DNP Programs in Iowa

Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Iowa BSN to DNP Program Options
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Iowa

RegisteredNursing.org Staff Writers | Updated/Verified: Sep 27, 2023

In the discipline of nursing, the "terminal" degree type, or highest possible degree in nursing is the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Depending on the specific program and coursework students complete, DNPs will help to prepare advanced practice nurses to work in both organizational/educational and clinical settings.

BSN to DNP students will be expected to complete 65 to 95 unit hours along with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours to be awarded the degree. Typically, students enrolled in a full-time BSN to DNP program will take three to four years to finish. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete at minimum 39 unit hours to earn the degree, and will generally take full-time students about two years to complete.

Critical disciplines that must be mastered by students during DNPs will include, but not be limited to:

Advanced pharmacology
Research Methods and Evidence Based Medicine
Health and Physical Assessment
Public Policy

Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The state of Iowa offers nursing students six DNP programs. Prior to applying, there are some factors to consider.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Iowa will generally cost in-state and out-of-state students the same per credit hour rate, which ranges between $510 and $850 per credit hour. There may be additional expenses. Some examples would include, but are not limited to, additional criminal background checks, proctoring fees, CPR classes, travel expenses, uniforms, etc.
Online/Campus options—
- Clarke University—MSN to DNP program offers students courses both online and on campus
- Kaplan University—Both post-BSN and post-MSN can be considered for the entirely online program
Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Iowa are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
Residency— Residencies are a stage in clinical education where a nurse practitioner provides patient care under the supervision of either a physician or another nurse practitioner while being paid a salary. The following are residency/fellowship opportunities offered within the state of Iowa:
- University of Iowa Health Care— Nurse Residency Program/Nurse Residency Transition Program

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Requirements for admission into DNP programs in Iowa differ from program to program. The following is a rough outline of requirements which admitted students fulfilled:

Complete an online Doctor of Nursing Practice application
Provide curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Possess an unencumbered RN license
Possess a BSN or MSN from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
Documentation of clinical hours performed in MSN program
Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either undergraduate or graduate degree programs
GRE scores required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA under 3.0, recommended for all other applicants
Personal statement of goals for doctoral education and subsequent career plans
Personal interview with faculty
Photocopy of current professional license(s)
Satisfactory criminal background check after acceptance

Certification

DNP programs in the state of Iowa permit students to sit for state certification upon successful completion of programs. Iowa DNP program graduates can become certified in the following disciplines:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP – FNP)
Nurse Educator/Organizational Leadership (DNP – NEOL)

Licensing

DNPs in the state of Iowa are licensed by the Iowa Board of Nursing, and must meet the following criteria:

Complete an APRN application
Pass a criminal background check
Provide transcripts from pertinent educational institutions
Submit proof of all clinical hours worked during your graduate studies, as well as any other clinical experiences acquired
Submit verification of specialty certification
Complete fingerprinting
Apply for prescriptive authority