[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa hospitals have experienced an increase in patients and an exodus of nurses, creating a great demand for healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores how to become a nurse in Iowa, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing programs in Iowa.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in Iowa and how to choose a program that fits your needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Iowa, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing a nursing program in Iowa, consider factors that might impact your academic and professional goals. To simplify the selection process, research the cost, program length, financial aid options, and curriculum to ensure a good fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine if the program successfully prepares its students for nursing by verifying [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing program accreditation [/hen-ui-link]and reviewing the average National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores and graduation rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With its projected employment demand above the national average, coupled with having one of the lowest costs of living in the nation, Iowa is an excellent location for prospective and current registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Iowa also benefits from being a part of the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact [/hen-ui-link](NLC). As part of the NLC, Iowa has joined 36 other states in agreeing to a set of rules and procedures all licensed RNs must follow.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs from one of the other 36 NLC states can qualify for a license in Iowa with minimal paperwork. Conversely, RNs licensed in Iowa have an easier time practicing in another NLC state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an average annual salary of $62,570, RNs in Iowa have one of the lowest compensation rates in the county, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse practitioners (NPs) earn a higher annual mean wage of $107,910, which is slightly more than the national median of $117,670. Learn more about RN salaries in Iowa.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Despite lower RN salaries, nurses who work in Iowa benefit from the state’s low cost of living, with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state” target=”_blank”]index of 90.1[/hen-ui-link] compared to a national average of 100. Iowa also expects an increase in the demand for nurses. [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%5B0%5D=1&Name=&NameSelect%5B0%5D=664&items_per_page=100&order=PercentChange&sort=asc” target=”_blank”]According to the BLS[/hen-ui-link], the state can expect a 15.1% increase in employment, which is higher than the 12.1% growth projected nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities in Iowa are located in the more densely populated areas of the state, such as Des Moines, the state’s capital. Cities to the north and east of the capital include some of the state’s highest-paying regions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Iowa City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,940[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Des Moines — West Des Moines[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Ames[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,030[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cedar Rapids[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,540[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Waterloo — Cedar Falls[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,080[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state nursing licensing requirements[/hen-ui-link] in Iowa are similar to those in other states. Prospective RNs must graduate from a state board-approved nursing program, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], and complete a background check. APRNs must meet the same requirements as RNs in addition to completing a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]graduate nursing program[/hen-ui-link] and a specialty certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education requirements for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Iowa RN to MSN Degree Programs + Bridge Requirements” href=”/state/iowa/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Iowa Medical Assisting Programs & Training + Online Options” href=”/state/iowa/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Iowa[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Iowa?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The time it takes to become a nurse in Iowa depends upon the academic path. Full-time students can complete an ADN program in two years and a BSN in four years. A part-time schedule can increase this time line.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN program typically takes two years to complete when enrolled full time after earning a BSN and gaining two years of clinical experience. Therefore, it could take up to eight years to start practicing as an APRN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is Iowa a good state for nursing?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The low cost of living, projected demand for healthcare professionals, and NLC status make Iowa a great location for prospective nurses and seasoned veterans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Does an online nursing degree have the same value as an on-campus degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Much like an in-person program, the value of an online degree depends on the institution. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursing.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2022/02/nclex-rn_program_data_2021.pdf” target=”_blank”]Over 90% of students[/hen-ui-link] who attended online programs at Allen College, Graceland University, Mount Mercy University, Northwest Iowa Community College, and the University of Iowa passed the NCLEX on their first attempt, highlighting their ability to successfully prepare future nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is Iowa a compact state?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. In 1998, the Iowa State Board of Nursing voted to initiate compact legislation, which became active in 2000. Iowa nurses can earn a multistate license that allows them to practice in other compact states. Those who move to Iowa from another compact state must apply for primary licensure in Iowa.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]