Iowa Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
The critical nursing shortage in Iowa reveals the need for qualified nurses with post-graduate certificates. Pursue an Iowa post-graduate certificate in nursing, and gain the opportunity to obtain a position offering specialization, and a higher salary, compared to some other nursing positions.
Nursing schools in the State of Iowa that offer post-graduate certificate in nursing programs require that students meet all admission requirements. Registered nurses (RNs) enrolling in the Post-MSN APRN program at Briarcliff University are required to have an MSN degree, and submit a formal application, in addition to submitting the following:
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 from the school where students obtained their undergraduate nursing degree
- Official transcripts documenting that the student received an undergraduate degree from an accredited program
- Verified evidence of completion of 2,000 hours of clinical nursing practice as a registered nurse (RN) within the two years prior to enrolling
- Evidence of licensure as a current RN in the State of Iowa
There are other admission requirements at Iowa colleges that offer post-graduate certificate in nursing options. Check with each school for specific admission requirements.
The courses that students take when pursuing an Iowa Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program vary, according to the particular specialty. Although many course requirements are the same or similar, students also take specialized courses, according to the nurse's interests. An example is the post-graduate certificate in nursing classes offered at Graceland University.
The courses for Post-Graduate Nurse Educator program requires 12 semester hours of study, including:
- NURS 5010: Introduction to MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
- NURS 5210: Roles Socialization for Nurse Educator
- NURS 5650: Teaching Strategies
- NURS 6600: Assessment of Learning in Nursing Education
- NURS 6620: Curriculum Development
The Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate program requires practicums and additional courses.
Registered nurses should check the requirements for specific classes and courses at each school.
Program Length
The length of programs for RNs enrolled in a post-graduate certificate in nursing program in Iowa varies, according to the specific school, and the specific program.
An example of the differences in nursing specializations are the options offered at the University of Iowa. The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program requires one-year of study, including 21 semester hours of study, and 720 hours of practicums. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate requires that students complete one-year of study, consisting of 20 semester hours of courses, and 630 hours of practicums.
Review the requirements for each post-graduate certificate in nursing program to decide which school and program is the best option.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
The tuition and cost of attendance of an Iowa Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program potentially varies from one college or university, and among the specific programs.
The tuition for students enrolled in post-graduate certificate programs at Allen College is $852 per credit hour.
Consider the fact that tuition at Allen College and other schools covers only the cost of tuition. It does not include required application fees, lab fees, or other required costs.
Complete an online program leading to a post-graduate certificate in nursing and avoid the commute time, and parking fees.
Continue engaging in your outside responsibilities without having to attend classes at specific times.
Featured Online School
The Nurse Educator (NE), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate programs at Graceland University are all offered online.
Students may have to complete practicums, or occasional on-campus requirements.
There are outstanding options and career pathways for RNs in Iowa that complete a post-graduate certificate in nursing, including:
Check with each Iowa school for other possible career pathways for students completing a post-graduate certificate in nursing program.
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2018 job growth rate for nursing instructors at 8.2 percent. The BLS reports job growth for nurse practitioners at nearly five percent, and just over 12 percent for nurse anesthetists. Nursing is expected to grow much faster than most other professions through 2028, according to the BLS.
The mean annual salary range in 2018 was $106,290 to $111,060 for nurse practitioners in Iowa.
Prepare for advanced career opportunities and a higher salary when you complete an Iowa Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program. See below for a list of programs in the state.
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Clarke University Graduate Certificate Programs | 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001 (888) 825-2753 |
Graceland University Graduate Certificate Programs | 1 University Place Lamoni, IA 50140 (641) 784-5000 |
Morningside College Graduate Certificate Programs | 1501 Morningside Avenue Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 274-5000 |
University of Iowa Graduate Certificate Programs | 50 Newton Road Iowa City, IA 52242 (319) 335-7018 |
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