DNP Programs in Iowa

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DNP Programs in Iowa

By EveryNurse Staff on January 18, 2023

The doctorate degree in advanced nursing practice is responsible for some of the best career opportunities in the industry. Graduates are trained for leadership positions in specialized patient care, systems development, health care policies, education, and more. Their skills give them the authority to improve all aspects of health care using the results of scientific research. They are at the forefront of nursing development and are paid fantastic salaries for their knowledge. The employment rate of doctorate nurses is one hundred percent. Considerable research has been done for you, and these are all the schools offering DNP programs in Iowa.

Featured Iowa DNP Programs (RN Required)

  • The DNP program available at Allen College is accredited by CCNE. Students prepare for advanced practice roles as clinical leaders and specialty nurses. There is a strong focus on leadership and innovation. This program is studied completely online. The average student completes the program in two years. Please take the time to contact the school and inquire about their latest application deadline dates.
  • The Department of Nursing at Clarke University has a CCNE accredited DNP program available for those wishing to specialize as advanced Family Nurse Practitioners. Instruction conveniently occurs online, but you will also be required to attend classes on campus. Students complete the program in eighteen months of full-time study. Please do not hesitate to contact the school directly for application deadline information.
  • The College of Nursing at the University of Iowa has a DNP program available that is accredited by CCNE. Students are prepared for careers in advanced clinical practice and executive leadership. There are both part-time and full-time study plans available, and courses are mostly delivered online, with onsite attendance occasionally required. The length of the program is determined by your choice of specialty and plan of study. Students typically finish in two to three years. Applications relating to the Nurse Anesthesia track are due by June 1st at the latest. Those applying to all other tracks must submit their applications well before October 1st.

Iowa DNP Nurse Checklist

There are certain prerequisites that are needed when applying to a DNP program. Most importantly, graduate education must have been completed. There are bridge programs available to those without their MSN, but they still require specific grades be maintained throughout graduate coursework. Each school has their own set of application procedures, and it is advisable to adhere strictly to them. Space in doctorate programs is limited, and students must be competitive to secure a spot in any program. We have compiled a list of what you will need when applying to a DNP program in Iowa:

  • You will need to provide proof of all clinical hours and experiences as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
  • You must be currently licensed to practice unrestricted as a registered nurse in Iowa.
  • Official transcripts must be provided by each school attended since high school graduation.
  • An essay needs to be written about your career objectives. Detail your personal goals and describe how achieving them relies on your completion of this level of study.
  • Three letters of reference are required from employers, work colleagues, or academic authorities.
  • You must grant the school a personal interview when requested of you.
  • Statistics, healthcare assessment, and research courses must have been completed within the last five years at the graduate level.
  • An accredited MSN program must be responsible for your Master’s degree.
  • Vaccinations against specified diseases are essential and evidence must be provided of your latest full health check. The school will also perform a background check.
  • All academic, professional, and voluntary experiences must be detailed in your latest resume. Include your achievements in these capacities.
  • You will need to submit samples of your creative written work or scholarly papers.
  • 3.0 is the minimum overall Grade Point Average score desired. This is on a scale of 4.0 and some schools may prefer this grade to be 3.5 instead.

If you have the desire to truly make a difference in the quality of patient care that communities receive, then you will need to complete your doctoral studies. Millions of people rely on basic access to health care and you will be able to ensure they receive the best of it. Regardless of whether your career choices revolve around clinical practice, education, technology, policies, or something else, you will be qualified to implement developments that improve health care for all.

Additional Iowa Program Rankings

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