Top LPN Programs in Iowa
Iowa LPN Schools, License Requirements, Job Outlook, and Salary
The state of Iowa maintains the health standards by promoting nursing education and standards. The research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that LPN jobs are expected to grow 16% by 2024. Becoming an LPN is the quickest route to enter into the healthcare industry. The LPN program consists of theory as well as practical classes. Those who want to pursue an LPN course must be of 18 years and have a high school diploma.
The state is dedicated to nurturing the skills of the aspirants, who want to opt for nursing as their career and wish to become a care provider in the future. If you want to become an LPN in Iowa, you must check various parameters before opting for a particular school, like the size of the school or class, school's accreditation by the Iowa Nursing Board, the NCLEX-PN pass rate, etc. If you want to know in detail about this profession in the state of Iowa, you have landed at the right place.
Accredited Nursing Schools in Iowa
1
Rank
Kirkwood Community College
Type of Course:Diploma and Degree
Kirkwood Community College has all the facilities and tools to pace up with the changing needs of the job market. It is spread over an area of 885 acres. In order to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of education, the college has partnered with several school districts and the University of Iowa. It also offers scholarships to the deserving candidates.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
99.80 %
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Address:
6301 Kirkwood Boulevard Southwest, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
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Contact Number:
877-386-9101
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2
Rank
Iowa Valley Community College District
Type of Course:Diploma and Degree
IVCC is governed by a locally elected board of directors, which makes the policies and keeps a check on the academic progress. The college has been imparting knowledge to the students since 1966. It is one of the community colleges that offer thousands of adult education programs. It has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.80 %
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Address:
3702 South Center Street, Marshall Town, IA 50158
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Contact Number:
800-284-4823
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3
Rank
Northeast Iowa Community College
Type of Course:Diploma & Degree
NICC has various branches across the state, delivering quality education. It is located in Cresco, New Hampton, Manchester, Waukon, and Oelwein. A total of 85 programs are offered by the college. The nursing programs prepare the nurses for employment in homes and health care units. The college aims at the overall development of the students, laying equal emphasis on the recreational activities.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.60 %
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Address:
1625 Highway 150 South, PO Box 400, Calmar, IA 52132
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Contact Number:
800-728-2256
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Type of Course:
Diploma & Degree
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4
Rank
Southwestern Community College
Type of Course:Diploma and Degree
This is one of the top nursing schools in Iowa. The college has experienced faculty members who train and upgrade the skills of the students so that they can stand out in the cut-throat competition. The school has its branches in Creston, Red Oak, and Osceola Center. SWCC provides opportunities for higher learning and develops a sense of accomplishment.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
97.40 %
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Address:
1501 West Townline Street, Creston, IA 50801
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Contact Number:
800-247-4023
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Type of Course:
Diploma and Degree
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5
Rank
Des Moines Area Community College
Type of Course:Diploma & Degree
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.40 %
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Address:
1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
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Contact Number:
1-800-362-2127
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Type of Course:
Diploma & Degree
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6
Rank
Iowa Central Community College
Type of Course:Degree & Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.80 %
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Address:
One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
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Contact Number:
800-362-2793
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Type of Course:
Degree & Diploma
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7
Rank
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Type of Course:Diploma & Degree
The college was established in 1966. Over the years, the college has been successful in maintaining the standard of the education and facilities. The community college focuses on the intellectual and personal growth of the students and promotes lifelong learning.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.60 %
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Address:
4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa 51102-5199
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Contact Number:
800-352-4649
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8
Rank
Northwest Iowa Community College
Type of Course:Diploma & Degree
The college has been running classes successfully from 1967. Presently, the college offers 84 different technical programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers Continuing Education classes and progressive learning courses to fulfill the changing demands of the global community.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.00 %
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Address:
603 West Park Street, Sheldon, Iowa 51201
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Contact Number:
800-352-4907
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9
Rank
Southeastern Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.20 %
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Address:
1500 West Agency Road, West Burlington, Iowa 52655-0180
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Contact Number:
866-722-4692
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10
Rank
Iowa Western Community College
Type of Course:Degree & Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
93.20 %
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Address:
2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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Contact Number:
800-432-5852
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Type of Course:
Degree & Diploma
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11
Rank
Hawkeye Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.80 %
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Address:
1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
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Contact Number:
319-296-2320
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12
Rank
Indian Hills Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
85.60 %
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Address:
525 Grandview Avenue, Ottumwa, IA 52501
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Contact Number:
800-726-2585
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13
Rank
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Type of Course:Diploma & Degree
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
85.20 %
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Address:
306 West River Drive, Davenport, IA 52801
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Contact Number:
1-800-462-3255
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Type of Course:
Diploma & Degree
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14
Rank
Iowa Lakes Community College
Type of Course:Degree & Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
79.00 %
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Address:
300 South 18th Street, Estherville, Iowa 51334
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Contact Number:
800-521-5054
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Type of Course:
Degree & Diploma
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Requirements To Be Fulfilled to Obtain the LPN License
After completion of the degree, it is necessary to obtain a license before working as a practical nurse in a professional environment. The license is granted by the State Board of Nursing on passing the NCLEX-PN test.
Next, the candidate is required to submit a fingerprint report, along with the criminal record and character certificate. The candidate having a criminal background may not be approved by the state, for which, s/he has to provide the letters of recommendation.
The candidate can apply for the NCLEX-PN test online by filling an application form. The fee for application and background check is $143. The state arranges for the test when the candidate is deemed eligible by the board.
Out-of-State
Nurses who are licensed in other states can get the license through endorsement. For this, they have to pay a fee of $169. If the nurse did not graduate in English, then it is mandatory for him/her to pass the TOEFL or the IELTS. Then, they have to request the Iowa Board to allow them to sit for the NCLEX-PN test.
License Renewal
The license obtained on passing the NCLEX-PN test expires after a particular time. In Iowa, the license needs to be renewed after every 3 years. The license can be renewed online by paying the renewal fees of $99. Somehow, if the Internet is not available, then a paper renewal can be requested by making a call on 515.281.4826.
Reinstatement of the LPN License
The license is considered valid for 3 years, after which, it has to be renewed. If the nurses fail to get it renewed within that time period, then they have to reinstate it. For reactivating the license, go to IBON Online Services. The nurses are supposed to submit the reactivation application, two fingerprint reports collected from the office of Board of Nursing, signed waiver, and a fee of $225. The license is issued for a time period of 2 years and the number of months to the birth month. The board processes the application after 5 working days. At any time, you can check the status of your application through IBON Online Services.
Duplicate License
In case the license gets misplaced or stolen, you can request the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry to issue a duplicate license. For that, you are required to submit an application form and a fee of $20. The board issues the duplicate license within 14 days.
The application form and fees can be mailed to the following address:
Iowa Board of Nursing
River Point Business Park
400 SW 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4685
Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa
The average salary of LPNs in Iowa, as per indeed.com, was $50,000 (as of August 31, 2016). As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses made the mean hourly wage of $19.10 and an annual salary of $39,730 (as of May 2015).
Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs With Average Annual Salaries
| Job Titles |
Salary |
| LPN Ambulatory |
$33,000 |
| LPN Cma Rma |
$30,000 |
| LPN Long Term Care |
$32,000 |
| LPN Primary Care |
$46,000 |
| Nar Nursing Assistant Hope |
$24,000 |
| Correctional Prison Facility LPN |
$23,000 |
| Medical Assistant Family Practice |
$28,000 |
| Patient Care Technician Student |
$17,000 |
| Clinical Nurse LPN |
$37,000 |
| Renal Dialysis Nurse |
$51,000 |
| Nurse RN LPN |
$48,000 |
| LPN LVN |
$40,000 |
| CNA Medical Surgeon |
$27,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse |
$56,000 |
| Long Term Care LPN |
$26,000 |
Information Source: indeed.com (as of August 31, 2016)
As per above data, Psychiatric Nurses were the highest paid professionals with a salary of $56,000 per annum, whereas Patient Care Technician Students were the least paid professionals with an annual salary of $17,000.
Average Annual Salaries of LPNs/LVNs in Different Cities of Iowa
| Name of the City |
Salary |
| Ames |
$25,000 |
| Cedar Falls |
$50,000 |
| Council Bluffs |
$32,000 |
| Dubuque |
$46,000 |
| Sioux City |
$26,000 |
| Waterloo |
$24,000 |
| Ankeny |
$35,000 |
| Cedar Rapids |
$44,000 |
| Davenport |
$16,000 |
| Des Moines |
$27,000 |
| Iowa City |
$22,000 |
| Urbandale |
$29,000 |
| West Des Moines |
$31,000 |
Information Source: salary.com (as of August 31, 2016)
According to the statistics, LPNs were paid the least (i.e. $36,639) in Ames, whereas they earned considerably higher ($43,451) in Des Moines, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.
Job Outlook for Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses in Iowa
Owing to people being more aware of their health and availability of better medical facilities, the state of Iowa has bright prospects for LPNs. As per the BLS, in May 2015, a total of 6,750 licensed practical nurses were employed in the state, and from 2014 to 2024, the employment of these professionals is anticipated to grow 16% in the U.S. LPNs and LVNs who are willing to work in medically underserved and rural areas get heavy paychecks.
