Overview
Career outlook
Employers hire licensed practical nurses to provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily needs under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Getting in
What North Iowa Area Community College asks for, taken from its own admissions page.
What you'll need
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
- Background check
- Immunizations
- CPR certification
Practical Nursing Diploma (43-47 s.h.; summer 6-week term, then fall and spring). Application goes through the health professions counselor in the Student Development Office and approved applicants are accepted by application date (rolling, no deadline stated). Entrance requirements: HS diploma or equivalency with GPA 2.00 or higher (NIACC GPA 2.00 if enrolled), one year of HS Biology and of Algebra I with C or higher within five years, satisfactory Accuplacer scores in reading, writing and math (recorded here as 'other'), active CNA status on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry on acceptance, HS/GED and college transcripts in the folder; physical with immunizations, two-step TB test, BLS CPR and criminal/abuse background checks after acceptance. Six semesters of English and a computer class recommended.
Checked Oct 2026 on the school's site. Requirements change each cycle, so confirm before you apply.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites you'll need to meet to apply to this program at North Iowa Area Community College. Open a category to see each one.