According to a recent article from the Associated Press, Iowa's nursing shortage, which spans across multiple nursing categories, has reached an alarming stage. Many nursing leaders have beefed up their efforts to provide better training programs to help prepare for a growing number of vacancies in the upcoming decade, as well as encourage current and prospective nurses to stay in the profession long-term.
If you're considering the practical nursing field and are interested in opportunities in Iowa, keep reading to search LPN programs, learn about state licensing requirements, and get salary and employment information.
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Top LPN Programs in Iowa
Methodology +
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 LPN Programs in Iowa
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With nursing programs at various academic levels, Hawkeye Community College provides learners with field-specific career preparation. Although the school is located in Waterloo, Iowa, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to busy learners, working professionals, and individuals with families.
Associate degree-seekers explore basic concepts related to nursing. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level jobs in nursing and related fields. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
Hawkeye Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 41
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 30
#2 LPN Programs in Iowa
Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Northwest Iowa Community College provides online and on-campus associate and certificate programs. With technical, subject-specific classes, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to succeed in entry-level roles. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
Enrollees who prefer not to relocate to Sheldon can study remotely, in an online format. Students who need flexible scheduling options, such as working professionals, often choose online programs as well. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Northwest Iowa Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 18
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 15
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
#3 LPN Programs in Iowa
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Indian Hills Community College. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Iowa and throughout the country. These flexible remote programs are a great option for those unable to move for their education.
While completing an associate or certificate program in nursing, participants develop technical skills and gain broad knowledge in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Indian Hills Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 47
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 38
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
#4 LPN Programs in Iowa
Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Northeast Iowa Community College provides online and on-campus associate and certificate programs. While earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, students gain technical skills necessary for positions in the field. Additional education, such as a bachelor's degree, can help graduates qualify for more advanced positions in the field.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Calmar. Students who need flexible scheduling options, such as working professionals, often choose online programs as well. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
Northeast Iowa Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 36
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 39
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
#5 LPN Programs in Iowa
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution enrolling learners in associate and certificate programs. With online and in-person enrollment options, the school provides opportunities for both Iowa residents and out-of-state students. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
In addition to coursework, associate and certificate programs in nursing feature practical training opportunities to prepare participants for work in the field. After completing their program, individuals can qualify for entry-level jobs related to nursing. In addition to entering the workforce, graduates can continue their studies by earning a bachelor's degree.
Western Iowa Tech Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 37
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 64
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 12
#6 LPN Programs in Iowa
Southwestern Community College
Creston, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Southwestern Community College educates learners based in Iowa and throughout the country by offering online and on-campus programs. The coursework required by an associate or certificate program helps students gain knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in nursing positions. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
The school's online programs eliminate costs associated with transportation and relocation. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Southwestern Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 20
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 16
#7 LPN Programs in Iowa
Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Iowa Lakes Community College offers options at the associate and certificate levels for learners interested in nursing. In addition to on-campus programs in Estherville, the school delivers online classes students can attend remotely. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. Individuals often use the training from their degree or certificate program to succeed in entry-level roles in nursing and related fields. Graduates can also transfer to a bachelor's program to advance their education and qualify for higher-level positions in the field.
Iowa Lakes Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 32
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 8
Number of Certificate Programs: 23
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
#8 LPN Programs in Iowa
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Davenport, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Students located in the state can attend classes at the Davenport campus, while others can enroll online. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
Participants in associate and certificate programs complete nursing-specific coursework and training. After completing their associate or certificate program, individuals can apply for entry-level positions relevant to their training. Additionally, many graduates enroll in bachelor's programs, saving money by transferring associate or certificate credits.
Eastern Iowa Community College District at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 40
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 6
Number of Certificate Programs: 52
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 9
#9 LPN Programs in Iowa
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Kirkwood Community College educates learners based in Iowa and throughout the country by offering online and on-campus programs. Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature technical training to prepare students to succeed in specialized roles. Along with entry-level roles, graduates can apply their new knowledge to bachelor's studies.
Enrollees living outside of Cedar Rapids benefit from these programs being available online. Additionally, online nursing programs can benefit busy students by allowing them to complete assignments and view lectures on evenings and weekends. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
Kirkwood Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 61
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 57
#10 LPN Programs in Iowa
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, Southeastern Community College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus in Iowa. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain nursing-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. An associate degree can also prepare graduates for advanced study, such as bachelor's programs.
Enrollees located anywhere can take advantage of the school's online programs. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.
Southeastern Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 23
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 22
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
#11 LPN Programs in Iowa
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, North Iowa Area Community College maintains a campus in Iowa. With technical, subject-specific classes, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to succeed in entry-level roles. In addition to pursuing employment, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning can be ideal for busy students with personal and professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should research their chosen profession's education requirements.
North Iowa Area Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 26
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 30
#12 LPN Programs in Iowa
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public school, Des Moines Area Community College educates learners based in Iowa and throughout the country by offering online and on-campus programs. To qualify for nursing positions, students can earn an associate degree or certificate, which require coursework and technical training. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Enrollees can study online without relocating to Ankeny. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Des Moines Area Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 57
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 85
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
#13 LPN Programs in Iowa
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Iowa Central Community College is a public institution. Although the school is located in Fort Dodge, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing gain practical skills in the field. These programs often lead directly to entry-level nursing positions. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
Iowa Central Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 38
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 19
#14 LPN Programs in Iowa
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With online and on-campus options, Iowa Western Community College delivers associate and certificate programs from its campus. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students to secure employment and succeed in entry-level roles. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Enrollees not based near the Council Bluffs campus can pursue the school's programs online. Working professionals often pursue online nursing programs because of the increased flexibility, which allows students to complete coursework at their convenience. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
Iowa Western Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 32
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 7
Number of Certificate Programs: 43
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
#15 LPN Programs in Iowa
Marshalltown Community College
Marshalltown, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Marshalltown Community College is a public institution. With online and in-person enrollment options, the school provides opportunities for both Iowa residents and out-of-state students. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study online.
In addition to practical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing help participants gain a breadth of relevant knowledge. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
Marshalltown Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 22
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2
Number of Certificate Programs: 22
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Search for the Right LPN Program in Iowa
There is no getting around the licensure process if one wishes to practice and find employment as a practical nurse in Iowa. One crucial requirement for licensure is completion of state-approved postsecondary nursing education, either in the form of a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Accredited LPN programs in Iowa offer quality education and training to prepare its graduates for employment within state borders. Use the search tool below to filter for and compare available academic options across the state.
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Obtaining LPN Licensure in Iowa
There's no getting around it – Iowa state licensure is an absolute must for LPN practice within the state, and responsibility for meeting all licensing requirements rests solely with the nurse. Below is a description of those requirements and what an applicant must do to meet them.
Basic Eligibility
- Graduate from a state-approved LPN nursing program
- Report any past felony convictions or record of prior disciplinary action against you, regardless of jurisdiction. These must be reviewed and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing prior to license issuance.
- Pass the NCLEX examination
LPN Education
The Iowa Board of Nursing is responsible for the approval of all LPN programs with a physical presence in the state. The Iowa Board of Nursing does not approve out-of-state programs, but will accept an applicant for initial licensure/endorsement who has graduated from an approved out-of-state program.
The majority of LPN programs in Iowa can be found at community colleges throughout the state. Most of these programs can be completed in two semesters of full-time study, culminating in the award of a certificate. Some programs can lead to an associate of applied science degree (AAS), but this option usually takes two years.
Licensure Fees and Logistics
- Must have graduated from high school or received a GED
- Must hold a valid Social Security number
- Must submit an official transcript from his or her nursing program denoting the degree awarded and date of graduation directly to the Board. Only mailed hard copies will be accepted.
- Submit two completed fingerprint cards and pay a $143 fee ($50 for fingerprint card processing and $93 for exam application processing) to the Iowa Board of Nursing
- Under the Home Base Iowa Act, military service applicants can submit a military service application, which allows the applicant to apply verified military education, training, and service credit towards any licensure experience or educational requirement
- Iowa is a member of the multi-state Nurse Licensing Compact that allows a nurse who resides in a compact state to hold one license (from the nurse's primary state of residence) and practice in all other states in which the compact is in effect
License Renewal
License renewal can be done online through IBON Online Services and include a $99 fee. Expiration dates are indicated on each wallet card, but can also be viewed online through the Online Verification System. LPNs can renew their license up to 60 days before the expiration date, and Iowa law requires that it be renewed no later than 30 days prior to expiration. There is no monetary penalty for missing this cut off; however, it is not guaranteed that the new license will arrive before the old one expires. Paper renewals that are returned to the applicant for any reason and then resubmitted after the 15th of the applicant's birth month are considered late renewal and are subject to a $50 late fee. The state does not prohibit the practice of practical nurses who are waiting for a new licensure during the 30-day grace period. Employers, however, can prohibit practice.
Additionally, LPNs must complete a continuing education requirement for license renewal. The first renewal requires 2.4 Continuing Education Units or 24 Contact Hours for renewal. Subsequent renewals require 3.6 CEUs or 36 Contact Hours.
Wages for Iowa LPNs
Iowa is a state whose population is spread throughout a number of modest-sized cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, as well as small rural communities and farms. Check the tables below for more detailed information on LPN salaries in Iowa.
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Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
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Employment Trends for Iowa LPNs
According to the Iowa Center for Nursing Workforce, Iowa has a ratio of three LPNs per 1000 residents, substantially higher than the national average of two LPNs per 1000 residents. Below is a look at some helpful employment statistics and trends for Iowa LPN job seekers.
Top Employment Locations
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 1,230 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 970 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL | 750 |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 720 |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 720 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 700 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 460 |
| Cedar Rapids | 410 |
| Sioux City IA-NE-SD | 300 |
| Dubuque | 270 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Iowa
2012 - 7,630
2022 - 9,210
Average Annual Openings 350
Sources: Projections Central
Resources and Associations
Future of Nursing Campaign for Action: Iowa Action Coalition
This is the state website for the Campaign for Action, a non-profit organization sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The Campaign's goal is to promote the implementation of recommendations in the Institute of Medicine's report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.
Iowa Association of Nursing Students
Website provides information on association membership, policy and procedures, and the association's annual convention. The association is a chapter of the National Student Nurses Association.
Iowa Board of Nursing
The Iowa Board of Nursing oversees all aspects of education and licensing of nurses in the state. Its mission is to protect public health, safety and welfare by regulating the licensure and practice of nurses, and through nursing education and continuing education.
Iowa Department of Education
Website offers useful information on education throughout the state, including info on community colleges, career planning, and veterans and military education.
Iowa Department of Public Health
Government website with information regarding all aspects of public health in the state. Excellent source for Iowa health news and links to other state resources.
Iowa Hospital Association
The Iowa Hospital Association is an organization that represents and supports Iowa hospitals in achieving their missions and goals. Their website offers links to a wealth of nursing and health-related resources.
Iowa Nurses Association
The INA is the professional association of registered nurses in Iowa. INA provides excellent information on a variety of LPN subjects including nursing careers, continuing education and public policy.
Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL)
The IONL's mission is to, "represent and support nurse leaders in the state of Iowa as catalysts for innovation." Its board consists of executives from leading hospitals and medical centers throughout the state
.National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN is a not-for-profit organization whose members include the boards of nursing for all 50 states, Washington D.C. and four U.S. Territories. The NCSBN provides education, service and research to promote regulatory excellence in patient safety and public protection.
Visiting Nurse Association
Headquartered in Iowa City, the Visiting Nurse Association is a non-profit organization that provides medical services to individuals with acute or chronic illness or disability throughout Johnson County.