.coe.edu
Coe College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Des Moines Area Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Iowa Board of Nursing
2006 Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-3993
Phone:(515) 964-6200
Phone: (877) 863-6222
Website:www.dmacc.edu
Des Moines Area Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Dordt College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
498 4th Ave NE
Sioux Center, Iowa 51250-1697
Phone:(712) 722-6000
Website:www.dordt.edu
Dordt College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation:Higher Learning Commission
306 W River Dr
Davenport, Iowa 52801-1221
Phone:(800) 462-3255
Website:www.eicc.edu
Eastern Iowa Community College District is a 2-year, public institution.

Ellsworth Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1100 College Ave
Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
Phone: 641) 648-4611
Phone:(800) 322-9235
Website:www.ellsworthcollege.com
Ellsworth Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Graceland University-Lamoni

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Arts in Health Care Management
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN))
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Registered Nurse to Master’s of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Iowa Board of Nursing
1 University Place
Lamoni, Iowa 50140
Phone:(641) 784-5000
Website:www.graceland.edu
Graceland University-Lamoni is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Grand View University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Clinical Nurse Leader
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1200 Grandview Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Phone:(515) 263-2800
Website:www.grandview.edu
Grand View University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Hawkeye Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
1501 E Orange Rd
P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, Iowa 50701
Phone:(319) 296-2320
Phone: (800) 670-4769
Website:www.hawkeyecollege.edu
Hawkeye Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Indian Hills Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
525 Grandview,
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
Phone:(641) 683-5111
Phone: (800) 726-2585
Website:www.indianhills.edu
Indian Hills Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Iowa Central Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA))
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
One Triton Circle
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
Phone:(515) 576-7201
Phone: (800) 361-2793
Website:www.iowacentral.edu
Iowa Central Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Iowa Lakes Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
19 S 7th St
Estherville, Iowa 51334-2295
Phone:(712) 362-2604
Phone: (800) 521-5054
Website:www.iowalakes.edu
Iowa Lakes Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Iowa Wesleyan College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
601 N Main Street
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
Phone:(319) 385-8021
Website:www.iwc.edu
Iowa Wesleyan College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Iowa Western Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
2700 College Rd
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503-1057
Phone:(712) 325-3200
Phone: (800) 432-5852
Website:iwcc.cc.ia.us
Iowa Western Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Kaplan University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Nurse Administrator
Informatics Specialist
Registered Nurse to Master’s of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Post- Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) Certificates
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1801 E Kimberly Rd Ste 1
Davenport, Iowa 52807
Phone:(563) 355-3500
Website:www.kaplan.edu
Kaplan University is a 4-year, private for-profit institution.

Kirkwood Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2068
Phone:(319) 398-5411
Phone: (800) 332-2055
Website:www.kirkwood.edu
Kirkwood Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Luther College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045
Phone:(563) 387-2000
Phone: (800) 45808437
Website:www.luther.edu
Luther College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Marshalltown Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
3700 S Center St
Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
Phone:(641) 752-7106
Phone: (866) 622-4748
Website:www.iavalley.edu/mcc/
Marshalltown Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
928 Sixth Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1239
Phone:(515) 643-3180
Phone: (800) 647-2994
Website:www.mchs.edu
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, private not-for-profit institution.

Morningside College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1501 Morningside Ave
Sioux City, Iowa 51106-1751
Phone:(712) 274-5000
Phone: (800) 831-0806
Website:www.morningside.edu
Morningside College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Mount Mercy College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1330 Elmhurst Dr
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797
Phone:(319) 363-8213
Website:www.mtmercy.edu
Mount Mercy College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

North Iowa Area Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
500 College Dr
Mason City, Iowa 50401
Phone:(641) 423-1264
Website:www.niacc.edu
North Iowa Area Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
1625 Hwy 15o
Calmar, Iowa 52132-0400
Phone:(563) 562-3263
Phone: (800) 728-2256
Website:www.nicc.edu
Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar is a 2-year, public institution.

Northwest Iowa Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
603 W Park St
Sheldon, Iowa 51201
Phone:(712) 324-5061
Phone: (800) 352-4907
Website:www.nwicc.edu
Northwest Iowa Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Northwestern College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Iowa Board of Nursing
101 Seventh St SW
Orange City, Iowa 51041
Phone:(712) 707-7000
Website:www.nwciowa.edu
Northwestern College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Saint Ambrose University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
518 W Locust St
Davenport, Iowa 52803-2898
Phone:(563) 333-6000
Website:www.sau.edu
Saint Ambrose University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Southeastern Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: Iowa Board of Nursing
1500 West Agency Road
West Burlington, Iowa 52655-0180
Phone:(319) 752-2731
Phone: (800) 722-4692
Website:www.scciowa.edu
Southeastern Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Southwestern Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1501 W. Townline Street
Creston, Iowa 50801
Phone:(641) 782-7081 x420
Phone: (800) 247-4023
Website:www.swcciowa.edu
Southwestern Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

St Luke’s College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2720 Stone Park Blvd
Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0263
Phone:(712) 279-3149
Phone:(800) 352-4660
Website:www.stlukescollege.edu
St Luke’s College is a 2-year, private not-for-profit institution.

University of Dubuque

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
2000 University Ave
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone:(563) 589-3000
Website:www.dbq.edu
University of Dubuque is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

University of Iowa

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Clinical Nurse Leader
PhD in Nursing
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
101 College of Nursing Building
50 Newton Road
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
Phone:(319) 335-3500
Fax: (319) 335-9990
Website:www.uiowa.edu
University of Iowa is a 4-year, public institution.

Upper Iowa University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
605 Washington St
Fayette, Iowa 52142-1857
Phone:(563) 425-5200
Website:www.uiu.edu
Upper Iowa University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
4647 Stone Ave
Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199
Phone:(712) 274-6400
Phone: (800) 352-4649
Website:www.witcc.edu
Western Iowa Tech Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Our Nursing School Reviews – Iowa

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