A Guide to Nursing in Iowa

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Iowa

Iowa, the Hawkeye State, produces about 2.4 billion bushels of corn each year. That’s the most out of any state in America and more than some countries. But farming is just one aspect of Iowa. This state is famous for many things such as the invention of sliced bread. Take a personal guided tour of the covered bridges of Madison County. You can also visit the Field of Dreams movie set. Whatever you choose to do, it’s sure to be better than, well, sliced bread.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing an Iowa nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Iowa
• Top hospitals in Iowa
• Nursing organizations & associations in Iowa
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Iowa whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Iowa from another state. For more information visit the Iowa licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $143 ($93 app fee + $50 background check fee)

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $169 ($119 app fee + $50 background check fee)

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $99

Iowa is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing an Iowa nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 36 hours every 3 years

LPN: 36 hours every 3 years

APRN: Maintain current certification in a specialty is deemed to be in compliance with Iowa Continuing Education (CE) requirements

Effective July 1, 2019, all licensees who are mandatory reporters are required 2 contact hours in identifying and reporting abuse in children and 2 contact hours in identifying and reporting abuse independent adults, unless exempt. For all subsequent renewals, licensees are required 1 hour of recertification training (for each course) every three years.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Iowa Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

Please visit the Iowa Board of Nursing CE continuing education page for more information.

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Iowa

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Iowa is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Iowa ]

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Top hospitals in Iowa

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Iowa will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics – Iowa City, IA: Part of the mission for this member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® facility is to “Change medicine through an extraordinary patient experience in a multi–disciplinary, collaborative, team-based environment.” Some specialties include:
  • Hospitalist care or hospital medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Ear, nose, & throat
  • Gynecology
  • Cancer

• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center – Des Moines, IA: This highly decorated hospital is committed to “enhancing the health and well-being of the residents in Iowa by continuously supporting the community by reinvesting staff time, efforts, and resources into improving community health.” Some specialties include:
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
  • Aortic valve surgery
  • Heart bypass surgery
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Hip replacement and knee replacement

• UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital – Cedar Rapids, IA: The mission of this Magnet* designated facility “is to give the healthcare we’d like our loved ones to receive.” This hospital is also a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
  • Aortic valve surgery
  • Heart bypass surgery
  • Heart failure
  • Hip replacement and knee replacement

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in Iowa

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Iowa:

Iowa Nurses Association: The vision of this association is: “Together, we promote the growth of the profession, guide nursing practice, and monitor current issues in nursing. Our strength is to stay engaged, by advocating for and connecting with Iowa nurses in the diverse, dynamic health care environment.”

Iowa Organization of Nursing Leadership: The mission statement of this organization is: “To shape healthcare in Iowa through innovation, leadership expertise, professional development, education, and advocacy.”

Iowa School Nurse Organization: The mission of this organization focuses on “optimizing the health and academic success of all students through education and advocacy for school nurses.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Iowa Board of Nursing
Phone: (515) 281-3255
Fax: (515) 281-4825

Website: https://nursing.iowa.gov/

400 SW 8th Street
Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309

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