
Iowa is a great state to work in as a nurse. Demand is high and set to grow over the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) is $53,520, not as high as in other states, but certainly still interesting, particularly since the cost of living is also lower in this state. So how do you become a nurse in Iowa?
ENTRY LEVEL PRACTICE NURSES
Becoming a nurse in Iowa is a three stage process: STAGE 1. CHOOSE THE TYPE OF EDUCATION YOU WANT TO PURSUE. The least popular, but quickest option is the LPN (licensed practical nurse) diploma, which takes one year to complete. Alternatively, you can become an RN, with options for a two year associate’s degree program, or a four year bachelor’s degree. The longer you study, the more you will learn and the better your job opportunities. STAGE 2. MEET THE PREREQUISITES. You will always have to have completed your high school or GED. Additionally, if you want to complete an ADN or BSN, you will usually also need to complete a number of undergraduate courses. The school of your choice will tell you which courses they require, with statistics being the most common one. It should take you no more than six months to complete this. STAGE 3. PASS THE NCLEX EXAM. For the NCLEX examination, LPNs take the NCLEX-PN exam while RNs take the NCLEX-RN examination. This is a national qualification, meaning you can transfer your license to different states.ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
To become an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) in Iowa, you must complete the following four stages as set by the Iowa Board of Nursing. STAGE 1. OBTAIN A GRADUATE DEGREE THAT IS AT LEAST AT MASTER’S DEGREE (MSN) AND FOCUSES ON A CLINICAL SPECIALTY. In-state programs are approved by the Board. Out-of-state programs must be accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Board has created a list MSN certificate programs, as well as a list of approved MSN and DNP (doctorate) programs. For a course to be approved, the following courses must be included in the curriculum:- Advanced physiology/pathophysiology
- Advanced health assessment
- Advanced pharmacology
- Education/counseling of patient/family
- Health promotion and maintenance
- NP – Certified Nurse Practitioner
- CNM – Certified Nurse Midwife
- CRNA – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Certified School Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Perinatal Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Perinatal
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Medical/Surgical
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Psych
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Oncology
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Gerontology
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Orthopedics
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Community Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Home Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Child/Adolescent Psych
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