MSN Programs in Iowa (2026)
Compare 85 accredited MSN programs for Iowa RNs — partner matches first, then our directory.
85
MSN Programs Listed
49
Fully Online
18 mo
Fastest Option
$66K
Avg RN Salary
MSN Programs Available in Iowa
85 accredited programs — 49 fully online, 2 hybrid.
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Liberty University
Liberty University's MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program is designed for nurses looking to advance their careers with a master's degree. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Administration program offers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Delivered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be com…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Education program prepares you to become a nursing educator in academic or clinical settings. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, offering flex…
Simmons University
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 100% online degree consisting of 48 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to advance the…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
Michigan State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Michigan State University is a fully online course designed for registered nurses looking to specialize in family healthcare. This 45-credit program can…
Grand Canyon University
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 100% online format, allowing you to earn your degree in just 24 months. With 43 credits, this program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to…
George Washington University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at George Washington University prepares you for advanced practice in family-focused healthcare. This 100% online program consists of 50 credits and can be…
Sacred Heart University
The online MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses aiming for advanced practice roles. Over 30 months, you'll complete 46 credits, gaining the skills necessary to pr…
National University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at National University equips you with advanced clinical skills and knowledge. This 48-credit program is delivered 100% online and can be completed in 30 m…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for advanced practice nursing with a focus on family care. This 100% online program consists of 45 credits and can be finished in 30 months, per…
Maryville University
Maryville University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for an advanced role in healthcare with a comprehensive 100% online curriculum. This 48-credit program can be completed in 30 mont…
Regis College
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles with a focus on family care. Offered 100% online, this 48-credit program can be completed in 30 months, pr…
University of Cincinnati
The MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner at UC is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Offered 100% online, this program requires 48 credits and can be completed in 36 months,…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles. This fully online program consists of 45 credits and can be completed in 30 months, maki…
Johns Hopkins University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Johns Hopkins University offers a fully online curriculum that prepares you to provide comprehensive healthcare. This 24-month program requires 43 credi…
Indiana State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Indiana State University is an online degree that prepares you for advanced practice nursing. Over 36 months, you will earn 46 credits, gaining the know…
Walden University
Walden University's MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice in primary care. This 50-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to complete your degree i…
Grand Canyon University
The MSN in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety at GCU is delivered entirely online and focuses on improving healthcare outcomes. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, making it a gre…
Arizona State University
The MSN in Health Systems Administration program at Arizona State University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing and healthcare management. This fully online program spans 30 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Informatics program focuses on the integration of technology in nursing practice, preparing you for a vital role in healthcare data management. This 36-credit program is offered online and…
Western Governors University
WGU's MSN in Leadership & Management prepares you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings. Offered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, prov…
Capella University
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you to become an effective nursing educator. Offered entirely online, this 45-credit program can be completed in 30 months, equipping you with the skills to…
University of Michigan — Flint
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you for a vital role in nursing education. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it an ideal choice for t…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain’s MSN — Nurse Educator program is a 100% online pathway for nurses aiming to teach the next generation. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping you with the skills…
Walden University
The MSN - Nurse Educator program at Walden University equips you with the skills to teach future generations of nurses. This 42-credit degree can be completed in 30 months, entirely online, making it…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s MSN in Nurse Educator program is a 100% online degree designed for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor future healthcare professionals. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, o…
University of Cincinnati
If you aspire to shape the future of nursing, the MSN in Nurse Educator program at the University of Cincinnati is perfect for you. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed…
Chamberlain University
The MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to specialize. With 47 credits and a duration of 36 months, this program prepares you to provide…
Regis College
The MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the leadership skills needed for administrative roles in healthcare settings. This 36-credit, fully online program can be completed in 24 mont…
Maryville University
The MSN in Nursing Administration at Maryville University is designed for nurses looking to step into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months,…
Loyola University Chicago
The MSN — Nursing Administration program is fully online, allowing for flexibility as you complete your 36 credits in 24 months. This program is ideal for RNs aiming to enhance their leadership skill…
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Nursing Administration program is a 100% online degree that can be completed in 24 months with 36 credits. This program is ideal for nurses looking to take on leadership roles in healthcare…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This 100% online program includes 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it ide…
Gonzaga University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at Gonzaga University equips you with essential skills for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed i…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at National University is designed for RNs looking to move into leadership positions. This 36-credit online program can be completed in 24 months, providing t…
Penn State World Campus
The MSN in Nursing Administration program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in nursing. Offered 100% online, you can complete this 33-credit program in 24 months, equipping you with the…
Herzing University
Herzing University's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it a flexibl…
George Washington University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at GWU is tailored for nurses looking to move into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping…
University of Michigan — Flint
Our MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the skills needed for leadership roles in healthcare. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s MSN in Nursing Education prepares you to become an educator in the nursing field. This fully online program requires 42 credits and can be completed in 24 months, allowing you to e…
Capella University
The RN to MSN program serves as a bridge for RNs seeking to advance directly to a Master of Science in Nursing. This 60-credit, 100% online program can be completed in 36 months, allowing you to elev…
Showing 51 of 85 programs. See all Iowa programs →
Compare 85 MSN Programs in Iowa
49 fully online MSN options listed — designed for working RNs. Tell us your specialty interest and we'll match you with cohorts accepting applications.
Why an MSN Is the Next Step for Iowa BSN Nurses
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the gateway credential for advanced-practice nursing roles. In Iowa, MSN-prepared nurses fill roles that BSN-only nurses cannot — nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nursing administration, nursing educator, and informatics positions — and earn meaningful salary premiums for doing so.
Iowa RNs earn an average of $66,250 per year. Nurse practitioners nationally earn an average of $124,000+; nursing directors and CNOs earn $130,000–$200,000+. Even non-clinical MSN tracks (education, informatics, leadership) typically command 15–30% premiums over the average BSN-RN salary in comparable settings.
MSN programs are typically structured around the working nurse — asynchronous online didactic content, weekend or evening live sessions, and clinical practicums arranged at the student's workplace or a partner facility. Most full-time RNs complete an MSN in 24–36 months while continuing to work.
Common MSN Specialty Tracks
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Primary care across the lifespan; the largest NP specialty by enrollment. Strong demand in both urban and rural settings.
Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP)
Acute or primary care for adolescents, adults, and older adults. Splits into Acute Care (AGACNP) and Primary Care (AGPCNP) tracks.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Diagnose and prescribe for mental health conditions across the lifespan. One of the fastest-growing and best-compensated NP specialties.
Pediatric NP
Acute or primary care for infants through adolescents. Concentrated demand in urban metro areas with large pediatric populations.
Nurse Educator
Teach in nursing schools or hospital staff-development roles. Critical to addressing the nursing shortage by training future RNs.
Nursing Administration / Leadership
Prepares nurses for charge, manager, director, and CNO roles. Often combined with an MBA or MHA depending on career goals.
Nursing Informatics
Bridges clinical practice and health IT — EHR optimization, data analytics, decision support. Growing demand as hospitals expand digital infrastructure.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Expert clinician role focused on a specific population, setting, or disease. Less common than NP but valued in specialty units.
How to Choose an MSN Program in Iowa
Specialty Track Alignment
Decide on a specialty before choosing a program. NP tracks have specific accreditation and certification requirements; non-clinical tracks (education, informatics) have different prerequisite paths. Switching tracks mid-program adds time and cost.
Accreditation
Verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation. NP tracks must also meet criteria recognized by ANCC and AANP for board certification eligibility. Non-accredited programs will block Iowa licensure for advanced practice.
Clinical Placement Support
For NP and CNS tracks, ask whether the program guarantees clinical placement or makes you find your own preceptors. Iowa students choosing online programs from out-of-state schools should confirm placement support is available locally.
State Authorization & APRN Licensure
Confirm the program is authorized to enroll Iowa students and that its NP curriculum meets Iowa APRN licensure requirements. SARA covers most states for didactic content; APRN scope rules are state-specific.
Total Cost & Employer Support
MSN tuition varies dramatically — public in-state can be $20K total; private accelerated programs run $60K+. Many Iowa hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement for MSN coursework, especially in shortage specialties (PMHNP, FNP, educator).
Cohort Format & Schedule
Compare asynchronous online vs. cohort-paced vs. hybrid weekend formats. Working RNs benefit most from asynchronous coursework with predictable workloads; cohort formats build peer networks valuable for career-long mentorship.
Get Matched with MSN Programs in Iowa
RNs in Iowa average $66,250/year — NPs and nursing leaders typically earn 30–60% more. Tell us your specialty interest and we'll match you with accredited MSN cohorts. Takes 30 seconds.
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How does Iowa regulate Nurse Practitioner practice?
Iowa Nursing License Information
RN Renewal Cycle
3 years
RN CE Hours Required
36 hours
RN NLC Compact
Yes — multi-state license
APRN (NP, CNS) licensure is separate from RN licensure and not currently part of the NLC compact. Source: Iowa Board of Nursing
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