Use your passion for caring to achieve your dream of becoming a nurse who makes a difference — at Kirkwood we can help you get there sooner than you might think!
In just one year, you can learn how to combine your compassion as a helper and a healer with the latest in healthcare science and technology. Take these skills with you to make a life-changing difference for patients in need.
Nursing is projected to be one of the fastest-growing career fields in the next 10 years. Let our one-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program help you start a bright future.
Nursing is the largest health care profession in the United States. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates that employment among registered nurses will grow by 6% through 2023 to 2033. About 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses are also projected to grow, with a projected increase of 3% each year through 2033.
LPN classes give you a full range of clinical experience, covering medical, surgical, geriatric, maternal-child, pediatric, and mental health modalities. You'll also get real-world patient care training with supervised laboratory, simulation, and real-life clinical experiences that begin in your first semester at Kirkwood.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are 35 for students enrolled in nursing programs. Nursing students may also qualify for the tuition-free Last Dollar Scholarship and/or the Kibbie Grant.
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Pre-Reqs | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 37 | 12 | 12 | 61 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,029 | $2,604 | $2,604 | $13,237 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $528 | $35 | $0 | $528 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $996 | $0 | $0 | $996 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $3,170.20 | $1,186.86 | $751.08 | $5,108.14 |
| Course/Section Fees | $40 | $60 | $90 | $190 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $600 | $0 | $0 | $600 |
| Testing Fees | $270 | $620 | $387 | $1,277 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $375 | $375 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $180 | $0 | $0 | $180 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $13,863.20 | $4,520.86 | $4,257.08 | $22.641.14 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
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.
You are required to wear your scrubs to the first day of lab. All items listed are available for purchase at the Main Campus Bookstore.
Nursing Patch: It must be worn on the left side of the scrub top.
Nursing Scrubs: Scrub tops and bottoms must match exactly.
Scrub Color: The scrub color must be Galaxy Blue. Purchase the same brand for both as dyes may vary and the top and bottoms must match. It is recommended to purchase two sets of scrubs as they are required for Clinic, Lab, and SIM, and these are often scheduled two days in a row.
Top: The unisex and female tops are the two styles allowed for Kirkwood Nursing Students.
Pant: Any straight leg (no cuff) scrub pant is acceptable as long as it fits well and is hemmed if needed. Pant hems should not touch or drag on the floor.
Jacket: A Unisex White Jacket is optional.
Shoes: Must be clean, have an enclosed heel and toe, rubber soled, with no holes in the top (athletic shoes are allowed), with no neon or extreme colors or patterns. Shoes must be worn with white or neutral color socks or stockings that coordinate with the scrubs and without ornamentation.
Kirkwood Clinic ID: Nursing student clinical ID badge is obtained at the Eaglecard office in the Allsop Computer Lab, Neilson Hall Room 131. Scrub top must be worn in ID picture. Cost is $10.
Students accepted into the Nursing program are required to have their own personal laptop computer, required software, and other equipment. All required technology is available for purchase at Eagle Tech on Main Campus.
Lauri Hughes
Pre-Nursing Advisor PRIOR to Assigned Permanent Advisor
Walk-In Advising by Appointment
Linn Hall, Room 2172
If you are new to nursing, looking for more information about Kirkwood's Nursing program, or have not been assigned an advisor yet, self-schedule a meeting with Lauri by clicking the button below.
Students in Kirkwood's Nursing program are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of HOSA, a global student-led organization exclusively for students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions.
HOSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
We train standout nurses! Our LPN graduates regularly pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exams, with graduate pass rates of 100 percent over the past four years. Current NCLEX-PN rates for all nursing programs in the state of Iowa are published on the Iowa Board of Nursing website.
If you are planning to work outside of the state of Iowa, please meet with the Dean of Nursing to make sure you are familiar with Nursing licensure requirements of that particular state. For more information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
The Kirkwood Community College Associate Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation through 2027.
Department of Nursing
2172 Linn Hall
319-398-5563
nursing@kirkwood.edu