Iowa Online NP Programs
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“These programs not only equip NPs with advanced clinical skills but also emphasize holistic care, patient advocacy, and the use of technology in healthcare.”
Jackie Barber, EdD, Dean of the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Morningside University
Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Iowa presents an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers, particularly through online programs that offer flexibility to balance studies with work or personal commitments. Online NP schools in Iowa offer a rigorous education tailored to the state’s healthcare needs, with specialized training in areas such as family care, pediatrics, and adult-gerontology.
For motivated individuals, these programs provide a pathway to a rewarding and impactful career, offering the convenience of remote learning. Uniquely, NPs in Iowa benefit from full practice authority, allowing them to diagnose, prescribe, and manage patient care independently, a freedom not granted in every state.
The demand for nurse practitioners in Iowa is growing rapidly, showcasing their critical role in the state’s healthcare system. According to 2022 data, 2,400 NPs worked in Iowa, providing care for urban and rural populations. Projections from CareerOneStop.org (2025) suggest that by 2032, this number will rise to 3,670, representing a remarkable 53 percent increase within a decade. This growth underscores the increasing reliance on NPs and the opportunities available for those pursuing education through Iowa’s online NP programs.
Meet the Expert: Jackie Barber, EdD, MSN, RN, CNS, CNL
Dr. Jackie Barber is the dean and full professor of the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Morningside University. She received her BSN degree from Morningside College, her MSN degree from Creighton University, and her doctorate in education and health professions from College of Saint Mary. She demonstrates expertise in medical-surgical, oncology, infusion therapy, and community/population health. She continues to deliver patient care in the practice of home infusion in rural settings.
Dr. Barber has over 28 years of teaching experience. She is a certified Quality Matters evaluator and led the initiative to design and implement the graduate and doctoral nursing programs at Morningside University. She is a past recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) LANP Fellowship and the Wharton Executive Leadership Program. She has served on the AACN Essentials Revision Taskforce and the AACN CNL Competency Revision Taskforce. She also chaired the AACN’s Nominating Committee, and is currently serving as AACN’s Essentials Consulting Coach. She is a former member of the Commission on Nurses Certification Board of Commissioners (CNC), a past board member of the Iowa League of Nursing, and a former president of the Iowa Association of Colleges of Nurses. She currently serves as the Chair of the Iowa Board of Nursing.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Iowa?
Dr. Barber: Morningside University prepares nurse practitioners to meet the unique healthcare needs of our communities, particularly in rural areas. These programs not only equip NPs with advanced clinical skills but also emphasize holistic care, patient advocacy, and the use of technology in healthcare. Public understanding and support of these programs can enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services across the state, ensuring that all Iowans, regardless of where they live, have access to exceptional healthcare practitioners.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Barber: I would encourage students to embrace every learning opportunity that comes their way and actively seek out experiences that push them out of their comfort zone. Nurse practitioner programs are challenging but immensely rewarding. Morningside University’s curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in both clinical competencies and soft competencies like communication and empathy. Networking with fellow students, faculty, and professionals in the field can provide invaluable support and open doors to future opportunities.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Iowa (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Briar Cliff University |
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NP Practice Authority in Iowa
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Iowa?
| United States | Iowa | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 2,810 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $133,020 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $102,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $115,950 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $129,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $137,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $167,110 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.