How to Become an RN in Iowa: 5 Steps
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Iowa? IA’s healthcare system relies on skilled, compassionate nurses to care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. If you’re looking to start your nursing career in the Hawkeye State, you’ll need to meet specific education, licensing, and testing requirements. We’ve broken down the process in this guide.
There are currently over 33,300 actively licensed RNs in Iowa, but the state will need more as the population ages and more nurses retire. Across the United States, demand for RNs is projected to grow faster than average, so if you’ve been looking for a stable career, this could be a good choice. But nursing isn’t just a practical job — it’s also one where you can learn advanced skills, offer support to patients who need it, and explore a variety of specialty options.
What Does an RN in Iowa Do?
Nurses in Iowa work in a range of settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient centers, long-term care, and much more. Check out a few of the many specialty nursing roles you could explore once you’ve completed the process of how to become an RN in Iowa:
- Emergency room (ER) nursing: Work in hospitals and freestanding ERs, providing care for patients in life-threatening situations.
- Pediatric nursing: Care for children with various illnesses at facilities like children’s hospitals and pediatric clinics statewide.
- Oncology nursing: Support cancer patients through treatment and recovery at centers like the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa.
- Mental health nursing: Provide care in behavioral health units, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient mental health programs.
- Surgical nursing: Help surgeries run smoothly by providing care before, during, and after procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Iowa?
The process of how to become an RN in Iowa is similar to other states, in that, it’ll take you at least two years to complete a shorter degree path, and four years if you choose a longer degree. Here’s an overview of the schooling options for becoming an RN:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes 2 years and provides the foundational education needed to become an RN. ADN degrees are generally less expensive because they’re offered at community and technical colleges.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program that offers additional training in leadership, research, and specialized nursing roles. The BSN is a more in-depth degree that is preferred by many hospitals and nursing leadership organizations.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may qualify for a direct-entry or accelerated program that will be shorter than either option above. These programs have a rigorous course schedule, but you’d be able to become a nurse much faster.
Check out these highly ranked BSN programs in Iowa:
- University of Iowa
- Mount Mercy University
- St. Ambrose University
- Luther College
- Northwestern College – Iowa
Iowa is also home to great ADN programs, including the following:
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Eastern Iowa Community College
Whichever program you choose, be sure that it appears on the Iowa Board of Nursing’s list of approved schools. This will qualify you to take the licensure exam after you graduate.
How to Become an RN in Iowa: 5 Steps
Learn how to become a registered nurse in Iowa in the five steps below. If you already have a degree and are looking for details on the licensure process in Iowa, skip to step two.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
Nursing school prepares you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to care for patients. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN, you’ll take courses covering essential medical concepts, patient care, and care plans. Expect to study subjects like:
- Anatomy and physiology: Understand the human body and how diseases affect it.
- Pharmacology: Learn how medications work and how to administer them safely.
- Health assessment: Develop skills to evaluate patient conditions.
- Pathophysiology: Study how illnesses develop and progress.
- Women’s health: Understand pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and health issues across the lifespan.
In addition to coursework, you’ll complete clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. These hands-on experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, working alongside experienced nurses in specialties like medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health.
While Iowa nursing students cannot sit for the CNA exam without taking a course, they can still work as noncertified nursing assistants during school to gain more experience and exposure to healthcare settings. Many employers do not require certification, and you can help pay for nursing school with a flexible job. Search CNA jobs in Iowa.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure
Once you’ve completed your nursing education, you’ll need to apply for a license by examination through the Iowa BON. Here’s what you’ll have to provide:
- Completed candidate application, including official transcripts, fingerprint cards, Privacy Act Statement, and criminal background disclosure (submitted after the application fee)
- Name
- Address
- $143 application fee
Next, register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE. You’ll need to provide your nursing program and a $200 registration fee when you do so. If you’re requesting exam accommodations, contact the BON before you complete this registration. Remember to use the exact same name and information for both applications. Once they’re both approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which you’ll use to schedule your exam.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX
Passing the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) means you’re ready to practice as a nurse. The NCLEX is an adaptive exam, so you’ll have between 75 and 145 questions to complete, depending on how you answer. The test emphasizes clinical judgment and critical thinking, with question formats like case studies, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the content areas to know for the test:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
If you’re worried about passing the NCLEX, there are many ways to study. Start by checking out the exam preview and running through some sample questions. You may also want to purchase a third-party review program or attend an in-person or remote study session.
If you fail the exam, you’ll get your official results by mail so you can see which areas need improvement. You can retest 45 days after your initial testing date, and the fee for reexaminations is $93, as well as another $200 Pearson VUE registration fee. Once you pass, you’ll get an email telling you that your license has been issued.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
With your RN license in hand, you’re ready to start looking for RN jobs in Iowa. The state offers diverse opportunities in urban hospitals, rural health clinics, and specialty care centers. New graduate nurses might begin their careers in acute care, where they can build critical thinking skills while caring for sick patients in the hospital setting.
Not sure what to put on your resume as a new nurse? See our new grad resume template and cover letter guide, and check out our reel on finding your next nursing job:
Some of the top healthcare employers in Iowa include:
- University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
- UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center
- Adair County Memorial Hospital (part of MercyOne)
- Audubon County Memorial Hospital
- Broadlawns Medical Center
- Nebraska Methodist Health System
On average, what is an RN salary in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that IA RNs earn about $74,610 per year on average. It’s common for new graduates to start out on the lower end of the earning spectrum, but there are ways you can increase your income potential. Acquiring certification in your specialty area is one of them, and we’ve compiled a list of the best RN certifications for your career.
Another way to earn more as a nurse is to work in an area where incomes tend to be higher, such as urban centers and major cities. If you’re open to moving, consider roles in one of the largest Iowa cities by population:
If you’re interested in working as a travel nurse, learning how to become an RN in Iowa could help you get closer to that goal. Iowa is a compact state, so nurses with NLC licensure can work in Iowa and other states, such as Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date and Grow Your Career
RNs in Iowa have to renew their license every three years to continue working. See our guide on Iowa BON license renewals.
Once you’ve completed the steps of how to become an RN in Iowa, the sky’s the limit. While many nurses continue working RN jobs, some pursue additional career growth in advanced roles such as:
- Nurse practitioner: Provides primary and specialty care in an expanded role that includes diagnosing, prescribing, and guiding treatment plans
- Nurse administrator: Oversees nursing departments, managing staff, budgets, and patient care strategies
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Administers anesthesia for surgeries and procedures, working in hospitals and surgical centers
- Nurse educator: Trains future nurses in academic or hospital settings, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals
Find RN Jobs in Iowa, Easily
Now that you know how to become an RN in Iowa, you might be wondering about open roles in your area. IntelyCare has job openings for a range of RN specialties. Learn more with personalized job notifications.
