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Top Iowa RN to BSN Programs

Due to a myriad of factors, by 2020, 8 in 10 nurses are expected to hold BSN degrees, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). As time goes forward this trend is only expected to increase. Thus, forward-thinking RNs who are aware of the trend are going back to college to earn their BSNs in order to place themselves in an advantageous position in the next decade. As more and more nurses head back to school to earn their bachelor's degrees, colleges and universities have responded to the increased demand by making it more convenient than ever before to complete an RN to BSN bridge program. Today, nurses can earn their BSN degrees entirely online in just one or two years while continuing to work full-time. With so many programs out there, however, finding the best fit isn't always the easiest task. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Iowa.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Iowa

Choosing to enroll in an RN to BSN program is a serious decision that should be taken with care. While you look through Iowa's top programs, please consider the following:

  • Program success rate
  • Total Cost of Attendance
  • Class sizes
  • Program accreditations, accolades, or awards
  • Program retention rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Amount of time the program has been operating for
  • Internship opportunities at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
  • Programs acceptance rate
  • Instructor experience/credentials
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

Because ADN-educated nurses have already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming a licensed RN, they're not required to take it for a second time after completing an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

1. Saint Luke's College – Unity Point

Saint Luke's College is a private, non-denominational Christian college that's located in the city of 4. SLC offers an online, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete on a part or full-time basis. During their studies, students will encounter topics such as Informatics in Health Care, Leadership in Health Care, Culture & Diversity in Healthcare, and much more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center
  • UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's

Tuition:

Students attending Saint Luke's College - Unity Point RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $17,550 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. Mercy College of Health Sciences

Originally established in 1899, Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private Catholic College located in Des Moines which focuses mainly on healthcare. MCHS offers an online RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete in just three semesters. Curriculum plans are flexible and individualized so if students want to take things slowly, they have up to six years to complete the degree. On average, the faculty at MCHS RN to BSN program have 23 years of clinical experience. After completing the didactic portion of the program, students will need to complete a community-based preceptorship. New students are admitted three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
  • VA Central Iowa Health Care System
  • Broadlawns Medical Center

Tuition:

For current information on tuition and expenses, contact Mercy College of Health Sciences at (515) 643-3180.

3. University of Iowa

Founded in 1847 and located in Iowa City, the University of Iowa is the oldest university in the state. UI's College of Nursing offers a flexible, 32 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that students can choose to take on a part or full-time basis. Those who enroll full-time can expect to finish in three semesters whereas part-time students can expect to complete the program in five semesters. During the program, students will take courses like Intro to Human Genetics, Pathology, and Healthcare Finance, among others. After students have completed the didactic portion of the program, they'll need to complete a community health practicum and a leadership project.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics
  • Mercy Iowa City
  • Iowa City VA Health Care System

Tuition:

Students attending the University of Iowa's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $14,528 in tuition plus additional fees.

4. Clarke University

Founded as far back as 1843, Clarke University is a private Catholic university located in downtown Dubuque, overlooking the Mississippi River. CU offers an online, 31 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed over the span of three semesters. The program's flexible format allows students to continue working full-time while pursuing their degree. Throughout the program's duration students will take courses like Care Across the Lifespan, Health Policy Leadership, Community Health Care, and more. Following the completion of the didactic portion of the program, students are required to complete some precepted clinical hours at a local healthcare facility. New students are admitted into the program five times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mercy Medical Center
  • UnityPoint Health Finely Hospital
  • Malcolm Medical Hospital

Tuition:

For tuition information, contact Clarke University at (508) 793 7711.

5. Grand View University

First established in 1896, Grand View University is a private liberal arts university that's located in the city of Des Moines. GVU offers students a 26 semester credit hour online RN to BSN bridge program that generally takes about 14 months to complete. The program, which includes courses like Leadership, Community and Population Nursing, and others, is led by a highly qualified faculty who have extensive experience in teaching, clinical practice, and research. New cohorts begin each fall semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • VA Central Iowa Health Care System
  • MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
  • Broadlawns Medical Center

Tuition:

For current tuition information, contact Grand View University at (515) 263-2800.