Make an appointment with one of our Nursing advisors to get you on the right path.

Annie Butler
Technical Advisor & LPN Transfer Advisor
319-398-5899 ext. 4197

Schedule Now

Tonya Saddoris    
Pre-Nursing Advisor A – V
319-398-4513

Schedule Now

Lauri Hughes
Pre-Nursing Advisor W – Z 
319-398-5613

Schedule Now

To ensure your success in the Nursing Program at Kirkwood, please make sure to complete the following:

1. Apply
2. Take Placement Exams PRIOR to New Student Orientation.
3. Register for and attend Student Orientation PRIOR to the start of classes.
4. Register and attend a Program Conference DURING your first semester to better understand all program requirements.
5. Obtain your Certified Nursing Assistant certificate to ensure that nursing is right for you and increase your readiness for Nursing Program admission.

Nursing students are required to purchase scrubs to wear when completing nursing labs, simulations, and clinical assignments. You will also need a laptop computer for Nursing exam software. See requirements below.

• Uniform Requirements
• Technology Requirements

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 a 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.

Kirkwood's nursing program mission is to guide, advise, and educate caring and competent nurses for the future.

Program Outcomes

Within the scope of practice of the registered nurse or practical nurse, the Kirkwood nursing program graduates will: 

• Provide compassionate patient-centered care to meet client physical, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs, within the context of the family and the community.
• Collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to ensure the provision of safe, quality, effective care through the use of communication and relationship–building skills.
• Use systematic assessment, critical analysis, and application of best evidence and practices to implement evidence-based health promotion, prevention, and condition management to optimize patient, family, and population health.
• Participate in the development and implementation of health care organization quality improvements.
• Implement safe care practices for patients, families, communities, and members of the health care team.
• Utilize electronic medical records, intranet and internet resources, and other informatics resources and tools to make informed clinical decisions.
• Facilitate patient self-management of health through planned education coordinated across the continuum of care to promote health, prevent illness, and manage health care conditions in the context of the family and the community.
• Perform all activities ethically and with integrity, always demonstrating a commitment to provide evidence-based, safe, quality, compassionate care for diverse patients, families, and communities.
• Develop and use leadership skills to organize, motivate, and inspire health care team members to provide safe, quality, effective and efficient patient care.