2024 - Best LPN Programs in Iowa
Looking to enter the healthcare industry in Iowa? Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a rewarding and promising career, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting growth of nearly 9% for the industry through the year 2029. Those ready to take the first step on this nursing journey should research and enroll in an LPN program in the state. LPNs in Iowa earn approximately $24.71 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $51,400. This is roughly $4,460 per year less than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Iowa? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Iowa are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 12 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Iowa click here.
Details on Iowa LPN Schools & Classes
There are plenty of schools in Iowa with LPN programs, from community colleges to vocational schools. Programs typically take between one and two years to complete, depending on full or part-time attendance. The curriculum for LPN programs in the state will include a mix of introductory nursing courses and labs. Titles may include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing in Health Care
- Developmental Psychology
- Nutrition
- Medication Administration for Nurses
- Life Span Health Care
Accreditation
Looking for a properly accredited school with an LPN program should be at the top of any prospective student’s list. National organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing offer accreditations that signify quality and academic excellence. Regional accreditations are also sometimes offered. Last but not least, the Iowa Board of Nursing is an excellent resource for finding approved LPN programs.
Admission Requirements
Choosing the right school is just the first step toward a career as an LPN; you’ll also need to make sure you meet the admissions requirements. While these may differ depending on school, common requirements include:
- High school graduate or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Official transcripts from high school and/or any colleges attended
- Two letters of reference
- Personal essay
Tuition and Costs
Due to the relatively short duration of the LPN program, it is one of the most affordable nursing programs available. Students will need to cover the costs of tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. For example, the total cost of the LPN program at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon is approximately $10,000 for in-state residents, or around $11,000 for non-residents. For those worried about paying for LPN school, financial aid and scholarships are typically available for well-qualified applicants, just inquire with your school of choice’s financial aid department.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Iowa LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Iowa LPN Licensing Requirements
Iowa has educational requirements that must be fulfilled by attending a state-certified LPN program. Once the student has completed the required coursework, he or she must sit for and pass the NCLEX exam. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:
- Official transcript of state-approved nursing program.
- Completed fingerprint cards and signed waiver.
- Information regarding criminal offenses—submit a criminal background check.
- NCLEX registration.
Iowa LPN Licenses must be renewed every 3 years, and the license holder is responsible for 36 contact hours of continued education. For detailed information about LPN renewal, check out Iowa Board of Nursing's Renewal page.
NCLEX Exam Information
Upon graduating from an LPN program, students are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to earn their license. This exam consists of roughly 100 questions spanning various aspects of nursing. For more information about the NCLEX-PN exam, check out our comprehensive guide here. Students are also encouraged to take an NCLEX-PN practice test to prepare for the real thing.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) consists of a series of states, one of which is Iowa, that allows nurses to register in a primary state but work in other states within the NLC without additional licensure. In January of 2018, an enhanced version of this compact went into effect, which added extra protections to the original NLC. Nurses from other states, outside of the compact, are required to apply for an Iowa state license by endorsement if they are seeking licensure in the state. They will also be required to submit the following:
- Official transcripts from state-approved nursing program.
- Verification of original license.
- Completed fingerprint cards and signed waiver.
- Information regarding criminal offenses—submit a criminal background check.
Graduates from a foreign nursing school, holding a license in another country, can apply for a license in the state of Iowa. As well as the items listed above, they will be required to also submit the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation of their official transcript and proof of English proficiency. Find out more detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Iowa.
2024 IA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 12
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 530
- 2022 Average Statewide Iowa NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.9%
Top Ranked Iowa LPN Programs
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), located in Calmar, Iowa, with an additional campus in Peosta, offers high-quality programs with excellent faculty at an affordable price. NICC wants their students to take steps toward a bright future, preparing them to respond to workplace and patient needs through their accredited practical nursing program.
Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College offers an outstanding full-time LPN program at its main campus as well as the Centerville campus. Students complete nursing coursework and clinical experiences throughout the program, which can be completed in just 12 months. The curriculum includes courses such as Pharmacology and Beginning Principles of Nursing.
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington’s Southeastern Community College boasts a practical nursing program which prepares students for effective nursing care and encourages life-long learning. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice and teaches students to provide support under RNs and other healthcare providers. Graduates of the program go on to work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical settings.
Northwest Iowa Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College’s LPN program prepares students to provide compassionate nursing care for patients across the lifespan. The curriculum includes courses in medical-surgical, maternity, geriatric, pediatric, and mental health care, amongst other topics. Supervised clinical experience is offered through area healthcare clinics, giving students a well-rounded educational base.
Marshalltown Community College
Iowa Valley Community College District is made up of two schools offering LPN programs, 1) Marshalltown Community College (MCC) is located in Marshalltown, IA and 2) Ellsworth Community College (ECC) located in Iowa Falls, IA. With small class sizes and one on one attention it's a wise decision to consider their offerings considering the successful NCLEX-PN pass rates over the past 5 years.
Continued List of All Programs in Iowa
| Ranked | Program | Score |
|---|---|---|
| #6 |
Iowa Central Community College
1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
(515) 576-7201 | 92.85 |
| #7 |
Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 325-3200 | 91.69 |
| #8 |
Western Iowa Tech Community College
4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
(712) 274-6400 | 90.86 |
| #9 |
North Iowa Area Community College
500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 423-1264 | 88.48 |
| #10 |
Iowa Lakes Community College
300 S 18th St, Estherville, IA 51334
(712) 362-7231 | 82.65 |
| #11 |
Des Moines Area Community College
2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
515964620 | 79.40 |
| #12 |
Eastern Iowa Community College District
306 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 441-4001 | 57.71 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional IA Nursing Resources
- Iowa Board of Nursing River Point Business Park 400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B Des Moines, IA 50309-4685 Phone: (515) 281-3255
- Iowa Nurses Association 2400 86th Street, #32 Urbandale, IA 50322 (515) 225-0495
LPN Salary in Iowa
The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Iowa. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, West Des Moines | 980 | $25.09 | $52,180 |
| Davenport, Moline, Rock Island | 700 | $25.09 | $52,180 |
| Waterloo, Cedar Falls | 390 | $24.25 | $50,440 |
| Cedar Rapids | 350 | $25.54 | $53,120 |
| Sioux City | 290 | $24.29 | $50,530 |
| Iowa City | 230 | $25.72 | $53,490 |
| Dubuque | 200 | $24.51 | $50,970 |
| Ames | 100 | $24.01 | $49,930 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)