Nursing Degrees
Join One of Healthcare's Fastest-Growing Fields
You have a heart for helping – which is an incredible foundation for becoming an outstanding nurse. At Kirkwood, you’ll learn how to combine your compassion as a helper and healer with the latest in healthcare science and technology to make a lifechanging difference for patients in need.
Gain hands-on experience in the classroom, an incredible model hospital environment, and local health centers. Prepare for in-demand nursing careers in and out of the clinic, including pediatrics, labor and delivery, nursing homes, community health, the operating room, and more.
Find the nursing program that's right for you:
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are 35 specifically for students enrolled in nursing programs.
Nursing students may also qualify for the tuition-free Last Dollar Scholarship and/or the Kibbie Grant.
Lists, worksheets, and roadmaps to help you plan your journey:
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The PN-ADN program begins each spring, summer, and fall.
- Fall - 75 students are accepted
- Spring - 75 students are accepted
- Summer - 50 students are accepted
The LPN Transfer technical program begins each fall term, for students who already hold an LPN license and are returning to obtain their ADN degree (RN).
Nursing students are required to purchase scrubs to wear for completing nursing labs, simulations, and clinical assignments. You will also need a laptop computer to use our electronic exam system.
All students new to Kirkwood's nursing program are required to attend a program conference. You should register and attend a program conference prior to or during your first semester of prerequisites (the program conference is a prerequisite for Introduction to Nursing).
The conference allows you to learn more about the program and specific admissions requirements. You'll also get the opportunity to have any questions answered by the lead nursing advisor.
You'll need your k-number and password to register.
Register for the Nursing Program Conference
NOTE: All nursing program conferences expire after two years. As a prerequisite, your conference date must be valid through the beginning of the technical portion of the program.
Continue your education! You can easily transfer to earn your RN-BSN at an area 4-year college.
Kirkwood students can transfer to these local programs, among many others:
- University of Iowa
- Allen College
- Mount Mercy University
- St. Ambrose University
- University of Dubuque
- Upper Iowa University
Congratulations to our nursing graduates!
- Licensure: Familiarize yourself with the Iowa Board of Nursing licensure requirements.
- Resources: Take a look at these resources for new nurses.
- References: To request a staff member serve as a reference for you, download the reference release form.
- Transfers: If you want to transfer to a BSN program but aren’t sure which one, use this decision matrix.
Kirkwood's nursing program mission is to guide, advise, and educate caring and competent nurses for the future.
Our Nursing PN and ADN programs are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and the Higher Learning Commission.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
Welcome to the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center
Welcome to the first fully integrated multidisciplinary health care simulation center in the state of Iowa. Learn in an environment that includes:
- Nine high-fidelity medical simulators
- A state-of-the-art audio-visual system
- A six-room, seven-bed simulated hospital environment
Related Programs
In addition to Nursing, Kirkwood offers a wide range of health-related programs. Expert advisors can help you make the right decision for your future career.
Take a look at other health-related career paths available at Kirkwood: