Iowa LPN to RN/BSN Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 19, 2025

LPNs in the midwestern state of Iowa are increasingly choosing to further their education and careers by becoming RNs. Iowa’s LPN to RN programs offer pathways for students to earn either an ADN or BSN degree. RNs are able to work more independently, move up the career ladder more frequently, and earn a substantially higher salary. Iowa RNs, on average, earn $15,580 more per year than LPNs do, leading many to choose an LPN to RN program.

Are you trying to find more information on the LPN to RN educational pathway? Learn about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam and check out the Iowa Board of Nursing for information on licensing and education programs available in the state.

2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Iowa

Finding the best LPN to RN programs in Iowa is easier with practicalnursing.org. We rank programs to help you make the right choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted rankings. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

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 stands out for its fully online format, catering to licensed practical nurses seeking advancement without sacrificing their current roles. This program uniquely combines flexibility with a comprehensive curriculum, requiring 55 credits that can be completed in just five semesters. Clinical experiences are conveniently arranged near students' locations across nine Midwestern states, blending practical learning with theoretical knowledge. With a total cost around $41,465, the program is accessible for many, offering both full-time and part-time schedules. Its holistic approach to nursing education prepares graduates for the complexities of patient care, emphasizing ethics, professionalism, and a patient-centered mindset.

  • 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
#2

Northwest Iowa Community College

Sheldon, IA - Public 2-Year - nwicc.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwest Iowa Community College offers an Associate Degree Nursing program tailored for LPNs aiming to advance to RN status. This one-year program stands out for its 100% job placement rate, preparing students through hands-on clinical training in various specialties including medical-surgical, geriatric, and pediatric nursing. Graduates enjoy competitive salaries, with earnings between $29.50 and $44.50 per hour. The program not only meets the State Board of Nursing requirements but also provides a clear pathway for those wishing to pursue a BSN. Entry is available in the summer semester, requiring a current LPN license and a commitment to maintain at least a 'C' grade average across 86 program credits.

  • 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
#3

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA - Public 2-Year - kirkwood.edu

Associate - Nursing LPN Transfer

Campus Based - Visit Website

Kirkwood Community College offers an LPN Transfer Nursing program designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers by obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This program stands out for its efficiency, allowing students to complete their degree in just two to three semesters. It boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of 94%, reflecting the quality of education and preparation students receive. The curriculum is rich in hands-on learning, featuring supervised laboratory work, simulation exercises, and real-life clinical experiences across various medical specialties. With an estimated total cost of $22,641 and numerous scholarship opportunities, Kirkwood makes advancing in nursing both accessible and affordable. The program's focus on comprehensive clinical training ensures graduates are ready to excel in diverse healthcare environments.

  • 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
#4

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA - Public 2-Year - iowacentral.edu

Associate - Advance Standing Bridge

Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa Central Community College offers an Advance Standing Bridge program tailored for LPNs aiming to become RNs. This 1-credit course, delivered through traditional face-to-face instruction, spans 15 lecture hours, focusing on easing the transition with strategies in study, test-taking, and time management. It revisits crucial practical nursing concepts while integrating RN responsibilities through corequisites like Nursing Theory III and Applied Nursing Practice III. Prerequisites ensure a solid foundation in nursing and general education. The program stands out for its emphasis on clinical judgment, patient-centered care, and professional communication, setting students up for success in associate degree nursing courses.

  • 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
  • Includes study and test-taking strategies
  • Time management skills development
  • Supports throughout the transition process
  • Review of critical nursing concepts
  • Preparation for success in nursing courses
#5

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 offers a Transitioning from Practice into Associate Degree Nursing program, tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to elevate their nursing careers. This on-campus program mandates a HESI LPN to ADN Entrance Exam score of at least 850, covering essential nursing domains such as Fundamentals, Pediatric, Maternity, Medical-Surgical, and Psychiatric Nursing, alongside Professional Issues. Unique to this program is its provision of personalized remediation and detailed online reports post-exam, facilitating targeted study. While no specific textbooks are required, standard PN NCLEX prep materials and online resources are recommended. The program supports flexible exam scheduling, including remote, video-proctored options, but advises early planning due to a limited testing schedule.

  • 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.
  • Online resources for exam preparation.
  • Remote, video-proctored exams available.
  • Detailed online reports post-exam.
  • Contact for scheduling exam details.
  • Limited testing schedule, plan ahead.
*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2023).

List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in IA

Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Iowa. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.

Jump to City:

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
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Iowa LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area

Salary Comparison Tool

This tool will allow you to easily search and compare the average salaries of nurses for many cities and locations across the U.S. You can search by city and state. Salary data is provided through the BLS.

Select Career Type

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The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in Iowa.

On average an RN in Iowa earns $43,150, which is 10% less than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).

City/AreaAvg LPN SalaryAvg RN Salary% Diff
Des Moines, West Des Moines - IA$44,750$62,24039.1%
Davenport, Moline, Rock Island - IA$43,010$55,20028.3%
Iowa City - IA$44,330$67,11051.4%
Cedar Rapids - IA$42,380$58,06037.0%
Waterloo, Cedar Falls - IA$41,080$55,99036.3%
Sioux City - IA$41,440$55,68034.4%
Dubuque - IA$42,000$56,17033.7%
Ames - IA$43,330$59,32036.9%

Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm