Registered Nurses (RNs) are skilled healthcare professionals who are often employed in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, etc. Their job is to give first-hand care to their patients. Their responsibilities include taking vital signs, dressing injuries, ordering and administering medications, and informing patients about their healthcare.

Should I Become a Nurse in Iowa?

Education Required A bachelor’s degree
Major Requirement Nursing (BSN)
License/Certification Become registered as a nurse
Experience/Training An internship or volunteer work is highly recommended
Key Skills/Qualities Patience, Critical-thinking, Compassion, Communication, Stamina, Attention-to-detail, and Problem-solving Skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)
Job Outlook (2018-28) 12% (Much faster than average)
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Indiana $60,590 (Registered Nurses)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2,982,280 Registered Nurses (RNs) were employed in the US, while 32,980 belonged to the state of Iowa. The employment level of Registered Nurses is projected to increase by 12% from 2018 to 2028.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Iowa

If becoming a Registered Nurse in Iowa is your passion and you want to help people recover from illnesses or injuries, then here is what you must do.

  1. Meet the Required Education Standard
  2. There are 2 ways you can earn the required education to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing that exam allows you to get licensed as a Registered Nurse in Iowa.

  1. Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing

    This degree typically takes about 2 years to complete. It is an amalgam of courses and clinical experience. After graduating with this degree, you can opt for an accelerated ADN-to-BSN degree which also takes 2 years to complete.

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
  2. All registered nurses must earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) which takes 4 years to complete. Nurses with this degree can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Several accredited institutions in Iowa offer this degree, such as the University of Iowa.

  1. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam and Get Licensed
  2. All nurses in the state of Iowa must get licensed by the Iowa Board of Nursing. To earn that license, they must clear the NCLEX-RN exam which is conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Iowa?

To become a Registered Nurse in Iowa, it may take approximately 5 years or more. A bachelor’s degree in Nursing can be completed in 4 years. After that, you must clear the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed as a Registered Nurse which may take another year or so.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Iowa?

To work as a Registered Nurse in Iowa, all prospective nurses must:

  • Possess a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution
  • Clear the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the Iowa Board of Nursing

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Iowa?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that all Registered Nurses employed in the state of Iowa earned an annual mean salary of $60,590. California was listed as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $113,240.

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