Iowa RN to BSN Programs

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.

Admissions Requirements for Iowa 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 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

Online RN to BSN program options have grown in popularity and have been specially designed for the practicing nurse. Students who want to earn their baccalaureate degree while working and maintaining family obligations can take classes fully online on a part-time basis from accredited colleges in the state.

Featured Online School

Iowa Wesleyan University offers an online RN to BSN program based out of their Mount Pleasant campus. This ACEN accredited program can be completed in one to two years. The degree is awarded upon completion of 120 semester hours, most of which can be transferred from previous nursing courses. Transcripts are evaluated individually and students will be informed of the remaining coursework needed to complete the BSN.

Admissions and Program Length

Program length is typically determined by how quickly a student can get through the coursework. Both part-time and full-time schedules are usually available, so students are able to finish in roughly 12 to 24 months. Program start times are usually at the beginning of each semester, and most schools include the summer semester so that students can get through the program more quickly.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Students enrolled in an RN to BSN program are responsible for covering the cost of tuition, fees, and extras like textbooks and course materials. Luckily, financial aid options are typically available for qualifying students, including loans, scholarships, and more. Tuition for the RN to BSN program at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa is estimated at $400 per credit hour. This does not include additional mandatory fees or other expenses.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

As highly degreed nurses are typically more desirable to employers, they are generally willing to pay them handsomely. Registered nurses with a BSN are also eligible for a wider variety of specialty nursing jobs and have the ability to hold leadership ranks within hospitals, care facilities, and more. These prestigious roles tend to come with a higher paycheck as well.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Iowa

With a wide range of salaries in the state, RNs who hold a BSN or higher tend to tip the scales toward the more lucrative end. For example, Payscale reports the salary range for a registered nurse in Des Moines, Iowa at between $41,720 and $66,382 annually. With a range like that, it's no wonder why so many nurses in the state are prioritizing more education.

RN to BSN Programs

Upgrading one's education can seem a bit daunting, but when you look at the benefits you may change your mind. If you are an ADN nurse in Iowa or are researching nursing schools, you may want to decide on becoming a BSN nurse. Iowa has more than 10 RN to BSN programs being offered throughout the state. The benefits of being a BSN nurse are earning almost $20,000 more yearly, being sought after for job opportunities, leadership roles, and more. A BSN degree can offer more than just higher standards and qualifications.