Best Online MSN Programs in Iowa

The University of Iowa's online MSN in Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares nurses for advanced leadership roles through a 39-semester-hour curriculum. This primarily online program includes local practicum experiences and requires a campus visit for orientation and capstone defense. Spanning six semesters plus a summer session, it focuses on transformative thinking and evolutionary change in healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, which emphasizes research-driven learning through virtual platforms to enhance patient care quality across various systems.

• 39 semester-hour program.
• Primarily online with local practicum.
• Campus visit for orientation.
• Capstone defense on campus.
• Six semesters plus summer.
• Focus on leadership knowledge.
• Prepares for healthcare leadership.
• Emphasizes transformative thinking.
• Promotes health and care elevation.
• Virtual platforms for engagement.

University of Iowa offers an online MSN in Nursing Systems Administration designed for working professionals seeking leadership advancement. This 2.5-year program develops critical management skills, strategic planning abilities, and innovative leadership techniques for healthcare administration. With small class sizes and CCNE accreditation, the curriculum focuses on organizational dynamics and systemic improvements in diverse healthcare environments. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, which provides flexible learning pathways for nurses pursuing administrative leadership roles.

• Online program delivery
• 2.5-year study plan
• Small class size (24 students)
• CCNE Accredited program
• Iowa Board of Nursing approved
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced nursing management

Morningside University's online MSN Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for comprehensive family healthcare across all ages. This 50-credit program requires 750 clinical hours and two on-site residencies, focusing on physical exams, illness diagnosis, treatment administration, and chronic health management. With a competitive tuition of $655 per credit and flexible full-time or part-time options, graduates become eligible for national certification. No entrance exam is required for this online program, which can be completed in 4-6 semesters.

• 50 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit
• Fully online program
• 4-6 semester completion
• Two on-site residencies
• National certification preparation
• Full and part-time options
• 23 core + 27 specialty credits

Morningside University's online MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program specializes in elderly healthcare, equipping nurses with advanced skills in physical exams, acute illness diagnosis, and chronic condition management. The 49-credit program includes 750 clinical practicum hours and two on-site residencies, preparing graduates for ANCC certification. At $655 per credit, this online program requires no entrance exam and can be completed in 4-6 semesters, focusing specifically on aging population care.

• 49 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit cost
• Online program format
• Two on-site residencies
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• 4-6 semester completion
• Specializes in elderly care

Morningside University's hybrid MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program develops leadership skills for dynamic healthcare environments through a blend of online coursework and in-person components. The 40-credit curriculum includes 500 clinical hours and focuses on care coordination, quality improvement, and advanced clinical practice. With a cost of $655 per credit and flexible study options, this program prepares nurses for pivotal roles without requiring an entrance exam, offering both full-time and part-time completion paths.

• 40 total credit hours
• 500 clinical practicum hours
• Hybrid learning format
• $655 per credit cost
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Prepares for multiple nursing roles
• Full-time and part-time options

Morningside University's hybrid Clinical Nurse Leader MSN track prepares RNs for leadership roles across healthcare settings through a blend of online and practical learning. This 40-credit program requires 500 clinical hours and emphasizes quality care, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and valid RN license, with no entrance exam needed. At $655 per credit with rolling admissions, this affordable program can be completed in approximately 2 years.

• 40 credit hours.
• $655 per credit.
• Hybrid program format.
• 500 clinical hours required.
• 2 years completion time.
• Rolling admissions.
• BSN and 3.0 GPA required.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Focus on leadership roles.
• Evidence-based practice emphasis.

Mount Mercy University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Administration concentration prepares experienced RNs for leadership roles in healthcare settings. This fully online program requires a current RN license and a BSN or equivalent degree for admission, with no entrance exam specified. It emphasizes flexibility for working professionals, offering potential employer tuition discounts and a $600 referral scholarship. Students develop skills in healthcare management and strategic planning through a practicum with flexible location options. The program maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation and is military-friendly.

• Fully online MSN program
• Nurse Administration concentration
• 3.25 GPA admission requirement
• Current RN license mandatory
• $600 referral scholarship
• Employer tuition discounts
• Practicum location flexible
• Graduate admissions support

Briar Cliff University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice. This rigorous three-year part-time program requires 54.5 credits and 750 clinical hours, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan. No GRE is required for admission. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes holistic care, evidence-based practice, and leadership, with clinical sites arranged near students' locations. Experienced faculty provide mentorship in this online format, ranked #2 for Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Programs.

• 3-year part-time online program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• No GRE required
• 54.5 total graduate credits
• CCNE accredited program
• Clinical sites near student's location
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Experienced veteran faculty mentors