With the demand for nurses skyrocketing all around the country, it's no wonder why many registered nurses (RNs) in Iowa are choosing to go back to school to complete a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. If you are a registered nurse who has gained licensure through an Associate's Degree in Nursing, there are specialized nursing degrees out there to help you earn a more advanced degree. These RN to BSN programs will help current RNs achieve lucrative leadership nursing roles.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
Finding the best online RN to BSN programs in Iowa just got easier. RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top programs to help nurses advance their careers. These programs offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or move into leadership roles, our rankings guide you to the right choice. Start your journey today with a program that fits your life and goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Iowa offers an esteemed online RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications without sacrificing their current roles. Recognized as the #4 Best BSN Program in 2024, this program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and study. It's designed to enhance clinical competencies and open doors to advanced nursing roles or further education. With a curriculum that builds on prior nursing knowledge, students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of healthcare. The program's online format and national ranking make it a top choice for ambitious nurses in Iowa.
- Online RN-BSN program
- Flexible for working nurses
- Prepares for advanced degrees
- #4 Best BSN Program 2024
Morningside University
Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - morningside.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Morningside University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with work commitments, and its affordability, at just $369 per credit. With the opportunity to transfer up to 94 credits, nurses can fast-track their education, completing the program in as little as 1-2 years. The curriculum focuses on enhancing leadership skills and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for advanced roles in nursing. CCNE accreditation ensures the program meets high standards of nursing education. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Online flexible program
- 30 minimum credits
- Transfer up to 94 credits
- $369 per credit
- 1-2 years completion time
- Active RN license required
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- CCNE accredited program
- BLS certification needed
- Background check required
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA - Private 4-year - sau.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Ambrose University offers an online RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program stands out for its emphasis on holistic patient care, diversity, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing nurses for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. With a curriculum that includes 124 credit hours, students benefit from small class sizes, flexible learning options, and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs. The program is accredited and focuses on developing advanced clinical skills and ethical reasoning, all while respecting human dignity. Ideal for working professionals, it combines rigorous academics with the convenience of online learning.
- Online RN-to-BSN program
- 124 total credit hours
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Holistic nursing approach
- Flexible learning options
- Small class sizes
- Accredited nursing program
- Clinical skills development
- Diversity and inclusion focus
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, IA - Private 4-year - graceland.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing: RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Graceland University-Lamoni offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and studies seamlessly. Priced at $515 per semester hour, it's an affordable option, especially with a 20% tuition reduction for partners. The curriculum is designed to enhance nursing competencies, leadership, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates for advanced roles and further education. Accredited nationally, it also provides a pathway to an MSN through a combined track, making it a versatile choice for career advancement in nursing.
- Online flexible format
- $515 per semester hour
- 20% partnership tuition reduction
- Nationally accredited program
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Option for BSN-MSN combined track
- Multiple nursing specialty tracks
Iowa State University
Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Iowa State University offers a dynamic RN-to-BSN hybrid program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program blends online coursework with in-person experiences, catering to working professionals. It requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for entry and spans 32 credits, focusing on enhancing leadership, research, and population health competencies. Graduates are equipped to provide ethical, culturally competent care in various healthcare environments. The curriculum is designed to foster professional growth, preparing nurses for the complexities of modern healthcare without specifying a concentration.
- RN-to-BSN hybrid program
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- 32 total credits required
- Focuses on research, leadership
- Professional nursing development
Fast & Affordable Program Options
Getting a BSN can be a challenging process, but as a bridge program, RN to BSNs are a much easier undertaking, especially for nurses who are working full-time and have little time and money to commit to their education.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
With a traditional BSN program, you could be required to invest four years (or more) to get your degree. But an RN to BSN program is a fast-tracked option, allowing you to graduate in only two years — or even less. These programs build on your previous nursing experience and training and you may even get your degree in as little as 6 months. Below are a few options for the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of Iowa | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Iowa State University | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do, but they aren’t super common. If you have substantial transferable credits and an associate degree in nursing, a 6-month RN to BSN may be an option for you if one is offered in your community. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look outside of Iowa if you want to pursue these opportunities as none are currently offered in the state.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Iowa from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Iowa or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Iowa State University | RN to BSN | $4,626 per year (Resident) $13,673 (Non-Resident) |
| University of Iowa | Online RN to BSN | $11,283 per year (Resident) $33,371 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
To be accepted into an RN to BSN program, you must meet all your school's requirements. Competitive programs will pick only the top applicants. Entrance criteria is not unlike other college admissions criteria. Below are some examples of requirements at accredited Iowa colleges:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Must have computer literacy
- Current Iowa license as a registered nurse
- General Education requirements must be met prior to beginning the program
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Generally, once general education requirements are completed, students are able to tackle the specialized nursing coursework. Waterloo, Iowa's Allen College features the following nursing courses as part of their RN to BSN program:
- NU 301: Intro to Baccalaureate Nursing
- NU 461: Nursing Leadership
- NU 380: Introduction to Nursing Research
- NU 457: Chronic Illness
- NU 450: Community & Public Health Nursing
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
View the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Iowa by taking a look at our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Ames, IA
Iowa State University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- RN-to-BSN hybrid program
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- 32 total credits required
- Focuses on research, leadership
- Professional nursing development
Cedar Rapids, IA
Mount Mercy University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible nursing completion
- Credits for prior nursing experience
- Designed for working RNs
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Current RN license mandatory
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Professional development focus
- Clinical skill enhancement
Davenport, IA
Saint Ambrose University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-to-BSN program
- 124 total credit hours
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Holistic nursing approach
- Flexible learning options
- Small class sizes
- Accredited nursing program
- Clinical skills development
Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- 12-month completion time
- Over $10,000 total cost
- CCNE Accredited program
- 30 major credit hours
- Faculty with 23+ years experience
- Fall and Spring start dates
- Median wage $75,330
Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-BSN program
- Nationally ranked nursing school
- Flexible for working nurses
- Prepares for advanced degrees
- #4 Best BSN Program 2024
Lamoni, IA
Graceland University-Lamoni
- Bachelor's - Nursing: RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- $515 per semester hour
- 20% partnership tuition reduction
- Nationally accredited program
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Option for BSN-MSN combined track
- Multiple nursing specialty tracks
Orange City, IA
Northwestern College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 8-Week Course Format
- 22 Total Nursing Credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Transfer Up to 66 Credits
- Minimum 2.7 GPA Required
- Public Health Clinical Option
- Part-Time Study Available
Sioux City, IA
Briar Cliff University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 1-2 Year Completion Timeline
- Transfer Up to 90 Credits
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Multiple Start Dates
- Flexible Course Schedule
- Project-Based Clinical Activities
- 2.75 GPA Admission Requirement
Morningside University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- 30 minimum credits
- Transfer up to 94 credits
- $369 per credit
- 1-2 years completion time
- Active RN license required
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- CCNE accredited program