Iowa is called the ‘American Heartland’ because of its strategic location in the U.S and its high levels of productivity which contributes greatly to the American economy. Iowa is greatly preferred as an ideal location for students and families alike because it has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live.
Program Listing:
There are 34 schools that provide nursing education and training at different levels in Iowa, all of which are accredited by both the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN) and The Higher Learning Commission. Iowa’s nursing academic community provides the following education levels:
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Nursing Certificate
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Associate Degree
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Bachelors Degree
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Master’s Degree
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PhD Nursing
To qualify for a nursing position as a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse, students will need to pass a test with the IBN to achieve their nursing license and registration.
Growth Opportunities for Nurses
As of 2014 out of 5,150,780 nursing jobs in the U.S, Iowa employs over 65,020 nurses, making it responsible for employing approximately 1% of the country’s nursing professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa has a much higher job growth for Registered Nurses during 2012 to 2022 at 24% compared to the national growth during 2012 to 2022 at 19%.
Due to the Affordable Care Act, as of 2013 more than eight million people have signed up for healthcare in the U.S. In 2014, with the added healthcare needs of Obamacare patients, there is an unprecedented rise in demand for healthcare professionals, especially nurses.
In 2014, with the baby-boomer generation retiring, many states in the US are offering nursing scholarships to encourage students to join the nursing profession. There are over fourteen scholarship programs for nursing students in Iowa’s nursing schools, the scholarships with larger grants and which cater to more students are:
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Iowa Nurses Foundation Scholarship
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National Health Service Corps Scholarship
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Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship
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Trinity Health Foundation Scholarships
Career Expectations
Licensed practical nurses received a median pay of $36,900 annually, whereas registered nurses received a median pay of $51,700 annually in 2012 in Iowa, according to careerinfo.net.