ADN Programs in Iowa – Schools, Salary, and License Info

ADN Programs in Iowa

Many US states, including Iowa, need more registered nurses with Associates Degree and they are working their way to overcome the issue with more training programs and different educational routes.

In Iowa, there are plenty of different degree level programs for nurses.

Programs last shorter than before, but you can always pick a comprehensive and traditional program on almost any university across the state.

A career in nursing can be challenging, but it is a rewarding career in so many aspects.

Keep reading to learn more about your educational opportunities for ADN programs in Iowa.

Choosing the Perfect ADN Program in Iowa – Things to Know

The first step toward a career in nursing is to choose the appropriate program.

Some students find it difficult to pick because there are so many educational programs across Iowa.

However, there is a way to narrow your choice and to ensure you are getting the best education with the best opportunities.

The program you choose has to meet two criteria – to be properly accredited and to make you eligible to take the NCLEX exam.

In Iowa, make sure that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing approved the ADN program.

The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools maintains the accreditation process for colleges.

Next, check the overall school statistics.

For example, you can find the NCLEX pass rates and job employment rate of graduates in for the first six months after graduation, to learn more about employers’ preferences.

Check the number of students who start the program and compare it with the number of students who complete it, to get a better sense of the education challenges.

Once you are 100% sure about your decision, proceed to the admission requirements.

ADN Program Admission Requirements

Schools in Iowa have different requirements for their different level programs.

Some schools tend to update requirements annually but also share basic requirements.

For example, you can be admitted to a school in Iowa if you have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and if you show evidence of an ACT of 20+ score.

Next, you have to complete all application form and processing fee on time and to submit official high school or college transcripts.

Only students who have completed psychology, science, and math pre-requisite courses will be considered.

Additionally, Iowa is one of the states where students are asked to complete the criminal background and drug check.

If you finish and submit everything on time, good luck – you will be admitted to the school in Iowa!

The Costs

The fees for ADN and other nursing degree programs are different across the state.

The tuition covers various things in different schools.

Ii some schools, you will have additional expenses for the appropriate footwear, nursing instruments, and learning materials.

For example, the semester at Kirkwood Community College will cost you around $2300.

Schools in Iowa

Iowa has an extensive list of quality schools that offer nursing training.

Let’s have a short overview of the best schools in Iowa and their nursing programs.

If you want the best clinical practice, you can pick the Kirkwood Community College, because it has a 12-16 week one-on-one clinical preceptorship.

The University of Dubuque is known for its excellent and highly-appreciated BSN programs.

Allen College in Waterloo, on the Cedar River and Mount Mercy University, has comprehensive education programs that are known across the country.

The University of Iowa is suitable for entry students and North Iowa Area Community College is an excellent choice for those looking for a robust curriculum of ADN program.

Graceland University has several BSN programs for nurses, as well as Luke’s College.

Iowa Central Community College has strong theoretical and practical training for nurses.

Coe College graduates are trained to work in various healthcare settings.

School NameAddress
Kirkwood Community College6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
University of Dubuque2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
Allen College1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA 50703
University of Iowa101 College of Nursing Building | 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242
North Iowa Area Community College500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
Graceland University1 University Pl, Lamoni, IA 50140
Iowa Central Community College1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Mount Mercy University1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
St. Luke's College2800 Pierce St #410, Sioux City, IA 51104
Coe College1220 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Southwestern Community College1501 W. Townline St., Creston, IA 50801
Luther College700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
Morningside College1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
Southeastern Community College1500 West Agency Rd, West Burlington, IA 52655
Marshalltown Community College3702 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Northeast Iowa Community College1625 Hwy 150 South, Calmar, IA 52132
Northwestern College101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041
Des Moines Area Community College2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Iowa Wesleyan University601 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges101 West Third St, Davenport, IA 52801
Iowa Lakes Community College300 S 18th St, Estherville, IA 51334
Northwest Iowa Community College603 W Park St, Sheldon, IA 51201
St. Ambrose University518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803
Clarke University1550 Clarke Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001
Purdue Global University-Davenport2660 East 53rd Street, Suite 6/7, Davenport, IA 52807
Mercy College of Health Sciences928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Grand View University1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Hawkeye Community College1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50701
Western Iowa Tech Community College4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
Briar Cliff University3303 Rebecca St, Sioux City, IA 51104
Iowa Western Community College2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Indian Hills Community College525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Purdue University Global - Des Moines4655 121st Street, Urbandale, IA 50323

Salary

A registered nurse in Iowa earns an annual median salary of $60690.

However, factors such as location, education, experience, and city determine the salary in different working settings.

Annual Salary Range:
$48K
$60K
$78K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
LocationAvg. Annual Salary
Des Moines$61,350
Cedar Rapids$60,170
Davenport$59,900
Sioux City$52,770
Waterloo$57,330
Iowa City$59,680
Council Bluffs$59,960
Dubuque$59,470
Ames$60,780
West Des Moines$61,350

Regional Salary in Iowa

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Ames, IA900$74,450$35.79$85,500$61,240
Cedar Rapids, IA2,820$74,690$35.91$90,710$61,740
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL3,830$73,220$35.2$88,910$61,440
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA7,790$76,830$36.94$92,190$63,570
Dubuque, IA1,320$72,730$34.97$82,260$59,780
Iowa City, IA3,900$79,010$37.99$98,600$65,290
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD1,850$71,010$34.14$86,630$58,540
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA1,930$71,400$34.33$86,340$59,230
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

USA ADN Programs by State


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