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.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Iowa's fully online RN-BSN program offers a dynamic educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Tailored for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses, this comprehensive program eliminates traditional classroom constraints, enabling students to balance work and academic growth. With national nursing school rankings and military-friendly policies, the curriculum strategically enhances clinical competencies and prepares nurses for expanded healthcare roles. No specific entrance exam is required, making it accessible for working professionals. The program's flexibility and focus on advanced degree preparation distinguishes it as a top-tier online nursing education option, positioning graduates for broader career opportunities in increasingly complex healthcare environments.
- Online RN-BSN program
- Flexible for working nurses
- Prepares for advanced degrees
- #4 Best BSN Program 2024
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 online RN-to-BSN hybrid program designed for associate degree nurses seeking professional growth. This comprehensive pathway integrates cutting-edge learning experiences focusing on advanced nursing competencies, including research methodologies, leadership strategies, and population health management. Students explore culturally sensitive care approaches while developing critical skills for diverse healthcare environments. The program requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and consists of 32 credits, providing flexibility for working nurses. With a military-friendly designation, the curriculum emphasizes professional nursing development, preparing registered nurses to excel in complex healthcare settings and advance their career trajectories.
- RN-to-BSN hybrid program
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- 32 total credits required
- Focuses on research, leadership
- Professional nursing development
Morningside University
Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - morningside.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Morningside University offers a dynamic online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The comprehensive curriculum focuses on professional development and evidence-based healthcare practices. Students can complete the program within 1-2 years, leveraging the opportunity to transfer up to 94 credits at an affordable $369 per credit rate. Ideal for nurses maintaining active professional commitments, the CCNE-accredited program requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA, current RN licensure, BLS certification, and successful background check. The flexible online format allows nurses to enhance their academic credentials while continuing clinical practice, preparing them for expanded leadership roles in healthcare.
- 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's online RN-to-BSN program offers a transformative educational pathway for registered nurses seeking professional growth. The 124-credit curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing practices, interprofessional collaboration, and advanced clinical skills development. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program provides flexible online learning that allows seamless integration with current nursing responsibilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and a comprehensive approach focusing on diversity and human dignity. As a Roman Catholic and military-friendly institution, Saint Ambrose provides an inclusive learning environment that prepares nurses to excel in various healthcare settings while promoting ethical reasoning and patient-centered care.
- 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
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA - Private 4-year - nwciowa.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern College's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a transformative educational experience designed for working healthcare professionals. Students can complete the degree in approximately two years through flexible, asynchronous coursework. The program uniquely integrates nursing skills with Christian care philosophy, emphasizing holistic patient care approaches. With CCNE accreditation, students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum spanning 22 nursing credits and the option for public health clinical experiences. Admission requirements include a valid RN license, maintaining a minimum 2.7 GPA, and presenting a clean professional record. Financial aid and employer reimbursement options make this program accessible for nurses seeking career advancement.
- 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
- Christian Care Philosophy
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