Nursing Program Details

鉴黄师app Nursing offers a two-year ladder program. In addition to program prerequisites, this program includes one year (two semesters) of Practical Nursing courses followed by one year (two semesters) of Associate Degree Nursing courses. At the end of the first year, a student may sit for the Practical Nursing (LPN) license exam. To progress to the second year of the ladder program, students must meet testing requirements. At the end of the second year, a student may sit for their Registered Nurse (RN) license exam. Click on the 鈥淧rogram & Health Entry Requirements鈥 menu below for more information.

鉴黄师app Nursing also offers training for those interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Click on the 鈥淣urse Aide (CNA) Program Details鈥 menu below for more information.

Where Do I Start?

  1. Apply for Admission on the 鉴黄师app website.
    • Applying online for admission to 鉴黄师app is quick, easy, and FREE. This will create your personal 鉴黄师app record and ensures accurate tracking of your progress through the nursing entry process.
  2. Complete a Nursing Information Session.
    • Completion of the Nursing Information Session is a prerequisite and is also required prior to making an appointment with an advisor. Nursing Information Sessions are listed below.
  3. Contact an Academic Advisor Prior to Registering for Classes.
    • Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor. To connect with your advisor, current students can or contact your Pathway Success Team.

Nursing Student Policy Manual

Before Admission to the 鉴黄师app Nursing Program

All students must meet the Nursing Program Entry Requirements linked on the applicable checklist below.


Health Requirements - Student Health and Immunization Records

Nursing students need to complete and submit the New Student Health and Immunization Record when beginning their program. Click below to see the form.

TB and Influenza documentation are required annually.

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At their own expense, students must obtain the required physical examination, immunizations, and/or tests prior to beginning the Program. The physical exam and Tuberculosis test must be within one year of starting the program.

  • Infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Pertussis (Whooping cough), and Tuberculosis (TB) may have serious implications for both health care workers and clients. Therefore, students are required to meet current standards for prevention, unless a signed medical waiver is submitted.
  • Existing health problems must be identified. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical experiences until the required Health and Immunization Record is completed and submitted.
  • If a student chooses not to have the required immunizations and does not have a medical waiver, the student will be ineligible for clinical experiences and will be dismissed from the 鉴黄师app nursing programs.
  • Changes in health status after completing health forms must be reported to the Program Chair/Campus Coordinator.
  • Students are to make a personal copy of the Health and Immunization Record prior to submitting it and keep it in a safe place with other important documents as these records will be requested by future employers.
  • The influenza vaccine is required each year prior to the deadline set by our clinical agencies. It is the student's responsibility to renew the influenza vaccine each year at their own expense and provide documentation for their student file.

CPR Certification Requirements

CPR certification is a requirement for attendance in the clinical area. In choosing a course from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, keep in mind the course description must indicate it is appropriate for health care providers/professionals and that CPR for both adults and children will be taught. Nursing students must have completed a course designed for health professionals from either the:

  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support OR American Heart Association Heartcode (this is an online course followed by a face-to-face skills test)
  • American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer OR American Red Cross Health Care Provider course

When contacting any agency or organization to make a reservation for a CPR course, tell them you are a nursing student and need a course for health care professionals. Certification is at the student's own time and expense, and must be completed by the beginning of their program. Cards/certificates must be presented to the Program Chair/Coordinator showing date completed and the instructor's and student's signatures. Students are responsible to provide renewal cards documenting certification through the date of graduation. Students will not be allowed in the clinical setting if current CPR certification has not been provided. American Heart Association cards and American Red Cross cards need to be renewed every two years.

Approved recertification courses include a written competency test and a live return skills demonstration. Courses that are entirely online or that do not include all of the above are not acceptable. The offers help in locating providers of certification courses in your zip code area. offers monthly Basic Cardiac Life Support CPR Certification courses for Health Care Professionals that comply with American Heart Association guidelines.


Graduation Requirements

  1. Diplomas are issued to Practical Nursing students with a grade of "C" or better in all PNN and required liberal arts and sciences courses identified in the Practical Nursing curriculum.
  2. An Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is awarded to Associate Degree Nursing Students with a grade of "C" or better in all ADN and required liberal arts and sciences courses identified in the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum.

It is the student's responsibility to monitor his/her progress in meeting program requirements.

Track your progress. Any discrepancies regarding meeting requirements must be discussed with the Program Chair as soon you are aware to ensure progression toward graduation as planned. Any discrepancies regarding meeting requirements must be discussed with the Program Chair as soon you are aware to ensure progression toward graduation as planned.

Graduation Application: To qualify as a graduation candidate, a must be filed with the Office of Student Records by established deadlines. There are three reasons why you need to complete the Graduation Application:

  1. To have your academic records reviewed to determine if you are eligible to graduate from 鉴黄师app
  2. To determine if you meet the Board of Nursing's requirements for licensure.
    Students must be granted the designated degree or diploma to meet eligibility requirements for licensure by the state boards of nursing. Just completing the required course work is not sufficient to meet licensure requirements.
  3. To indicate if you will or will not be participating in the graduation ceremony.

Students will receive OFFICIAL written notification of their status on meeting graduation requirements.

Graduates Looking for a Job: 鉴黄师app students and alumni can view current job and internship postings on Handshake, 鉴黄师app鈥檚 career services platform. 补苍诲鈥

  • Access job and internship postings from employers looking to hire 鉴黄师app candidates.
  • Share your resume and connect directly with employers through the Handshake messaging center.
  • Stay up-to-date on local and virtual hiring events: career fairs, information sessions, interviewing events, and more.

Also, the 鉴黄师app Career Services provides free career services to 鉴黄师app students and alumni, Click here to learn more.

Visit to search for thousands of jobs and scholarships

Lawful Presence Verification Requirement

Effective February 13, 2026, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) requires verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence for all individuals applying for an Iowa professional license, including nursing licenses.

In accordance with and (Oct. 8, 2025), any individual granted an Iowa professional license must be a U.S. citizen, have lawful presence in the U.S., or meet an exception found in 8 U.S.C.A. 搂 1621(c)(2).

Your personal information that DIAL is collecting as part of this application may be used to verify your citizenship and immigration status through the federal verification service. You are not required to provide your personal information for this purpose; however, failure to do so will prevent further processing of your application, pursuant to Executive Order 15.

Information submitted through SAVE is retained by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and may be shared with law enforcement if fraudulent documentation is identified, in accordance with federal law.


Criminal Conviction Eligibility for Iowa Nursing Licensure

A criminal history does not automatically prevent licensure in Iowa. The Iowa Board of Nursing reviews applications on an individual basis and considers whether an applicant can safely and competently practice nursing. Even individuals with potentially disqualifying convictions may still be eligible for licensure with appropriate documentation and evidence of rehabilitation.

What You Need to Know:

Disclosure is required

All applicants must disclose all criminal convictions when applying for licensure. This includes:

  • Deferred judgments
  • Expunged convictions
  • Sealed records
  • Other agreed dispositions
  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions

Traffic violations do not need to be reported.

Documentation is required

For each offense, applicants must provide:

  • The charge
  • Where and when it occurred
  • A brief description of what happened
  • The outcome or resolution

This information is submitted as part of the background check and licensure application process.

Evidence of rehabilitation may be submitted

Applicants may submit documentation demonstrating rehabilitation and their ability to safely practice nursing. Each case is reviewed individually by the Board.

Petition for Eligibility Determination (optional)

Students with criminal convictions may choose to submit a Petition for Eligibility Determination to the Iowa Board of Nursing. This petition:

  • Is optional and not required prior to applying for licensure
  • Allows the Board to review convictions in advance
  • May help identify potential licensure concerns earlier in the process

This option may be especially helpful for students considering entry into or currently enrolled in a nursing program.

Potentially disqualifying offenses

The Board identifies certain categories of offenses that may be disqualifying, including:

  • Drug offenses
  • Sexual offenses
  • Forcible, violent, or endangerment offenses
  • Offenses involving dishonesty
  • Public health鈥搑elated offenses

Each application is reviewed individually, and licensure decisions are not based solely on the existence of a criminal record.

Nursing Ladder Program - Plan of Study

RN Program Details

Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and to help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. In Iowa the RN functions both independently and collaboratively when working with clients and other health care professionals.

Where do RNs work?

The RN practices in a variety of settings including:

  • acute care settings
    • hospitals
    • surgical centers
    • ambulance and helicopter transport services
  • long term care facilities (rehabilitation, hospice, nursing homes)
  • community care
    • physician's offices
    • patient's homes
    • outpatient care centers
    • school systems (K-12, College clinics)
    • corporate health centers
    • insurance companies
    • managed care companies
    • pharmaceutical companies
    • military
    • government agencies
    • correctional facilities
    • community mental health
  • educational institutions (Nursing schools, Universities, research centers)
  • chronic care (kidney dialysis units)

While the settings in which RNs practice are varied, their role in those settings may also be diverse depending on their educational background, skills and interests. The roles of the registered nurse may include:

  • bedside client care provider
  • manager
  • teacher in a formal school of nursing
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner
  • health educator

What do RNs do?

New graduates often find that their initial job is giving direct patient care in one of the types of facilities noted above. When providing direct patient care, RNs:

  • observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients
  • assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations
  • administer medications by mouth, injection or intravenous line
  • assist in convalescence and rehabilitation
  • develop and manage nursing care plans
  • instruct patients and their families in proper care
  • help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health

While state laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines the daily job duties. The ability to do critical thinking and to solve complex problems while caring for clients is vital for the registered nurse.

Good communication skills are also essential as the Registered Nurse consistently communicates in verbal or written form with clients and their families, with other health care team members, in the keeping of accurate records, and in formal and informal teaching settings.

RNs are professionally responsible for their actions and must function within the legal guidelines of the Board of Nursing of the state in which they practice, as well as within the ethical guidelines of the nursing profession. .

To learn more about the scope of what Registered Nurses do and where they work, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, .

The provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Job Outlook and Salaries for RN's

Currently the job outlook for RN's is very good, though nurses in some areas of the country may not always get their first choice of areas in which to work. Further information on wages and employment is available at the site.

Training Programs for Registered Nurses

In Iowa, two types of training programs prepare a student for the RN role:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - a two-year program offered at many community colleges that prepares students for the RN role at a basic level. This is generally a two to three year course of study.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - a four-year program offered at colleges and universities, which prepares the new grad for the RN role but which also emphasize course work in liberal arts, sciences, nursing theory, community health and management techniques.

Advanced Specialties

RNs who want to practice in any of the following advanced specialty areas will require a master's degree:

  • Nurse educator
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Nurse midwife
  • Clinical nurse specialist

A doctorate may be required for some educators, practitioners and researchers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, was used as a source for some of the information on this page.


LPN Program Details

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are the entry level of the profession. In Iowa they are responsible for utilizing their nursing knowledge and skills to care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians or registered nurses in structured health care settings.

What do LPNs do?

The LPN works with other licensed health care professionals to assess clients (patients) as well as to coordinate and implement nursing care. Responsibilities may range from:

  • direct client care
  • measuring vital signs
  • bathing
  • feeding and toileting clients
  • medication administration
  • preparing and giving injections
  • complex dressing changes
  • supervising nursing assistants
  • administering CPR

The above is only a partial listing of LPN duties. To learn more, visit the .

The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET OnLine provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

LPNs are professionally responsible for their actions and must function within the legal guidelines of the Board of Nursing of the state in which they practice, as well as within the ethical guidelines of the nursing profession. .

Where do LPNs work?

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practices in a variety of arenas including:

  • long-term care (nursing homes and other non-acute care nursing facilities)
  • community care
    • physician's offices
    • patient's homes
    • outpatient care centers
    • school systems
    • industry
    • correctional facilities
    • community mental health
  • acute care (hospitals)
  • chronic care (kidney dialysis centers)

Depending on the care setting, LPN's may care for groups of four or more people at a time. The ability to do critical thinking and to solve problems while caring for individuals is vital for the practical nurse.

Job Outlook and Salaries for LPNs

Currently the job outlook for LPNs is very bright, particularly in the areas of long-term care, physicians' offices and home health care. More information on wages and employment is available at the .

Training Programs for Practical Nurses

Practical Nursing - Diploma - programs prepare students for the role of the Practical Nurse at a basic level and are typically a one-year course of study. They are available at vocational/technical schools, community and junior colleges, hospitals, colleges and universities. For a list of approved programs in Iowa, .

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

Briefly, the difference is the length and depth of training and the scope of practice. The educational program for RNs is two to four times longer than LPNs. This expanded time provides RN graduates with additional training in advanced skills, procedures, therapies and a deeper fund of nursing knowledge. The Iowa Board of Nursing specifies that the LPN shall not perform any activity requiring the knowledge and skill ascribed to the registered nurse. The limitations in LPNs activities generally pertain to:

  • intravenous therapy
  • formulation of nursing diagnoses
  • practicing with supervision of a physician or RN
  • supervision of others

They are specified by the Iowa Board of Nursing in the "Nurse Practice Act for Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses."

Des Moines Area Community College offers training programs for those interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants. These programs are offered several times a year in a variety of locations and are taught by Registered Nurses. These courses are designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients/residents in a variety of long-term care facilities and to be successful on the Iowa Direct Care Worker registry exams. Successful completion of these exams is required by State Legislation in order to work in a long-term care facility. The Nurse Aide courses are offered for college credit and are prerequisites to the nursing program. After successful completion of the Nurse Aide 75-hour course, the student would then be eligible to take the Advanced Nurse Aide 75-hour.

  • Nurse Aide 75-Hour - 3 credits
  • Advanced Nurse Aide 75-Hour - 3 credits

Costs: Required textbook, handbook, shoes and scrubs, watch with a second hand, stethoscope, etc. are in addition to the cost of the class. The Nurse Aide/Orderly class is 75 hours and the Advanced Nurse Aide class is 75 hours for a total of 150 hours. Most of the 鉴黄师app campuses offer both classes.

State Testing: After completing The Nurse Aide/Orderly class, you will need to take the Nurse Aide testing for and . (This testing is offered through Continuing Education.) Successful completion of the testing will enable you to work in Long-Term Care.

Financial Aid: If you have questions regarding financial aid, call 515-964-6282.


Nurse Aide 75 Hour (Basic)

This course prepares the student to work in a nursing home, home health care agency, group home and/or hospital. The first 60 hours of the course are held in a classroom/lab and the remaining 30 hours of clinical will be in a nursing home. You will provide resident/patient care under the supervision of your instructor. At the end of this course, you must take the Direct Care Worker Registry written and skills exam to be eligible for employment.

Step 1 - Apply for Admission

Applying online for admission to 鉴黄师app is quick, easy, and FREE.

  • Select 鈥淣urse Aide鈥 as your major if you only plan on taking Nurse Aide classes.
  • Once application is approved, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 - Register for your chosen Nurse Aide course

  • Registration Opens: Nurse Aide courses follow 鉴黄师app credit registration dates.
  • Class Schedules: Nurse Aide classes can be found here by searching for SUBJECT=Nurse Aide Orderly or COURSE = 172.
  • Waitlist: As of Summer 2022, the 鉴黄师app registration Waitlist feature has been activated for Nurse Aide classes.

Step 3 - Complete and submit required health forms

A. Click on the link below to complete the signature form, which allows us to run a background check prior to the start of class. This is extremely important and must be done before moving on to Part B.

B. Create Medical Document Manager Account (COMING SOON)

Additional information will be shared regarding the process and location for submitting required medical documentation for clinical compliance. Students are encouraged to regularly check their email and this website for important updates and further instructions.

C. Submit Mandatory Health Forms

There are three steps to follow to prepare you to submit the necessary healthcare forms.

  1. Make an appointment with your medical provider (MD, DO, PA, ARNP). We encourage you to schedule your appointment at least three weeks prior to the start of class.
  2. Click on each of the following three links, print out the entire form, and take them all with you to your medical provider appointment. Your medical provider must sign the physical and immunizations form and the TB testing form. The flu shot form may be signed by whomever administered the flu shot (perhaps a pharmacy technician, nurse, or doctor).
  3. Save all completed forms and any additional documentation to upload into your upcoming medical document manager account. It may help to immediately scan the completed forms to your 鉴黄师app email address or computer. If you don't have access to a scanner, your medical provider might be able to scan them for you or perhaps you can ask a friend or family member. You are always welcome to stop by your local 鉴黄师app campus for assistance.

D. CPR Certification

The last item to check off your to-do list is Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification. Below are links to approved CPR courses. Please note that 100% online courses are NOT accepted. You may take a class that is web-blended (part online, part in person) if the skills check-off is done in person. Once you complete the CPR class, bring a copy of your CPR card to CNA class.

  • : Selected course should be BLS/CPR for Healthcare. Select location and either "Blended Learning" or "Classroom Only" formats
  • : Select location and choose BLS as course. You may pick either "Blended Learning" or "Classroom Only"

Advanced Nurse Aide

This course is designed for Nurse Aides who have completed the Nurse Aide 75 Hours (Basic) state approved course. The advanced nurse aide course provides an opportunity to gain the additional competencies and clinical experiences needed to seek employment in a hospital. The first 45 hours of the course are held in a classroom/lab and the remaining 30 hours of clinical will be in a hospital. Job opportunities include, but are not limited to, EKG tech, Emergency Tech, Scope Tech, Surgery Tech, and OB Tech. The agency or hospital will provide additional training in these specialized areas. Students must provide proof they have successfully completed a 75-hour state approved Nurse Aide course prior to being accepted.

Step 1 - Apply for Admission and Complete Orientation

Applying online for admission to 鉴黄师app is quick, easy, and FREE.

  • Select 鈥淣urse Aide鈥 as your major if you plan on taking Nurse Aide classes only. If you are a nursing applicant, apply for the nursing program.
  • Watch your 鉴黄师app email account for Orientation requirement details.
  • Once your 鉴黄师app application is approved, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 - Register for your chosen Nurse Aide course
Check the registration dates so you know when you are eligible to register for class.

  • The schedule of available Advanced Nurse Aide classes can be found on the Course Schedule page by searching for Advanced Nurse Aide in the subject search bar.
  • Review the course offerings and select the one that meets on the days and times most compatible with your schedule. Please also note the location of the class.
  • Register for the course. Students will learn how to register for classes during new student orientation (see step 1 above).
  • If your desired class is full, you have the option to be added to the waitlist. If someone else drops the class, the next person on the waitlist will be contacted and offered a spot. There is no guarantee of admission.

Step 3 - Submit Required Forms

This step has several parts and different due dates, so read through the information carefully. You will receive an email at your 鉴黄师app email address with this information once you apply to 鉴黄师app and register for class. Please note Step 3 cannot be completed until Steps 1 and 2 have been completed.

A. Submit the Signature Form

After you have applied to 鉴黄师app, been accepted, and registered for an advanced nurse aide course, then you can click on the link below and complete the signature form. This should take no more than 5 minutes but is extremely important.

B. Create Medical Document Manager Account (COMING SOON)

Additional information will be shared regarding the process and location for submitting required medical documentation for clinical compliance. Students are encouraged to regularly check their email and this website for important updates and further instructions.

C. Submit Mandatory Health Forms

There are three steps to follow to prepare you to submit the necessary healthcare forms. If you received your basic nurse aide certification from 鉴黄师app, you may not need to re-submit all forms. Please check with the CNA coordinator and/or watch your 鉴黄师app email for additional information.

  1. Make an appointment with your medical provider (MD, DO, PA, ARNP). We encourage you to schedule your appointment at least three weeks prior to the start of class.
  2. Click on each of the following three links, print out the entire form, and take them all with you to your medical provider appointment. Your medical provider must sign the physical and immunizations form and the TB testing form. The flu shot form may be signed by whomever administered the flu shot (perhaps a pharmacy technician, nurse, or doctor).
  3. Save all completed forms and any additional documentation to upload into your upcoming medical document manager account. It may help to immediately scan the completed forms to your 鉴黄师app email address or computer. If you don't have access to a scanner, your medical provider might be able to scan them for you or perhaps you can ask a friend or family member. You are always welcome to stop by your local 鉴黄师app campus for assistance.

D. CPR Certification

The last item to check off your to-do list before the start of clinicals is Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification. Below are links to approved CPR courses. Please note that 100% online courses are NOT accepted. You may take a class that is web-blended (part online, part in person) if the skills check-off is done in person. Once you complete the CPR class, bring a copy of your CPR card to your nurse aide class. If you are already certified, simply bring a copy of your certification with you to class.

  • : Selected course should be BLS/CPR for Healthcare. Select location and either "Blended Learning" or "Classroom Only" formats
  • : Select location and choose BLS as course. You may pick either "Blended Learning" or "Classroom Only"

Additional Nurse Aide Resources


Bringing a voice and face to direct care workers such as certified nursing assistants and home care aides. Increasing awareness about direct care workforce issues and increasing the number of direct care workers who have access to ICA ROC (The Iowa CareGivers Association Direct Care Worker Resource and Outreach Center) programs, information, and services.

classes and testing dates.


Regulates the CNA program and enforces criminal abuse background checks. Regulations can be found on their website.


Classes designed to meet the continuing education needs of the health care provider working in long term care for certification and/or re-licensure. Provides Direct Care Workers Registry Testing (Nurse aide comp and skills testing).

For state test scheduling or questions, contact 鉴黄师app Continuing Education.

ATI TEAS Scoring Requirements & Test Review Options for Entry to the Nursing Program

For New Students seeking Admission into the Ladder Program starting Fall 2024: Students will need to meet a scoring requirement of 55% or greater on the Adjusted Individual Total Score for entry into the first year of the Ladder Program. The total score must include the four content areas: Reading, Mathematics, English and Language Usage, and Science. Students in this category are allowed unlimited attempts on the ATI TEAS, but all attempts are required to be taken in person at a 鉴黄师app Testing Center location. For entry into the second year of the Ladder Program, students will need to meet a scoring requirement of 92% or higher on the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Probability Score (test is given in class at the end of the first year of the nursing program) -OR- achieve a score of 65% or higher on the ATI TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score.

鉴黄师app offers RN to BSN 3+1 degree programs through partnerships including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

鉴黄师app nursing students can seamlessly finish their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in only one year, either on campus or online, while continuing to work in central Iowa. Grads with a BSN will discover expanded career opportunities, higher pay potential, workplace rewards, and more. They will be well-equipped to deliver excellent health care.


 


Additional Resources