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If you're looking to get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) on your own schedule, you might want to consider an online, accelerated option.
Though Iowa isn't home to any online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs, there are several options for accelerated RN to BSN programs.
Both ABSN and RN to BSN programs can be obtained through online schools that are found in other states, but offer programs to Iowa students.
Top Online Accelerated Nursing Degree Programs in Iowa
Keep reading as we discuss the top schools offering these degree programs, as well as answer some common questions you may have.
1. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian school with over 70,000 students enrolled online. It offers a hybrid ABSN program for students who want to complete coursework online but are able to travel for in–person components.
The program is fully accredited and intended for completion in 16 months.
Program features include:
- up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- affordable tuition
- 16 month timeframe
2. Mercy College of Health Sciences
This private Catholic school is located in Des Moines but has many degrees that are available as online and hybrid formats as well. It is the only college on this list that exclusively focuses on healthcare–related fields.
Mercy College's online RN to BSN program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Some of the program features include:
- four start dates per year
- affordable tuition
- for licensed RNs with an ADN or nursing diploma
3. Morningside University
Morningside University is a private Christian college that offers a few online degrees, including an RN to BSN program.
This program is an excellent choice for students who have recently graduated with their ADN and would like to further their education while gaining valuable work experience.
You can complete all coursework online in as little as three terms or study at a slower pace; whatever works best for you!
Benefits of this program include:
- easily transfer up to 94 credits from another institution
- three start dates per year
- accelerated eight–week classes
4. Mount Mercy University
Another private Catholic school, Mount Mercy University is located in Cedar Rapids. It offers an assortment of online degrees.
The online RN to BSN degree program allows you to study at a flexible pace while completing all coursework online. The program is an excellent choice for busy RNs and is usually completed within 18 to 24 months.
Program features include:
- transfer up to 93 credits
- nine start dates per year
- five and ten–week class periods
5. Northwestern College
Northwestern College is a small private college that has been around since 1882. The school's RN to BSN program is one of the few undergraduate degrees available fully online.
The program is fully accredited and can be completed in as little as one year. Courses are offered in eight–week sessions, and only the final 30 credit hours must be obtained through Northwestern. The rest can be transfer credits.
Other features of this program include:
- up to 66 credits for verifiable work experience
- affordable tuition
- Study on your own schedule
6. University of Iowa
University of Iowa is a public institution and is the oldest and one of the largest universities in Iowa. It offers over 200 degrees, many of which you can obtain online, including an RN to BSN program.
This degree program is mostly online but does have a couple of in–person components which can be completed anytime within the allotted semester. It requires a total of 128 credit hours to complete, many of which can be transfer credits.
Program features include:
- flexible course completion
- multiple start dates per year
- affordable tuition
7. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is a medium–sized private school with an expansive online program. One of the degrees offered is a flexible RN to BSN program.
This program caters to Registered Nurses who hold an ADN and who are looking to broaden their career prospects with a Bachelor's degree. It comprises a total of 120 credits.
Program features include:
- transfer up to 90 credits from another institution
- six start dates per year
- must hold an Associate Degree of Nursing
8. Western Governor's University
Western Governor's University is an online school that offers several nursing degree options. The RN to BSN program is usually completed within 24 months, though students can choose to move faster if desired.
This fully accredited program allows you to transfer up to 90 credits. Keep working while you study with flexible options for both full–time and part–time students.
Program features include:
- start dates every month
- pay per term instead of per credit
- fully online
FAQs about Online Accelerated Nursing Degrees
Let's take a look at some of the questions you may still have about getting your accelerated nursing degree online in Iowa.
How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost in Iowa?
It depends on which school you attend and how many credits you can transfer. On average, online RN to BSN programs cost around $10,000 to $15,000. Bear in mind, however, that this does not include the cost of credits transferred from other schools.
How Long is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Depending on how many credits you transfer, you can complete most accelerated RN to BSN programs within 12 to 18 months if you are studying full–time. It may take longer if you are transferring fewer credits or studying part–time.
Can I Get my Nursing Degree Completely Online in Iowa?
Yes you can, though some of the programs listed above have in–person components.
Even those with 100 percent online coursework will have required clinical hours which you will have to obtain in–person, but in most cases, these have flexible timelines and will be at off–campus locations.
Find the Right Online Accelerated Nursing Degree Program in Iowa
The accelerated nursing programs outlined in this article will help Iowa–based RNs complete their bachelor's degree in as little as a single year, or at a more flexible rate for busy professionals. Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today if you have any other questions!
