Nursing Education Program and Statistics

Overview

The Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN) approves and regulates pre- and post-licensure nursing education programs. These programs receive a site visit for evaluation and may receive approval for up to six years. The Iowa Board of Nursing does not approve out-of-state nursing programs. All nursing programs operating in Iowa must follow Iowa regulations. 

Approved Programs & Legal Code

The following is a list of nursing programs approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing:

To see the Iowa Administrative Code regarding nursing education:

Additional links:

Out-of-State Nursing Program Criteria

The Iowa Board of Nursing does not approve out of state nursing programs. If you are an out of state program, you will need the following: 

  • Follow all applicable Iowa laws and regulations.
  • Contact the Bureau of Iowa College Aid to get approval to operate in Iowa. 
  • Follow your state's regulations for nursing programs, as well as any state you operate in. 
  • Submit data, information, or materials to the Iowa Board of Nursing, if requested. 
  • Ensure instruction is consistent with the curriculum plan and program outcomes. 
  • Ensure nursing faculty and preceptors in Iowa have an active Iowa license or an active multistate license. 

Clinical contracts must include: 

  • Identification of responsibilities of both parties. 
  • Faculty control, selection, and guidance of student learning experiences. 
  • Provisions for annual review. 
  • Provisions for termination of the contract. 

Clinical, Preceptorship & Student Information

  • Students must attend a program that meets the licensure requirements.
  • Any post-licensure student attending clinical in Iowa must have an active Iowa license or an active multistate license. Post-licensure nursing students must practice according to Iowa Code. 
  • The nursing program and clinical facility will approve preceptors for you. 
  • Preceptorship experiences must support program outcomes.
  • Student learning and evaluation is the responsibility of the nursing program.
  • The nursing program must inform all parties of their responsibilities.

Post-Licensure Programs

Not all state boards of nursing approve or regulate post-licensure nursing programs. It is important to know which agency regulates or accredits the program. Verify the following information: 

  • The nursing program meets the home state's requirements and has approval. 
  • The program has accreditation from a national nursing agency, such as: 
    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 
    • NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 

Nursing Program Statistics

View the annual number of first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) candidates that were prepared in Iowa programs and the percentages that passed for both LNPs and RNs.

Please contact us at [email protected] to request data not listed.