Best Iowa LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
In Iowa, LPN to RN bridge programs emphasize both classroom learning and applied clinical experience. Students advance their knowledge in adult health, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. Program graduates are prepared to transition into RN roles and meet state licensure requirements.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Iowa
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA - Private 4-year - sau.edu
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Ambrose University's LPN to BSN program, offered fully online, provides a flexible and efficient pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers. With a focus on holistic nursing, the curriculum includes 55 credits that can be completed in as few as five semesters, featuring clinicals at local health centers. Designed for working professionals across nine Midwestern states, it costs approximately $41,465 and offers full-time or part-time options, emphasizing patient-centered care and ethical decision-making. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam; check with the university for specific requirements.
- Fully online nursing program
- Complete in 5 semesters
- 55 total credits required
- Clinical experiences near home
- Serves 9 Midwestern states
- Total program cost ~$41,465
- Full and part-time options
- Holistic nursing approach
Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, IA - Public 2-Year - nwicc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Iowa Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program offers a one-year pathway for LPNs to become RNs, with clinical training in medical-surgical, geriatric, obstetrical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. It boasts a 100% job placement rate and competitive salaries from $29.50 to $44.50 per hour. The program requires a current LPN license, maintenance of a 'C' or above grade, and 86 credits, with summer entry and state board approval. It includes seamless transfer options for a BSN, but no entrance exam is mentioned for this associate-level program.
- One-year comprehensive nursing program
- 100% job placement rate
- Clinical experience in multiple specialties
- Pathway to BSN degree
- Salary range $29.50-$44.50/hour
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Summer semester entry
- Total 86 program credits
- Requires current LPN license
- Must maintain 'C' or above
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA - Public 2-Year - iowacentral.edu
Associate - Advance Standing Bridge
Campus Based - Visit Website
Iowa Central Community College's Advance Standing Bridge program supports LPNs in transitioning to RN roles through a focused 1-credit course with 15 lecture hours of traditional instruction. It emphasizes developing academic strategies like study, test-taking, and time management skills while reviewing critical nursing concepts. Corequisites include Nursing Theory III, RN Capstone I, and Applied Nursing Practice III, ensuring a comprehensive preparation for associate degree nursing. Prerequisites cover foundational and general education courses, with a strong focus on clinical judgment, patient-centered care, and professional communication to facilitate a smooth transition and success in further nursing studies.
- 1 credit course
- 15 lecture hours
- Traditional/Face-to-Face instruction
- Corequisites include Nursing Theory III
- Prerequisites cover foundational nursing
- Focuses on transition from LPN to RN
- Emphasizes clinical judgment
- Teaches patient-centered care
- Enhances professional communication
- Prepares for associate degree nursing
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA - Public 2-Year - kirkwood.edu
Associate - Nursing LPN Transfer
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kirkwood Community College offers a campus-based LPN to RN program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing, designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance their careers. With a completion time of two to three semesters, the program boasts a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate and provides extensive clinical training across various medical specialties. Emphasizing hands-on experience through supervised labs, simulations, and real-world settings, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles. The total cost is approximately $22,641, with scholarship opportunities available. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
- Two-three semester completion
- 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Comprehensive clinical experience
- Multiple scholarship options
- Supervised clinical training
- Diverse healthcare preparation
- Total program cost ~$22,641
- Transfer opportunities available
- Campus-based program
- LPN to RN pathway
Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar, IA - Public 2-Year - nicc.edu
Associate - Transitioning from Practice into Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeast Iowa Community College's Transitioning from Practice into Associate Degree Nursing program is a campus-based option for LPNs seeking to advance to RN roles. It requires passing the HESI LPN to ADN Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 850, covering key areas like Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, and Psychiatric Nursing. The program offers personalized remediation and detailed feedback through remote, video-proctored exams, with no specific texts needed—standard NCLEX prep books and online resources are recommended. This thorough preparation ensures students are well-equipped for entry and success in the nursing field.
- Campus-based program.
- HESI LPN to ADN exam required.
- Minimum score of 850 for entry.
- Covers Fundamentals, Pediatric Nursing.
- Includes Maternity, Professional Issues.
- Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric Nursing covered.
- Personalized remediation content provided.
- No specific texts required for prep.
- Standard PN NCLEX prep books recommended.
- Prep books available in campus libraries.
Iowa LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
LPN to RN bridge programs in Iowa build on your practical nursing education and work experience to prepare you for RN practice. While each college or university sets its own admission standards, applicants can expect requirements such as:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license, typically issued by Iowa or another Nurse Licensure Compact state
- Graduation from an approved practical nursing program
- Minimum GPA in prior coursework, often in the 2.5 to 3.0 range, and completion of prerequisite courses
- Common prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, English composition, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Psychology, Nutrition, and college Algebra or Statistics for BSN tracks
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
- Health and clinical clearance: immunizations, TB screening, fit testing, physical exam, and ability to meet technical standards
- Criminal background check and drug screening as required by clinical partners
- Placement or entrance testing where required by the program
Working LPNs may receive advanced standing through articulation or validation exams, which can waive introductory RN courses like fundamentals and basic pharmacology. Many Iowa programs also give application preference or additional points for recent LPN work experience and may offer evening, weekend, or hybrid options designed around employment schedules.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
Iowa LPN to RN pathways include LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN. Both expand scope from task-focused practical nursing to comprehensive RN assessment, care planning, leadership, and coordination. Curricula typically include:
- Advanced adult health and complex medical surgical nursing
- Maternal newborn and pediatric nursing
- Mental health and behavioral health nursing
- Community and population health
- Health assessment across the lifespan with lab and simulation
- Pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology
- Evidence based practice, informatics, and leadership or management
- Transition to the RN role and NCLEX RN preparation
Learning occurs in skills labs, high fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical rotations across Iowa hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, and community agencies.
For Iowa RN licensure eligibility you must graduate from a program approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Many Iowa programs also hold national accreditation from ACEN or CCNE. Board approval is required for licensure, while national accreditation strengthens transferability of credits, graduate school options, employer recognition, and access to certain types of financial aid.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Iowa offers LPN to RN bridge options through community and technical colleges, private colleges, and universities. Community colleges commonly offer LPN to ADN tracks that position you for entry level RN roles, while some universities provide pathways that grant advanced placement to LPNs working toward a BSN.
Coursework you can expect in an Iowa LPN to RN program includes:
- Nursing care of adults with complex conditions
- Maternal newborn, pediatric, and family centered care
- Psychiatric mental health nursing
- Gerontology and chronic care management
- Community and public health nursing
- Advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
- Nursing leadership, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration
- Research and evidence based practice, with additional policy, population health, and leadership depth in BSN tracks
Expect a blend of classroom or online theory, campus labs, simulation, and in person clinicals with Iowa preceptors and faculty oversight.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Iowa work in diverse settings, including acute care hospitals and critical access hospitals, outpatient clinics, long term care and skilled nursing, home health and hospice, public health departments, schools, behavioral health facilities, and telehealth. Scheduling varies by setting, with options that include 8 or 12 hour shifts and day, evening, night, weekend, or rotating schedules.
State and federal workforce reports consistently show steady demand for RNs in Iowa, influenced by an aging population, chronic disease prevalence, and rural access needs. Compared with LPN roles, RN practice in Iowa involves a broader scope that includes comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnosis within the RN role, care planning and coordination, supervision of nursing care, and wider clinical privileges. RNs typically have higher earning potential and more opportunities for specialty practice, leadership, and advancement into roles such as charge nurse, case manager, public health nurse, and clinical educator.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time LPN to ADN: commonly 3 to 4 semesters after prerequisites, often 12 to 18 months
- Part time LPN to ADN: commonly 5 to 6 semesters, often 18 to 24 months
- Evening or weekend LPN to ADN: similar to part time pacing, with labs and clinicals scheduled outside typical business hours
- Full time LPN to BSN: typically 6 to 8 semesters after prerequisites, often about 2.5 to 3 years
- Part time LPN to BSN: often 3.5 to 4 years depending on course load
Actual timelines depend on transfer credit granted for your LPN education, prerequisite completion, clinical site availability, and whether summer terms are used.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Iowa
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Ambrose University |
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| Kirkwood Community College |
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| Northwest Iowa Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution type, residency status, and how many credits you need after advanced placement. As general guidance in Iowa:
- LPN to ADN at public community colleges often totals roughly the low to mid five figures for tuition and mandatory fees
- LPN to BSN at public universities typically falls in the low to mid five figures for in state tuition, with private institutions higher
Additional costs to budget for include books and e resources, uniforms and shoes, stethoscope and supplies, immunizations and titers, background check and drug screen, liability insurance, BLS certification, transportation to clinical sites, and application, fingerprinting, and NCLEX registration fees. Housing costs in Iowa vary by city and campus. Some colleges offer limited on campus housing, while most students use off campus rentals. Compare local market rents, utilities, and commuting expenses when planning your budget.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Iowa
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood Community College |
|
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| Saint Ambrose University |
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| Iowa Central Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Iowa LPN to RN programs commonly use hybrid formats. Didactic courses may be delivered online or in a blended format to support working LPNs, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinicals are conducted in person with faculty oversight at Iowa clinical sites. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are not available because hands on lab and clinical practice are required for program approval and for safe preparation for RN practice. If you enroll in an out of state distance program that plans Iowa clinical placements, it must meet Iowa Board of Nursing requirements for clinical education in the state.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Iowa
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Iowa-approved LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to receive an Iowa RN license. Candidates apply to the Iowa Board of Nursing and register for the exam through the official NCLEX program site. After the Board deems you eligible, you will receive an Authorization to Test and can schedule your exam. Results are transmitted to the Board; a passing result is required before a license is issued.
The Iowa Board of Nursing provides application instructions, eligibility review, and fingerprint-based background check processing. Graduates should ensure their program sends an official transcript directly to the Board as part of the exam application.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Iowa licenses RNs by endorsement if they were first licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement applicants submit an online application to the Iowa Board of Nursing, complete a criminal background check, provide verification of original and current licenses, and meet education requirements. License verification typically occurs through Nursys, as directed by the Board.
Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Eligible RNs who declare Iowa as their primary state of residence may hold a multistate license that authorizes practice in other compact states. RNs moving to Iowa from another compact state must apply for Iowa licensure when they change their primary state of residence; those coming from non-compact states apply by endorsement for an Iowa single-state license or, if eligible, a multistate license.
Licensure Requirements
The Iowa Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. For initial licensure by examination, applicants must:
- Graduate from a board-approved RN program, including LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge pathways.
- Submit an online application to the Board and pay the required fees.
- Complete a fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal background check as instructed by the Board.
- Ensure the nursing program sends an official transcript verifying degree conferral.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Nurses educated outside the United States may need a credentials evaluation and proof of English proficiency as directed by the Board before being authorized to test or endorsed.
License Renewal
Iowa RN licenses are issued on a three-year cycle. Renewal is completed online and typically opens several weeks before the expiration date shown on the license. All required continuing education must be completed within the current license period prior to renewal.
- Continuing education: RNs must complete 36 contact hours of Board-accepted continuing education every three years.
- State-mandated trainings: Iowa law requires specific trainings for many nurses, including dependent adult and child abuse identification and reporting for those who regularly examine, attend, counsel, or treat children or dependent adults. Human trafficking prevention training is also required. Nurses should complete the versions approved by Iowa state authorities and consistent with Board rules within each renewal cycle.
- Practice hours: Iowa does not require a set number of clinical practice hours for renewal, but nurses must meet all CE and mandatory training requirements and maintain current name and address with the Board.
Late renewals and reactivation after lapse may involve additional fees or documentation. Always review current instructions on the Iowa Board of Nursing website before submitting your renewal.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years. Many programs, like the one at Kirkwood Community College, can be completed in just two to three semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides the fundamental skills and knowledge for entry-level registered nursing roles, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Iowa:
Approximately $8,000 - $15,000 for the entire program. For example, Kirkwood Community College's in-state tuition is $217 per credit hour, and Northeast Iowa Community College's practical nursing program costs around $10,036 for tuition and fees.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Iowa.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 4 years, depending on the specific program structure and the number of transferable credits from the LPN program and previous college coursework. Some online programs, like the one at St. Ambrose University, can be completed in as few as five semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Offers a more comprehensive education that includes all the clinical skills of an ADN, plus additional training in leadership, research, and community health.
Average In-State Tuition in Iowa:
Varies significantly between public and private institutions, generally ranging from $20,000 to over $40,000 for the entire program. For instance, the University of Iowa's RN-BSN program has a total tuition of around $17,600, while a private institution like St. Ambrose University has an estimated total program cost of approximately $41,465 for their LPN to BSN program.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership roles, advanced practice positions, and a broader range of career opportunities in nursing.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges, with many offering online and hybrid program formats to accommodate working LPNs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to working as a registered nurse.
- Lower Cost of Education: Community college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition, making the LPN to ADN route a more budget-friendly option.
- Strong Foundation for Practice: The curriculum is intensely focused on developing essential clinical skills, preparing graduates for immediate employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and later choose to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with tuition assistance from their employer.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a requirement for leadership and management positions, as well as specialized roles in areas like public health, nursing education, and informatics.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN degree typically have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse-midwife.
- Broader Skill Set: The BSN curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership, which are valuable in a complex healthcare system.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Iowa
Calmar, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College
- Associate - Transitioning from Practice into Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- HESI LPN to ADN exam required.
- Minimum score of 850 for entry.
- Covers Fundamentals, Pediatric Nursing.
- Includes Maternity, Professional Issues.
- Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric Nursing covered.
- Personalized remediation content provided.
- No specific texts required for prep.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Kirkwood Community College
- Associate - Nursing LPN Transfer
Campus Based - Website
- Two-three semester completion
- 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Comprehensive clinical experience
- Multiple scholarship options
- Supervised clinical training
- Diverse healthcare preparation
- Total program cost ~$22,641
- Transfer opportunities available
Davenport, IA
Saint Ambrose University
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- Complete in 5 semesters
- 55 total credits required
- Clinical experiences near home
- Serves 9 Midwestern states
- Total program cost ~$41,465
- Full and part-time options
- Holistic nursing approach
Fort Dodge, IA
Iowa Central Community College
- Associate - Advance Standing Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- 1 credit course
- 15 lecture hours
- Traditional/Face-to-Face instruction
- Corequisites include Nursing Theory III
- Prerequisites cover foundational nursing
- Focuses on transition from LPN to RN
- Emphasizes clinical judgment
- Teaches patient-centered care
Sheldon, IA
Northwest Iowa Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- One-year comprehensive nursing program
- 100% job placement rate
- Clinical experience in multiple specialties
- Pathway to BSN degree
- Salary range $29.50-$44.50/hour
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Summer semester entry
- Total 86 program credits
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