Key Takeaways
- Des Moines offers high-quality ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs through DMACC, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and Drake University.
- All top programs are accredited and meet Iowa Board of Nursing licensure requirements.
- Students should compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, clinical partnerships, and program flexibility before enrolling.
- Registered nurses in Iowa earn a median annual salary of $68,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and setting.
- Employment demand remains strong statewide, especially in hospital systems such as UnityPoint Health and MercyOne.
How to Choose a Top Registered Nursing Program in Des Moines
Finding the best registered nursing programs in Des Moines Iowa requires more than checking accreditation status. The strongest programs combine strong NCLEX pass rates, reputable clinical partnerships, affordable tuition, and clear pathways for career advancement.
When evaluating schools, prioritize:
- Accreditation from the Iowa Board of Nursing and national bodies such as ACEN or CCNE
- NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently above the state average
- Graduation and job placement rates
- Clinical placements in major Des Moines health systems
- Total cost including fees, books, and supplies
- Program flexibility for working students
Top Registered Nursing Schools in Des Moines
SchoolDegree OptionsNCLEX PerformanceProgram StrengthsEstimated TuitionDes Moines Area Community College (DMACC)ADNStrong state-level outcomesAffordable, strong hospital tiesLower than private collegesMercy College of Health SciencesBSN, RN-to-BSNHigh pass rates historicallyHospital-based training, smaller classesMid-range private tuitionDrake UniversityBSN, Accelerated BSNCompetitive resultsWell-known university, leadership focusHigher private tuition
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
DMACC offers one of the most affordable Associate Degree in Nursing programs in central Iowa. The ADN pathway prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce quickly, typically within two years.
Why it stands out:
- Lower tuition compared to four-year institutions
- Strong clinical partnerships across Polk County
- Accessible entry for first-generation college students
DMACC is ideal for students planning to enter the workforce quickly and later bridge into an RN-to-BSN program.
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is affiliated with MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, giving students direct access to real-world clinical environments in a major hospital system.
Programs offered:
- Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN-to-BSN completion program
The college emphasizes hands-on experience, patient-centered care, and strong faculty mentorship. Its hospital-based model provides early immersion in clinical settings, which many employers value.
Drake University
Drake University offers a highly regarded BSN program with a reputation for academic rigor. Students benefit from small class sizes, strong faculty support, and leadership-focused nursing education.
Drake also offers an accelerated BSN pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, allowing completion in approximately 12 to 18 months.
Program Pathways: ADN vs BSN vs Bridge Options
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Typically completed in two years, the ADN is the fastest route to becoming an RN. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive licensure. Many ADN graduates continue into RN-to-BSN programs later.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN usually takes four years, but accelerated options exist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, especially in hospital settings.
RN-to-BSN
Designed for licensed RNs who hold an ADN, these programs often offer online or hybrid formats. They can typically be completed in 12 to 18 months while working.
Licensing and Accreditation in Iowa
To practice as a registered nurse in Iowa, graduates must:
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- Apply for licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing
Accreditation ensures educational quality and eligibility for federal financial aid. Programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE meet national standards and are widely recognized across states.
Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
Cost varies widely depending on public versus private institutions.
- Community colleges: Lowest tuition, ideal for budget-conscious students
- Private institutions: Higher cost but often smaller class sizes and enhanced services
Students should complete the FAFSA and explore scholarships through the Federal Student Aid system. Hospitals in Des Moines may also offer tuition reimbursement for employed nurses.
Employment Outlook for Registered Nurses in Des Moines
Iowa continues to experience steady demand for registered nurses. Major healthcare employers in Des Moines include:
- UnityPoint Health
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
- Broadlawns Medical Center
According to statewide labor data, registered nurses in Iowa earn median salaries ranging from the high $60,000s to mid $70,000s annually, with experienced and specialized nurses earning more.
Hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, long-term care facilities, and community health clinics are consistent employers in the region.
How to Strengthen Your Nursing School Application
Admission into Des Moines nursing programs can be competitive. Improve your chances by:
- Maintaining strong prerequisite GPA in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
- Completing CNA certification for hands-on exposure
- Preparing thoroughly for entrance exams if required
- Gaining healthcare volunteer experience
Applicants who demonstrate clinical exposure and academic readiness tend to stand out.
Flexible and Online Options for Working Students
Many RN-to-BSN programs offer hybrid or fully online coursework. Clinical hours must still be completed in person, but theory courses can often be completed online.
For working adults, this flexibility allows full-time employment while advancing education. Drake and Mercy College both provide options suited for nontraditional learners.
Advancing Beyond the RN License
After earning RN licensure, nurses in Des Moines can pursue advanced roles such as:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
BSN-prepared nurses are positioned for graduate-level programs and leadership opportunities. With Iowa's healthcare infrastructure continuing to expand, long-term career stability remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions about Registered Nursing Programs in Des Moines
What is the difference between an ADN and a BSN in Des Moines?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes about two years at a community college and prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and start working faster. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically takes four years and offers more training in leadership, research, and public health. Many employers, especially hospitals, prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, as noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and BSN graduates often qualify more easily for advanced roles and graduate programs.
How do I know if a Des Moines nursing program is properly accredited?
You should confirm that the program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and also accredited by a national agency such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation helps ensure your education meets statewide and national standards and supports licensure and financial aid eligibility.
What NCLEX-RN pass rate should I look for in a Des Moines nursing school?
You should look for NCLEX-RN pass rates that are consistently at or above the Iowa state average. Programs at Des Moines Area Community College, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and Drake University generally report strong outcomes. You can compare pass rates by using data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
How much can you earn as a registered nurse in Des Moines, Iowa?
Registered nurses in Iowa typically earn median annual salaries in the high $60,000s to mid $70,000s, depending on experience, specialty, and setting. Hospital roles at systems such as UnityPoint Health, MercyOne Des Moines, and Broadlawns may offer higher pay or differentials for nights, weekends, or specialty units. You can review current wage estimates for Iowa on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website and through the state’s labor market information portal at Iowa Workforce Development.
Are there online or flexible RN-to-BSN options if you work full time?
Yes. Many RN-to-BSN programs that serve Des Moines nurses offer online or hybrid courses so you can work while you study. Classroom content is often online, while clinical or practicum hours are completed in person at approved sites. You can also use federal aid through the Federal Student Aid system, and some local hospitals provide tuition reimbursement for employed RNs who advance from ADN to BSN.
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