Iowa Schools of Nursing – Degrees for RNs and LPNs in the Midwest

Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Programs in IA

Few states have escaped the wrath of the nationwide nursing shortage. Factors that create the problem include an aging nurse population, lack of educational facilities in which to train eager nursing students and lack of nurse educators needed to train those wishing to enroll. BUT as Iowa makes more adjustments to nursing school programs, and builds in financial incentives, the more nursing students will benefit.

Currently 19 schools for nurses make the list of accredited campus-based programs in the state. Keep in mind these variables while considering a nursing school program:

  • Some campus nursing schools in Iowa now have equally fine online or blended programs that could offer you more flexibility and convenience.
  • Schools are located in all regions of the state: major metro like Des Moines, and smaller locales like Boone and Ankeny.
  • Just because one school may have a wait list for prospective nursing students, doesn’t mean they all do—explore other school options.

Iowa Educational Nursing Trends

The Associates degree programs remain by far the more popular degree pathway to a nursing license in Iowa, according to statistics from the Iowa Board of Nursing. BSN degrees have steadily increased, but still lag behind the ASN degree, and diploma programs have sharply dropped as more and more nursing schools eliminate these “old-school” programs.

Among Advanced Practice degrees the most significant impact has been in Nurse Practitioner programs. A slight upgrade has taken place in nurse anesthesia programs as well. What’s clear is a steady increase in Masters level nursing programs as well. For most RNs earning an MSN means tuition reimbursement, increased job responsibilities, possible job change, and potential bonus.

Iowa Nursing School Loan Forgiveness and Scholarships

  • The Iowa Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program is a strategic financial appeal to prospective nursing students in the state. Eligible candidates may be RNs licensed since 2007 or nurse educators, with funding priority given first to educators. If you qualify you may earn up to 20% of your Stafford Loan balance annually which you can use as repayment.
  • Iowa Student Loan Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness Program is open to RN nursing students whose student loans are currently under Iowa Student Loan management. This loan forgiveness program could provide up to a maximum $20,000 in student loan forgiveness for a maximum 4 years of nursing service in the state.
  • Through the Iowa Nurses Association the Iowa Nursing Foundation administers the Iowa Nurses Foundation Scholarship. This program is open to INA members enrolled in RN-to-BSN or MSN programs of study.

List of Accredited Campus-Based Iowa Nursing Schools

  • Allen College
  • Briar Cliff University
  • Clarke College
  • Coe College
  • Des Moines Area Community College
  • Dordt College
  • Grand View College
  • Iowa Wesleyan College
  • Luther College
  • Mercy College of Health Sciences
  • Morningside College
  • Mount Mercy College
  • North Iowa Area Community College
  • St. Ambrose University
  • St. Luke’s College
  • University of Dubuque
  • University of Iowa
  • Upper Iowa University
  • Western Iowa Tech Community College

Explore Your Nursing Degree Options Today!