Nursing Programs in Des Moines, IA
Middle-America Des Moines, Iowa is like many cities across the country that are feeling the nursing deficiency pinch. According to a recent media report, hospitals such as Unity Point Health in Des Moines have numerous openings for registered nurses. Also like many other cities, universities and colleges in Des Moines have answered the call by creating accredited nursing programs that cater to the needs of time-strapped nurses with home and family responsibilities. Those seeking to enter the nursing profession and nurses seeking to advance their careers will find numerous educational opportunities available to them in Iowa.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
2026 Best Nursing Schools in Des Moines
Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for future success, and rankings provide valuable guidance by highlighting top-performing schools. This article presents the Best Nursing Schools in Des Moines, created by Registerednursing.org, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria to help students make informed decisions. For details on how we compile these rankings, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
In 2024, Des Moines nursing programs achieved an average NCLEX pass rate of 96.39% with 166 students tested. This single-year data point shows strong initial performance for the region.
- 2024 average pass rate: 96.39%
- 2024 total students: 166
Top Performing Schools
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) demonstrated excellent results with a 96.39% average pass rate across available data.
- Des Moines Area Community College: 96.39% average pass rate (166 students, 1 year of data)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Large nursing programs in Des Moines, defined as those with over 100 students per year, maintained high standards with a 96.39% average pass rate.
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 96.39% average pass rate (166 students)
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
ADN programs in Des Moines showed strong performance with a 96.39% average pass rate, though BSN program data was not available for comparison in this dataset.
- ADN programs: 96.39% average pass rate (166 students)
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - mchs.edu
Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy College of Health Sciences provides an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program designed to be completed in two years. The program offers flexible scheduling with evening classes and weekend clinicals, making it accessible for students with other commitments. Admission requires a 2.7 GPA in prerequisite courses and a minimum score on the ATI TEAS exam. According to 2024 NCLEX data, ADN graduates achieved an 82.5% pass rate. The program maintains a 100% job placement rate within one year of graduation, with graduates earning a median wage of $75,330. It is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
- Two-year program duration.
- Flexible evening and weekend classes.
- 100% job placement rate.
- Median wage $75,330.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
- 2.7 GPA admission requirement.
- ATI TEAS exam required.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in three years. Clinical rotations begin in the first semester, providing early hands-on experience. The program requires a GPA of 2.7 in prerequisite courses and a minimum score of 63% on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. According to 2024 NCLEX data, BSN graduates achieved a 91.87% pass rate. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate within one year of graduation and is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
- NCLEX pass rate 86.7%
- 100% job placement rate
- 67 major credits
- Clinical hours start semester 1
- LPNs get four credits
- GPA 2.7 required
- ATI TEAS test 63% minimum
- Three years to complete
- Campus-based program
- Accredited by CCNE
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - grandview.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Grand View University's Nursing BSN program in Des Moines prepares students for RN licensure with a strong focus on developing healthcare leaders through a caring ethic. The program features a state-of-the-art simulation center and small class sizes for personalized instruction. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of specific prerequisite courses with at least a C grade, and proficiency on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. The program's 2024 NCLEX pass rate was 87.5% for 32 students, demonstrating solid preparation for the RN licensure examination. Graduates are equipped with in-demand nursing skills and can pursue diverse career opportunities in various healthcare settings.
- State-of-the-art simulation center
- Small class sizes
- Focus on caring ethic
- Qualifies for RN licensure exam
- Minimum GPA 3.0 required
- ATI TEAS test proficiency needed
- Completion of specific courses required
- Develops health care leaders
- Flexible schedule
- Affordable tuition
Drake University
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - drake.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Drake University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Des Moines offers a rigorous campus-based pathway for career changers seeking to enter nursing quickly. This program combines intensive academics with extensive hands-on clinical training in real healthcare settings, preparing students comprehensively for the NCLEX exam. While pending ACEN accreditation, it holds approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing. The curriculum emphasizes compassionate, competent patient care under the guidance of experienced faculty. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The focus on clinical excellence aims to produce highly skilled nurses ready to make immediate impacts in healthcare.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX.
- Pending ACEN accreditation.
- Iowa Board of Nursing approved.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Experienced faculty.
- Fast track to nursing.
- Focus on compassionate care.
- Real-world healthcare settings.
- Ideal for career changers.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Iowa State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a hybrid RN-to-BSN program, combining online coursework with on-campus sessions for flexibility. This program is designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement and can be completed in two semesters with full-time enrollment. It focuses on research, leadership, population health, and self-care to prepare nurses for diverse healthcare roles. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 college GPA, RN licensure in Iowa or a compact state, and prerequisite courses. The program is ACEN accredited and emphasizes preparation for advanced nursing opportunities. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. NCLEX pass rate information is not provided in the data.
- Hybrid learning format
- Two semesters completion
- Focus on research and leadership
- ACEN accredited
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- RN licensure prerequisite
- Flexible for working nurses
- Prepares for diverse healthcare roles
- Opportunities for further education
- Combines online and on-campus learning
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Des Moines, IA
Changing jobs or beginning your first serious career can bring about a mix of emotions. Fortunately, for those entering nursing in Des Moines, IA, there are numerous colleges with low or zero-entry barriers so you can start your LPN to RN, ADN or BSN educational journey right away.
PN to RN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses (PNs) support patient care in many ways yet nurses who are looking to provide greater assistance to their patients – and earn a higher wage – can do so by becoming an RN. In Iowa, a number of community colleges offer a seamless educational Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse path. For instance, Iowa Central Community College’s associate’s program includes Practical Nursing curriculum as its first year of study. As such, students can simply complete the second year of the program to sit for the NCLEX exam and become an RN.
ADN Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in Iowa allow students to get the foundational level of training they need to enter the field of nursing. Most programs are offered at junior or community colleges and expose students to clinical rotations in areas such as medical, surgical, OB-GYN, pediatrics and geriatrics. Des Moines Area Community College offers an ADN program that also prepares students for their RN.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
If you are confident that caring for others is your professional calling, then you may want to consider a direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Des Moines, IA. Offered in hybrid online and on-ground formats and at a quickened pace, today’s BSN programs can often be earned in three instead of four years. Mercy College of Health Sciences, which has been educating nurses for over 100 years, offers an accredited three-year, concept-based BSN program that provides students with clinical experiences in acute and chronic care settings. The bachelor’s nursing program boasts that 88% of graduates receive a job offer within the first year.
Find out more about Iowa Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Des Moines, IA
Registered nurses can better prepare themselves for an ever-changing workforce by completing an accelerated RN to BSN/MSN program. With many online, on-ground and blended educational formats to choose from, working nurses can earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing or their Masters of Science in Nursing in less time.
RN to BSN Programs
Not surprisingly, top-notch hospitals and medical centers prefer to hire registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree, and this trend in healthcare is likely to persist in the years to come. Working RNs who wish to bolster their earning potential as well as strengthen their learnings can do so by completing RN to BSN programs in the Des Moines, Iowa region. Recognized nationally for their nursing programs, Grandview University offers an RN to BSN option for interested students.
Find out more about Iowa RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Nurses who are truly ready to excel their careers can complete an RN to MSN bridge program in Iowa. Designed for students who are confident about their career paths in nursing, RN to MSN programs allow students to earn a both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in rapid succession. Graceland University, about an hour outside of Des Moines, offers an RN to MSN bridge program in an intensive, online format. By streamlining university admissions processes, students can save time – and save on tuition costs – in this unique bridge program.
Find out more about Iowa RN to MSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Ames, IA
Iowa State University
- RN to BSN - 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
Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - 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
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Des Moines, IA
Nursing is both a calling and a vocation, and those registered nurses who wish to take on a more impactful role can do so by pursuing advanced practice educational programs. Universities in Iowa offer post-master’s certificates or even doctorate programs so nurses can work toward elevating their career – and their profession.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
The demand for nurses extends beyond the hospital and into the college classroom where nursing instructors are needed to teach the next generation of RNs. Experienced nurses looking to become educators themselves can earn their Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate from Purdue University Global, located outside of Des Moines, IA. It also offers other post-grad certs such as Nurse Practitioner and Leadership.
Find out more about Iowa Post-Master's Certificate Programs and Iowa Nurse Practitioner Programs.
DNP Programs
Experienced nurses seeking to teach at the college level or play a leadership role in hospital administration may choose to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition to MSN and post-grad certs, Purdue University Global offers a highly regarded DNP in an online format. From scientific research to nursing administration, the program prepares nurses to engage the profession at the highest levels.
Find out more about Iowa DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Education
Campus Based - Website
- 5-semester full-time program
- 37 total credit hours
- Fall start only (Aug/Sept)
- No GRE required
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum
- Active RN license needed
- BSN from accredited program
- NLN Nurse Educator certification eligible
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Des Moines, IA
Ames, IA
Iowa State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Two semesters completion
- Focus on research and leadership
- ACEN accredited
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- RN licensure prerequisite
- Flexible for working nurses
- Prepares for diverse healthcare roles
Des Moines, IA
Drake University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX.
- Pending ACEN accreditation.
- Iowa Board of Nursing approved.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Experienced faculty.
- Fast track to nursing.
- Focus on compassionate care.
Grand View University
- Bachelor's - Nursing BSN
Campus Based - Website
- State-of-the-art simulation center
- Small class sizes
- Focus on caring ethic
- Qualifies for RN licensure exam
- Minimum GPA 3.0 required
- ATI TEAS test proficiency needed
- Completion of specific courses required
- Develops health care leaders
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program duration.
- Flexible evening and weekend classes.
- 100% job placement rate.
- Median wage $75,330.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- NCLEX pass rate 86.7%
- 100% job placement rate
- 67 major credits
- Clinical hours start semester 1
- LPNs get four credits
- GPA 2.7 required
- ATI TEAS test 63% minimum
- Three years to complete