Northwest Iowa Community College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) completion program is designed for students who have successfully completed the Practical Nursing program at Northwest Iowa Community College, or for the Licensed Practical Nurse eligible to practice in Iowa who wishes to continue study for an Associate Degree in Nursing (RN). Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Satisfactory performance on the examination (NCLEX) is required for practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Students in the ADN program learn current nursing theory through
comprehensive class and laboratory sessions and apply this knowledge in a clinical/preceptorship at cooperating healthcare facilities. The one-year curriculum prepares students in medical-surgical, geriatric, obstetrical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing areas. Graduates may also transfer credits to four-year programs to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Attractive employment opportunities for nurses are available in all areas of the country. Current shortages of nursing personnel have created numerous openings for registered nurses.

LPN Program Details

The Practical Nursing program prepares you to provide comprehensive
care for clients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Nursing
courses provide basic knowledge and skills in the medical-surgical,
geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing areas.
Courses also focus on care giving, communication, teaching,
professional, and managerial roles. Local health facilities provide
the opportunity to participate in supervised clinical/preceptor
experience.

To be accepted into the Practical Nursing program, you must
have a high school diploma (with a 2.0 grade point average) or
a High School Equivalency Diploma. You must have satisfactory
COMPASS-entrance assessment scores and complete prerequisite
courses with a grade of “C” or higher. You also need three years
of science completed at the high school or post high school level
(with a grade of “C” or better). An academic background in life
sciences is recommended. You must hold a Certified Nurse Aide
certificate and be listed on the State Nurse Aide Registry.

A health assessment, current immunization records, child and dependent adult abuse, criminal background check, and the CPR for healthcare providers course is required before you can begin clinical practice. To become a Licensed Practical Nurse, you must pass the NCLEX (license) exam. Practical Nursing graduates have exceptional pass rates for the NCLEX-PN exam..