RN Programs in Ankeny, Iowa

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Ankeny, Iowa

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ankeny, Iowa? Great choice! This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding what an RN does to finding the right RN programs in the area. Let’s dive in!

Why Become an RN in Ankeny

Ankeny, a thriving suburb of Des Moines, offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. It’s known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. If you’re thinking about becoming an RN here, you’re in luck!

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Iowa is around $62,570 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031. With hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities nearby, Ankeny is an ideal place to start your nursing career.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites. These typically include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Completion of certain high school courses, such as biology and chemistry
• Passing scores on entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• A background check and drug screening

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs are designed to prepare you for the complexities of nursing. You’ll take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology, among others. Clinical training is also a crucial component, giving you hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.

RN Training Programs in Ankeny, Iowa

Here are three local schools offering RN programs in Ankeny:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
   • Address: 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
   • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
   • Description: DMACC offers a comprehensive ADN program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program is accredited and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
   • DMACC Nursing Program
2. Mercy College of Health Sciences
   • Address: 928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (approximately 10 miles from Ankeny)
   • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
   • Description: Mercy College provides a BSN program with a strong emphasis on clinical experience. The program is designed to be completed in four years.
   • Mercy College BSN Program
3. Grand View University
   • Address: 1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316 (approximately 12 miles from Ankeny)
   • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
   • Description: Grand View University offers a BSN program that combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practice, preparing students for a successful nursing career.
   • Grand View University Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Ankeny

Ankeny is home to several healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment:

1. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
   • Location: 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309 (approximately 11 miles from Ankeny)
   • Description: UnityPoint Health is a major healthcare provider offering a wide range of services. They frequently have openings for RNs in various specialties.
   • UnityPoint Health Careers
2. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
   • Location: 1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 (approximately 10 miles from Ankeny)
   • Description: MercyOne is a renowned medical center with numerous opportunities for RNs. They offer positions in departments like emergency, surgery, and pediatrics.
   • MercyOne Careers
3. Iowa Methodist Medical Center
   • Location: 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309 (approximately 11 miles from Ankeny)
   • Description: Part of UnityPoint Health, Iowa Methodist Medical Center is a leading hospital providing extensive healthcare services and employing many RNs.
   • Iowa Methodist Medical Center Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in Iowa, you’ll need to:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Submit an application to the Iowa Board of Nursing
• Complete a background check

For more information, visit the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs can vary. On average, tuition for an ADN program at a community college might range from $6,000 to $20,000, while BSN programs at universities can range from $20,000 to $100,000. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help manage these costs. Check with each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to practice in other NLC states without needing additional licenses. If you move to Iowa from a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply for an Iowa RN license and meet the state’s requirements.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an RN in Ankeny, Iowa, is a fantastic decision. With a variety of local programs and abundant employment opportunities, you’re well on your way to a fulfilling career in nursing. Reach out to a school today and take the first step toward your future as an RN!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Ankeny RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Ankeny?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Iowa. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Iowa. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Iowa.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.