The nursing employment opportunities in Iowa are continuously climbing up each year. In the state alone, there are 20% of LPNs comprising the entire nursing population. This is a low number as compared to other states which is why the shortage in nurses is also steadily increasing.
In order to meet the demands for more LPNs and RNs, students are encouraged to try their luck in the nursing field. The job outlook, after all, is very bright with many Iowa hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices and health companies continuously scouring for applicants.
LPN Degree and Iowa Nursing Education
The Practical Nursing program in this state is a quick way to become a nurse as it is a degree earned in just a year of study. Licensed LPNs in IA are required to have 24-hour continuing education courses on their first renewal period. Every three years after, the requirement is 36 contact hours.
If you want to work as an LPN right after schooling or if you are considering shifting to a different career, here are the leading colleges in Iowa –
Des Moines Area Community College
This is a community college that offers various programs in different campuses. There are also online classes for the working or home-based student. DMACC focuses in the fields of nursing, computer and vocational training.
DMACC Practical Nursing Program is an Iowa Board of Nursing approved program. The school has a pass rate of 96% for their LPN graduates.
Hawkeye Community College
Located just outside of Waterloo, IA; HCC operates many satellite campuses. Founded in 1966, the college eventually added various liberal arts and science programs. The student life at this college is highly robust, with many clubs and organizations to join at.
HCC’s Practical Nursing program was created to prepare students for their entry-level practice in nursing. About a half of the instructional time is focused on actual clinical practice where students work in nursing homes or hospitals. These classes are under the strict supervision of top nursing instructors.
Students learn about nursing fundamentals; pharmacology; growth and development; anatomy and physiology; maternal-child nursing; medical-surgical nursing; gerontology; and mental health concepts.
Indian Hills Community College
Also called IHCC, this public, two-year community college is situated in Southeast IA with campuses in Centerville, Ottumwa, and Iowa. It was founded in 1966 and is now offering Associate Degree and Science programs.
The Practical Nursing Program comprises of hands-on training as well as classroom, theory learning. Program completion spells the student’s admission to the Associate Degree Nursing program or Level II and he also automatically becomes eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.
Updated: February 21, 2026
