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 life-changing 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:
Lists, worksheets, and roadmaps to help you plan your journey:
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.
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
Tonya Saddoris
Pre-Nursing Advisor A – V
319-398-4513
Lauri Hughes
Pre-Nursing Advisor W – Z
319-398-5613
To ensure your success in the Nursing Program at Kirkwood, please make sure to complete the following:
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.
Please take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we get about Nursing.
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.
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:
The Kirkwood Community College Associate Degree in Nursing program holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.
The Nursing program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037
River Point Business Park
400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309
Kirkwood's nursing program mission is to guide, advise, and educate caring and competent nurses for the future.
Within the scope of practice of the registered nurse or practical nurse, the Kirkwood nursing program graduates will: