Online Nursing Schools in IA: Uncovering Top Programs

Overview of the Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Iowa

Online nursing programs in Iowa exist at all degree levels, and distance learning follows the same quality curricula as in-person nursing programs but with the convenience of learning from home. While most programs still require in-person clinical training at an approved healthcare facility or on campus, most online programs offer theory and lecture courses fully online.

When studying remotely, you’ll enjoy flexible scheduling, self-paced classes, and often lower tuition rates. Most remote nursing students also have few to no on-campus obligations. Online nursing programs in Iowa are a good fit for motivated students who are self-starters and good at working independently. Some synchronous programs offer a solid structure, but the more flexible asynchronous programs can present challenges for students who thrive in highly structured learning environments.

Entry-to-Mid-Level Nursing

Undergraduate programs are a great way to start on a path toward a nursing career. These programs include degrees, certificates, and diplomas and can take anywhere from a single semester to four years to complete. Whether you’re pursuing a CNA, ADN, LPN, or BSN program, you’ll find many avenues for success in healthcare.

Master’s and Postgraduate Programs

Graduate and post-graduate nursing degrees allow nurses to take a deeper dive into the areas of healthcare that they are interested in, such as mental health, family practice, or gerontology. These programs include graduate certificates, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D. in Nursing. The programs vary greatly in length, taking as little as one semester to four years.

Bridge and Step-In Programs

Bridge programs are designed to help students get to the next nursing level as quickly as possible, often giving students college credit for past education and experience. Bridge programs include LPN to RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and BSN to DNP degrees. These programs are typically shorter than they would be if followed traditionally.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensing for Registered Nurses in Iowa

Those looking to become RNs in Iowa will need to follow the steps laid out by the state to become licensed. You’ll need to apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing, which ensures that all the state laws related to nursing practice, education, and licensure are upheld. To help you understand Iowa’s specific licensure requirements before you begin your degree, we’ve outline them below.

1 – An Accredited Nursing Degree

Your first step toward becoming a registered nurse is completing an approved program from an accredited institution that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Accrediting institutions include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You can choose a diploma, ADN, or BSN program offered through any Iowa state-approved nursing school. Depending on the program, you’ll finish in about 2-4 years.

2 – Ace the NCLEX Exam

As your second step, you’ll need to complete the NCLEX candidate bulletin through NCSBN. The NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in all 50 states. You must pay a $200 fee every time you sit for the exam. You’ll know you’re eligible to sit for the exam in Iowa when you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. You can then schedule your exam at a local testing center.

The NCLEX-RN exam is pass/fail and tests your knowledge in a handful of foundation areas. Testing categories include psychosocial integrity, safety and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, and reduction of risk potential. Expect 75-265 questions in total. To prepare for the exam and get a feel for the layout, be sure to take at least one practice exam.

3 – Complete the State Licensure Application

Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam, follow the rest of the licensing requirements by submitting an application for licensure using the Iowa Board of Nursing’s online application, paying the $143 fee, and submitting official transcripts. All applications expire one year after they’re started online. The Board conducts a criminal history check and reviews any records of prior disciplinary action before the application proceeds.

4 – Renew and Maintain Your Professional License

Once you are licensed as a registered nurse, your license will need to be renewed every three years on the 16^th day of your birth month. Renewal requires a minimum of 36 contact hours working as a nurse in the previous three years. Those RNs who work with dependent adults and children need to complete training hours related to reporting child/dependent abuse as part of those hours. You’ll need to complete training courses offered by the Iowa Department of Human Services for renewal.

5 – Work Toward Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Once you become a registered nurse, you’re free to pursue specialty certifications, whether that’s through advanced degrees or offered by third parties. Advanced certifications can include topics such as pain management, informatics, or adult gerontology acute care. Specialty certifications are achieved through relevant experience and passing an exam, and they need to be renewed every few years.

Income & Career Opportunities for Registered Nurses in Iowa

Registered nurses (RNs) in Iowa have a positive job outlook, with current employment of 35,700 RNs projected to grow to 39,270, adding 3,570 new jobs—a growth rate of 10%. Each year, around 2,370 RN positions are expected to open due to growth, retirements, and turnover, reflecting steady demand. Salaries for Iowa RNs vary based on experience and location, with a statewide median salary of $71,570. Entry-level nurses in the 10th percentile earn approximately $61,250, while those in the 90th percentile make up to $90,800.

Regional variations are notable; for example, RNs in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn a median salary of $77,270, while Iowa City offers a higher median of $79,830, with top earners making up to $98,600. The combination of job stability and solid salary ranges makes Iowa an attractive state for aspiring RNs, especially given the higher salaries in urban areas and the overall job growth rate.

Iowa’s Leading Online Nursing Programs

There are so many options when it comes to nursing programs throughout Iowa. How can you possibly pick one? Well, we can’t do it for you, but we want to help as much as we can, so we researched nursing schools across the state and ranked them depending on factors that students find important. These factors include student-to-faculty ratio, tuition cost, accreditation, and more. For more details on how we ranked the schools below, see the methodology pop-up.