RN Programs in Iowa

Learn to become a Registered Nurse in Iowa! Explore the requirements, accredited programs, salary outlook, and Iowa State Board of Nursing.
RN Programs in Iowa

Did you know that nurses outnumber doctors in the US by about four to one? In fact, nurses make up the majority of staff at most medical facilities and provide most basic healthcare. The demand for registered nurses (RNs) is growing each year, including in Iowa, where RNs earn an average salary of $69,370.

Requirements to Become an RN in Iowa

To become an RN in Iowa, you must earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited program approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON). You must also pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, which consists of a written test and a practical skills assessment. Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply to the IBON for an RN license.

Accredited RN Programs in Iowa

Iowa is a great place to start your RN career. Several excellent schools here offer RN programs, and we've listed some of the best below:

  1. Allen College

    1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA 50703
    (319) 226-2014
  2. Briar Cliff University

    3303 Rebecca St, Sioux City, IA 51104
    (712) 279-5321
  3. Clarke University

    1550 Clarke Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001
    (563) 588-6300
  4. Coe College

    1220 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
    (319) 399-8000
  5. Des Moines Area Community College

    2006 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
    (800) 362-2127
  6. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

    101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
    (563) 336-3300
  7. Graceland University

    1 University Pl, Lamoni, IA 50140
    (816) 833-0524
  8. Grand View University

    1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
    (515) 263-2800
  9. Hawkeye Community College

    1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701
    (319) 296-2320
  10. Indian Hills Community College

    525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
    (641) 683-5111
  11. Iowa Central Community College

    1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
    (515) 576-0099
  12. Iowa Lakes Community College

    300 S 18th St, Estherville, IA 51334
    (712) 362-2604
  13. Iowa Wesleyan University

    601 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641
    (319) 385-8021
  14. Iowa Western Community College

    2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
    (712) 325-3200
  15. Kirkwood Community College

    6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    (319) 398-5411
  16. Luther College

    700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
    (563) 387-2000
  17. Marshalltown Community College

    3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
    (641) 752-4643
  18. Mercy College of Health Sciences

    928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
    (515) 643-3180
  19. Morningside College

    1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
    (712) 274-5000
  20. Mount Mercy University

    1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
    (319) 363-8213
  21. North Iowa Area Community College

    500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
    (641) 423-1264
  22. Northeast Iowa Community College

    1625 IA-150, Calmar, IA 52132
    (800) 728-2256
  23. Northwest Iowa Community College

    603 W Park St, Sheldon, IA 51201
    (712) 324-5061
  24. Northwestern College

    101 7th St SW, Orange City, IA 51041
    (712) 707-7000
  25. Purdue University Global - Des Moines

    4637 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323
    (515) 727-2100
  26. Southeastern Community College

    1500 W Agency Rd, West Burlington, IA 52655
    (866) 722-4692
  27. Southwestern Community College

    1501 W Townline St, Creston, IA 50801
    (800) 247-4023
  28. St. Ambrose University

    518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803
    (563) 333-6000
  29. St. Luke's College

    2800 Pierce St # 410, Sioux City, IA 51104
    (712) 279-3149
  30. University of Dubuque

    2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
    (563) 589-3000
  31. University of Iowa

    50 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52246
    (319) 335-7018
  32. Western Iowa Tech Community College

    4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
    (712) 274-6400

RN Job Outlook and Salary in Iowa

Iowa RNs are in high demand, with Projections Central forecasting a 12% job growth rate from 2020 to 2030. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $69,370 per year, equivalent to $33.35 per hour.

The following table shows the total number of RNs employed in Iowa, and their average wage and salary, by area.

AreaTotal EmploymentAvg Hourly WageAvg Annual Salary
Iowa City4,250$35.69$74,230
Des Moines-West Des Moines7,840$34.16$71,060
Cedar Rapids2,800$33.68$70,050
Ames900$33.3$69,260
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island4,080$32.77$68,160
Waterloo-Cedar Falls1,800$32.57$67,750
Dubuque1,330$32.16$66,890
Sioux City1,790$32.1$66,760

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022

Iowa Board of Nursing

The Iowa Board of Nursing is the primary resource for RNs in Iowa for all nursing-related questions and concerns.

Iowa Board of Nursing

400 SW 8th St B, Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 281-3255
(515) 281-4825

You Might Also Like