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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Iowa
Iowa's community college system runs LPN training statewide — DMACC, Iowa Western, Kirkwood, and others offer 12-month practical nursing certificates. Tuition averages $4,000–$6,000 in-state. Clinical placements at MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, and University of Iowa Hospitals cover both urban and rural healthcare settings.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Iowa
No Iowa LPN program is fully online — clinical hours are required at approved facilities. Some Iowa community colleges offer limited hybrid coursework options. Iowa's rural geography makes any online component valuable for students outside the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids metros.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Iowa residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Iowa LPN Program
Iowa programs use standard prerequisites — TEAS or HESI entrance exam, background check, health screening, and BLS certification. Admissions are generally competitive rather than waitlist-based. Rural campuses often have less competition for seats than Des Moines-area programs.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Iowa
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Iowa
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Iowa earn an average of $59,640 per year ($28.67/hour). This places Iowa below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Iowa typically range from $44,200 for entry-level positions to $74,600 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Iowa
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $62,400 |
| Cedar Rapids | $60,200 |
| Davenport | $59,100 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Iowa is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 800 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Iowa
The majority of LPNs in Iowa work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Iowa is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find Out What LPN Programs Cost in Your Zip Code
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Iowa
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Iowa
Iowa LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Iowa LPNs are regulated by the Iowa Board of Nursing under Iowa Code Chapter 152. Iowa is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under the direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products or chemotherapy
- LPNs CANNOT manage central venous lines without additional training and facility authorization
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management (without additional training)
- Triage
- Independent practice
Iowa LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Western Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12 months | LPN-to-ADN bridge in Council Bluffs area |
| Kirkwood Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Cedar Rapids area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Iowa Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: nursing.iowa.gov
- Phone: (515) 281-3255
- Address: 400 SW 8th St, Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →