Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Iowa

Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
Last Updated On Sep 30, 2024
Expert Verified: Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
12 Min Read
Iowa

The role of a registered nurse is rewarding on its own, but there comes a time in every nurse’s career when they may consider career options that allow them to specialize as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in higher-paying and more advanced fields. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, there’s no reason to look beyond Iowa. This state is full of great nurse practitioner programs in cities like Iowa City or Des Moines or even in rural communities within Iowa’s beautiful heartland. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Iowa

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Iowa! Our rankings are designed to help future nurse practitioners identify the top online programs in the state. We evaluate each program based on key factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For a detailed look at our ranking criteria, visit our methodology page.

1.

Morningside College

Sioux City, IA

Morningside College's nursing department offers highly esteemed nurse practitioner programs, including the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences at various healthcare facilities throughout the region. The program boasts a high pass rate on national certification exams and a strong network of alumni.

Graduate Certificate Programs
2.

Graceland University

Lamoni, IA

Graceland University's nursing department offers top-notch nurse practitioner programs at its renowned campus. The programs include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These programs provide hands-on experience and advanced clinical skills training to prepare students for success in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. The faculty is composed of experienced and highly qualified practitioners, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive education for aspiring nurse practitioners.

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3.

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA

The nursing department at Briar Cliff University offers a highly acclaimed nurse practitioner program, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the healthcare field. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to enhance learning. Students have the opportunity to specialize in various areas, such as family practice, mental health, and pediatrics. The program is offered on the beautiful, spacious campus of Briar Cliff University, providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment for aspiring nurse practitioners.

MSN Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Many registered nurses looking to invest in their education and become nurse practitioners are typically looking for the cheapest and quickest graduate programs to fully take advantage of their studies and resume a new role in the medical field as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are plenty of remarkably fast and affordable NP programs available in Iowa if you know where to look.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you may only be two years away (or even less) to your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. These types of degrees are usually the fastest option when matched against longer NP programs such as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Check out the state’s fastest MSN programs below:

NP ProgramLengthOnline/Campus
Mount Mercy University16-17 MonthsOnline
Mercy College of Nursing2 YearsOnline
University of Iowa2.5 YearsCampus

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you ask any student what the most significant setback is with going to graduate school, they will almost unanimously say, “the cost of tuition.” While you’ll need to invest at least a few thousand dollars in your education, regardless of where you go, there are still plenty of affordable MSN programs located in Iowa. If you’re looking to maximize your savings, check out schools that lower their rates for in-state students! Below are some of the cheapest options for MSN programs in the state:

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
Briar Cliff University$30,000 – $32,00053.5 – 56.5
Iowa Wesleyan University$30,000 – $34,00033 – 66
Mercy College of Nursing$36,000 – $40,00036

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most appealing aspects of nurse practitioner programs is that they offer opportunities to specialize in a number of exciting fields, such as pediatrics, psychiatry, or women’s health. As you begin your search for the perfect MSN or DNP program, you will likely find that most offer at least one or two specialized curriculums for nurse practitioners. Here are a few examples in Iowa:

School NameNP SpecialtyCredits Required
Mercy College of NursingFamily Nurse Practitoner36
University of IowaClinical Nurse Leader66
Briar Cliff UniversityPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner53.5 – 56.5

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSNs may be one of the more common routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but they are far from the only route. Depending on your credentials, licensure, and previous education, you may be able to graduate even faster and for less money than if you had enrolled in an MSN program. Here are the various types of NP programs available to you in Iowa.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

The minimum educational requirement for getting licensed as a nurse practitioner is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs take 2 – 6 years to complete and often come in a variety of specializations. Here are a few examples of MSN programs in Iowa:

RN to NP Programs

Students who have completed ADN or ASN and have a current RN license may be eligible to complete their MSN degree much faster through a bridge program referred to an RN to NP program (also known as an ADN/ASN to MSN or an RN to MSN). These programs can allow you to graduate with an MSN in four years as opposed to six years (or more). As of now, you can only find this type of program available at the University of Iowa.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If the time in which you graduate is not a factor in your decision, you may want to look into Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. This is the highest level of degree that a nurse practitioner can achieve, and they often unlock many highly advanced nurse practitioner positions that pay very well. On average, you can expect to be enrolled for at least six years following your BSN if you want to complete a DNP. Here are a few DNP programs located in Iowa:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Though on their own, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates won’t allow you the credentials needed to become a nurse practitioner, you can enroll in these highly informative 1-year programs to specialize in a new area if you already have your NP license. Take a look at these Post-Master's Nursing Certificates available in Iowa:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Deciding to become a nurse practitioner later in life? Accelerated, direct-entry MSN and master’s entry to nursing practice programs are a bridge program that allows you to combine your BSN and MSN into one nursing program. This type of program isn’t for everyone — it is long and very intense, but for many, it is worth the time and money saved. There is currently one available in the state located at the University of Iowa.

General Admissions Requirements

If you’re ready to start applying to nurse practitioner programs, you will generally need to provide the following with your application:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Iowa NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner, applicants must gather relevant documentation that proves their ability to serve as an RN, including proof of RN licensure, official nursing graduate program academic transcripts, and details about their clinical experience. Once prepared, candidates are required to complete the application process, which includes submitting an application form and paying an application fee, generally around $80. Comprehensive instructions on how to apply for NP licensure or certification in Iowa are available on the Iowa Board of Nursing website.

Nurse practitioners in Iowa are required to be certified in their chosen specialty. Certification can be obtained through recognized bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other national certifying agencies. In most cases, certification requires an active RN license and completion of a graduate-level nursing program that is focused on the applicant’s specialty area. Candidates will typically need to pass a national certification exam to demonstrate their competency.

As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Iowa enjoy full practice authority. This status allows them to evaluate patients, diagnose medical conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications independently without the need for physician supervision. Iowa’s nurse practitioners can work in various healthcare settings, providing essential services to patients across the state. For additional resources, professional development opportunities, and support, NPs can connect with the Iowa Nurses Association (INA), which serves as a valuable resource for ongoing education and advocacy in the state.

List of NP Programs in Iowa

Dubuque, IA

Iowa City, IA

Lamoni, IA

Sioux City, IA

Waterloo, IA

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