Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Iowa Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/27/2020
Become a Nurse in Iowa – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Iowa | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Iowa Nursing Salaries
| IA Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Des Moines-West DesMoines Annual Mean Wage | Omaha-Council Bluff, NE-IA Annual Mean Wage | Cedar Rapids Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $42,820 | $44,750 | $44,730 | $42,380 |
Registered Nurse | $59,130 | $62,240 | $65,710 | $58,060 |
Nurse Practitioner | $106,290 | $102,430 | $103,050 | $96,780 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $209,130 | $195,120 | $173,920 | Not Available |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Iowa in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Iowa. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Iowa, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Iowa nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Iowa, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
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Compact State Status
Iowa is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Iowa
According to Iowa Legislature Chapter 7 – Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, advanced practice registered nurses may apply for prescriptive authority for Schedule II-V controlled substances.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practice (ARNP) in Iowa
ARNPs in Iowa include certified nurse-midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist.
Education: Accredited graduate or postgraduate advanced practice educational program within one of the ARNP roles.
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Certification Required: National Certification in Specialty Area
Fees:
- $81 Application Fee
- $50 Background Check Fee
- Certification Examination Fee (Varies for Different Certifications)
Additional Information: An active registered nurse license from a compact state is required.
Renewal: A total of 36 contact hours are required for licensure renewal for ARNPs. Renewal fee is $81 for each ARNP specialty area.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Iowa
Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- $93 Application Fee
- $50 Background Check Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $169 application fee is required. registered nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Iowa, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Iowa.
Renewal: Every three years, RNs are required to pay $99 for renewal, due 30 days prior to the 15th of the licensee’s birthday month. A total of 36 credit hours are also required.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Iowa
Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $93 Application Fee
- $50 Background Check Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Renewal: Every three years, LPNs are required to pay $99 for renewal, due 30 days prior to the 15th of the licensee’s birthday month. A total of 36 credit hours are also required.
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $169 application fee is required. Licensed practical nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Iowa, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Iowa.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for the nursing careers above: advanced registered practice nurse, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse was retrieved from the Iowa Administrative Code on the Nursing Board and the Iowa Board of Nursing, as of January 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED