ADN programs focus on allowing participating candidates to attain initial registered nurse (RN) licensure. Registered nurses form the bulk of the country’s nursing profession and hold a variety of responsibilities. These include administering healthcare activities directly and supervising more junior nurses like nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses. RNs are the backbone of the healthcare structure in the US.

Most ADN programs in Iowa place a strong emphasis on clinical knowledge and skills, and they typically take two years to complete. Notable colleges and universities with ADN programs include Kaplan University and Iowa Western Community College. Individuals with packed schedules or work commitments need not be deterred, since most colleges and universities offer flexible class schedules and even the opportunity for evening learning. After completing the program, candidates must pass the national examination, the NCLEX-RN, to gain licensure.

Employment and compensation prospects for Iowa’s registered nurses are very attractive. Based on statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently more than 32,000 employed registered nurses in the state, with an annual median salary of $52,610 that can rise as high as $63,820 in large cities like Des Moines. Employers of registered nurses range from private healthcare centers to government agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information, interested individuals should refer to the following list of Iowa schools that offer state-approved ADN programs.

Cedar Rapids

Kirkwood Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Kirkwood Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing

Des Moines

Des Moines Area Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Purdue University Global - Des Moines
  • Associate of Science in Nursing
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Des Moines Area Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Associate Degree in Nursing
Purdue University Global - Des Moines
Associate of Science in Nursing

Other Iowa cities

Eastern Iowa Community College District
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Hawkeye Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Valley Community College District
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Western Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
North Iowa Area Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Northeast Iowa Community College District
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Northwest Iowa Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Southeastern Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Southwestern Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
St. Luke's College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
Western Iowa Tech Community College
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Associate Degree in Nursing
Hawkeye Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Lakes Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Valley Community College District
Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Western Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
North Iowa Area Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Northeast Iowa Community College District
Associate Degree in Nursing
Northwest Iowa Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Southeastern Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Southwestern Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
St. Luke's College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Category: 
Iowa