Iowa LPN School

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 24th, 2010

Practical Nurse Education and Training in Iowa

Nurses who have graduated from a state-approved practical nursing program can apply to the state of Iowa for a license. Examination and endorsement are the two ways that nurses can qualify for an Iowa license, but all nurses must have completed either online programs or programs offered by Iowa LPN schools. Nurses who have received their training outside of the United States can apply for a license in Iowa, but should consult the Iowa Board of Nursing for the specific steps involved (www.iowa.gov/nursing/)

There are 16 one-year practical nursing education programs in Iowa, and 17 associate degree programs. There is one “extended practical nursing” program as well. Of the one-year programs, some are certificate programs and some are full-year training programs whose curricula have been approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. With all these programs, there are flexible options of delivery, including daytime, weekend, and evening classes. As with many nursing programs across the country, the incredible demand for nursing professionals has created a number of external or distance-learning programs for nurses that provide viable programs with the necessary clinical experience built-in. Students should research the available programs to make sure that any training program has the required level of hands-on experience.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospital, and Genesis Medical Center East.