BSN Programs in Iowa

BSN Programs in Iowa

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

BSN Programs in Iowa
Thanks to modern medicine and advanced technology, people in the United States are living longer. As these patients grow older, the need for more healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in disease prevention, healing, and pain management will significantly increase. Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, such as attending a BSN degree program in Iowa, is just one of the ways people can take advantage of the current job climate, earn a higher salary, and enjoy a greater number of employment options.

Schools With BSN Programs in Iowa

  • Boasting a 100 percent employment rate, as well as a 100 percent graduate school acceptance rate of nursing alumni, Briar Cliff University (BCU) is known for providing the most clinical experience (800 hours (including a 100-hour senior clinical preceptorship) in the State of Iowa. Fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), students enter one of three BSN degree options: Basic BSN (a generic four-year program), LPN-BSN (licensed practical nurses; completed within three years), and RN-BSN (an online program for registered nurses).
  • Offering a four-year pre-licensure BSN program, as well as an option for licensed registered nurses, Grand View University prepares graduates for assuming advanced positions within the nursing field. Those who take the traditional degree approach will benefit from the school’s variety of internship opportunities. An example of this is seen in the Transition-to-BSN Practice tier NURS417, Leadership: A Commitment to Society, where students learn from nurse managers and staff nurses in a range of practice settings throughout the Des Moines region, such as Mercy Medical Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center.
  • Nursing majors attending Luther College enter an integrated program that combines a liberal arts education with 14 professional nursing courses. First-year students concentrate on satisfying liberal arts and science requirements. Entry into the nursing student club (PRN) also provides valuable experiences and networking. The sophomore year typically consists of clinical nursing courses that start in the fall. Third-year students start to learn about concepts, such as caring for children and adults with physical and emotional problems. Clinical experiences are offered at a variety of settings, such as St. Mary’ s Hospital and the Federal Medical Center. Graduates of the College’s BSN program often go on to seek immediate positions in the healthcare industry or choose to pursue an advanced nursing degree.
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), students attending the University of Dubuque will earn a BSN through a program that spans four years. First-year students and sophomores will concentrate on completing pre-nursing courses, such as Psychology, Sociology, and Human Nutrition. Examples of core nursing classes taken during a junior and senior year include Basic Concepts & Skills in Nursing, Leadership, and Management in Nursing and Health Care, and Care of the Patient with Mental Illness (with lab).
  • The College of Nursing of University of Iowa offers an RN-to-BSN program that is largely offered online. Students will encounter a face-to-face component centered on one practicum/clinical course (related to community and public health). Registered nurses applying to the program must possess a valid Iowa nursing license, as well as hold an associate degree or nursing diploma.
  • The Department of Nursing at Mount Mercy College is regarded as providing one of the first baccalaureate programs in Iowa and admits around 300 students. Offering a BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, students may enter as first-year students or transfer students who can take classes on a full-time or part-time basis. The nursing program is housed in the Donnelly Center, where labs and class instruction takes place within close proximity. Clinical experience is gained at local hospitals and other health care facilities.
  • Nursing majors attending the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Iowa Wesleyan College will gain a wealth of skills and experience working in a variety of local health care settings, which typically begin as early as sophomore year. The school also offers an online program for registered nurses looking to earn a BSN.

Degree Guides

Iowa BSN Checklist

  • Apply and complete an accredited BSN curriculum offered through an on-campus or online college or university program.
  • Upon graduation, pass Iowa’s National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam.
  • Gain licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa by submitting an application to the Iowa Board of Nursing, and paying the ~$143 fee. Applicants must send in a signed waiver form, fingerprint cards, and an official transcript to the Board.
  • When applicable, renew RN license every three years.
  • Complete continuing education requirements for the state of Iowa; a three year license requires 36 contact hours, while 24 contact hours is required for a license issued for less than three years.

Iowa Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

The salary of a nurse who has graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program generally earns more money than a nurse who has an associate degree or nursing diploma. Employers typically view the extra experience and skill-building as having a profound impact on nursing abilities. Because of this, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that registered nurses with a BSN working in Iowa qualify to make a median annual salary of $52,520.

As the demand for registered nurses continues to rise in the United States, a growing number of colleges and universities are offering more options in education. One of the most increasingly popular ways to earn a BSN in Iowa is to pursue distance learning opportunities, where classes, exams, and lectures take place across the Internet.

Additional Iowa Program Rankings

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