Iowa participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning that Iowa-licensed nurses can practice in 24 states. According to the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN), there were about 45,000 RNs in Iowa in 2010. Over the past two academic years, the number of RNs graduating from Iowa schools of nursing with a BSN degree exceeded those graduating with an associate degree for the first time. The number of RNs reporting a BSN as their highest degree has steadily increased since 2004.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice recommends that at least two-thirds of RNs should hold a BSN or higher to meet future nursing requirements. A BSN degree can develop leadership skills. Iowa nurses can select from distance and online learning programs as well as campus-based schools for their RN to BSN degree.
Schools to consider
University of Iowa (Iowa City). The RN to BSN program is largely online; two clinical courses require practicums, which can be arranged at several regional sites. A full-time student may complete the program in three semesters, while the part-time option takes five semesters. Courses include genetics, research, improving health systems, and community/public health.
Grand View University (Des Moines). Full-time students may complete the program in 17 months; part-time attendance is also available. Classes are given in six, eight-week sessions per year and usually scheduled one afternoon or evening per week. The degree is a blend of liberal arts and professional nursing education, which prepares RNs for a variety of work settings.
Upper Iowa University (Fayette, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Ames). The program is available full or part-time and offered in a blended format. Several classes, such as community health nursing and nursing leadership and management, have a clinical component, which may be arranged at one of the many approved clinical sites within the state.
