7 Best 6-Month LPN to RN Programs Online in Iowa 2025
While no true 6-month LPN to RN programs exist in Iowa, you can explore accelerated bridge options that help you become an RN faster and fit your busy life.
If you're a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Iowa looking to become a registered nurse (RN) quickly, you can find several accelerated programs that can help you reach your goals. While there are no 6-month LPN to RN programs in Iowa, plenty of schools offer programs that can be finished in under two years. Keep reading to learn about fast LPN to RN programs.
Are There Any 6-Month LPN to RN Programs in Iowa?
No, there are currently no 6-month LPN to RN programs online in Iowa. However, students can still find accelerated options that shorten the typical path to becoming an RN.
Many bridge programs in Iowa range from two to three semesters, allowing motivated LPNs to complete their associate degree in as little as one year. These fast-track programs are designed to build on your existing experience and help you move into RN roles more quickly.
<h2 id="section---AcceleratedLPNToRNProgramsInIowa">Accelerated LPN to RN Programs in Iowa</h2><p>Unfortunately, there are no 6-month LPN to RN bridge programs in Iowa. However, if you're thinking about taking your nursing career to the next level, you may consider finding a nursing school with a slightly longer, yet still fast, LPN to RN bridge program. Below, we highlight several Iowa schools that offer accelerated nursing programs.
</p><h3 id="section---1.NorthwestIowaCommunityCollege">1. Northwest Iowa Community College</h3><p>Northwest Iowa Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in Sheldon prepares students for RN licensure. The curriculum integrates in-person classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. If you have any general education classes left to take, you may complete them online.
</p><p>Graduates can take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Those who have completed the program can also transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $213 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
</p><h3 id="section---2.KirkwoodCommunityCollege">2. Kirkwood Community College</h3><p>At Kirkwood Community College, aspiring RNs can complete the LPN Transfer program, which allows licensed practical nurses to complete the final two or three semesters of the ADN. Program participants gain real-world experience in healthcare settings.
</p><p>After completing all required coursework, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is rigorous and thoroughly prepares students for this challenging test, as evidenced by its 94% pass rate.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $217 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> Two to three semesters
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p><h3 id="section---3.NortheastIowaCommunityCollege">3. Northeast Iowa Community College</h3><p>Northeast Iowa Community College offers an LPN to RN program at its locations in Calmar and Peosta. Students benefit from hands-on simulation labs on campus as well as on-site clinicals.
</p><p>Entry times are in the fall and spring semesters. To be admitted into the program, students must complete all prerequisites and pass the LPN to ADN Admission Assessment.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $209 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> One year
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) and HLC
</p><h3 id="section---4.IowaLakesCommunityCollege">4. Iowa Lakes Community College</h3><p>Iowa Lakes Community College offers an ADN program for those interested in obtaining their RN license. All nursing courses are in-person.
</p><p>LPNs can benefit from a shortened degree timeframe; however, there are several admissions requirements. To start with, nursing students need to meet the minimum Next-Generation Accuplacer scores. They will also need a valid LPN license.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $211 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p><h3 id="section---5.NorthIowaAreaCommunityCollege">5. North Iowa Area Community College</h3><p>North Iowa Area Community College offers an LPN-to-ADN program. The program spans three semesters and is delivered entirely in person.
</p><p>Students engage in comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences to build upon their existing nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. Some of the prerequisite courses necessary to begin the program include:
</p><ul><li>microbiology
</li><li>nutrition
</li><li>developmental psychology
</li><li>anatomy and physiology
</li></ul><p><b>Program cost:</b> $198.25 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p><h3 id="section---6.EllsworthCommunityCollege">6. Ellsworth Community College</h3><p>Ellsworth Community College in Cedar Falls offers a program for LPNs who wish to advance in their nursing careers and become RNs. This comprehensive program includes diverse clinical placements, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. In 2024, the program achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate, reflecting its commitment to excellence and student success.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $210
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> Two semesters
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p><h3 id="section---7.IowaCentralCommunityCollege">7. Iowa Central Community College</h3><p>Students can enroll at Iowa Central Community to complete its academically rigorous LPN to RN program. The curriculum includes 720 hours of clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings.
</p><p>While core nursing courses are delivered in person, certain general education classes, such as microbiology and introduction to psychology, are available in an online learning format. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and may pursue further education through articulation agreements with institutions like Northwestern College for a BSN degree.
</p><p><b>Program cost:</b> $216 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> Three semesters
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestLPNToRNProgramsInIowa">FAQs About the Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Iowa</h2><p>If you're thinking about returning to school full-time or part-time to complete an ADN, keep reading. We'll answer commonly asked questions about the process.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGoFromLPNToRNInIowa">How Long Does It Take To Go From LPN to RN in Iowa?</h3><p>The time it takes to go from an LPN to RN varies by program. At some schools, you may be able to graduate in as little as one year or two semesters. Others may take you just under two years or three semesters.
</p><h3 id="section---IsThereABridgeProgramFromLPNToRN">Is There a Bridge Program From LPN To RN?</h3><p>Yes, there is a bridge program from LPN to RN. These programs aim to expand on your existing knowledge as an LPN, without repeating coursework and skills you're already familiar with.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForA6MonthLPNToRNProgram">What Are the Admission Requirements for a 6-Month LPN to RN Program?</h3><p>There are quite a few admission requirements to be aware of for 6-month LPN to RN programs online. Typically, you'll need a valid LPN license, completion of prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, and passing scores on an entrance exam such as the TEAS. Applicants must also undergo a background check, provide immunization records, and submit official transcripts.
</p><h2 id="section---FindNursingDegreePrograms">Find Nursing Degree Programs</h2><p>Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Explore the LPN to RN bridge programs featured on Learn.org to find the one that fits your goals. Contact individual schools for the most up-to-date information.</p>