ACNP Programs in Iowa (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Looking for an Iowa nursing track that combines excitement, high earning potential, and practically unlimited employment opportunities? Acute care nurse practitioners in the Hawkeye State can count on salaries that average $134,010 every year, and the need for these advanced practice nurses' highly specialized skills is projected to rise by 53 percent in just the next 10 years. No two days are ever alike in the ICUs, ERs, and other acute care settings where graduates of ACNP programs in Iowa work. Want to find out more? The guide below to the best ACNP programs in Iowa is a great starting point.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN IOWA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Iowa.)
1. University of Iowa - Iowa City
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Adult Gerontology Acute Care/Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Adult Gerontology Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Family/Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Family/Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and DUAL Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
One pathway offered at the University of Iowa is the BSN-to-DNP program. This ACNP program in Iowa is designed to equip bachelor’s-prepared RNs with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care to patients experiencing acute illnesses or injuries. You can choose from several specialties, including Adult Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care, as well as options for dual certification such as Family/Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family/Pediatric Acute Care, and Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP.
Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program occurs once per year in the fall semester. The Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP pathways are available in either a three- or four-year schedule. The dual concentration pathways feature a four-year study plan. Most courses are offered online. However, some courses, such as didactic NP courses, are held on campus, usually only once a week.
The curriculum plans require between 75 and 107 credits. Based on your chosen concentration, you will complete between 1,090 and 1,720 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged by the College of Nursing faculty, with efforts made to minimize long-distance travel. Presently, all clinicals must be completed in the State of Iowa.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program and a current unrestricted RN license. Students pursuing the Pediatric Acute Care NP specialization or a dual Pediatric NP role must have one year of work experience as a registered nurse in an inpatient pediatric acute care setting. If you plan to pursue the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP concentration, a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse providing direct care to adults and older adults is required.
Candidates must complete a Graduate College Application and submit a Statement of Purpose, a current resume, a Supplemental Information form, contact information for three recommenders, a Statement of Disclosure, and transcripts for all post-secondary schools previously attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for single specialty pathways. Students pursuing a dual certification program must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have previously earned a master’s degree in nursing and wish to advance your career by earning a DNP and becoming an Acute Care NP, the MSN-to-DNP at the University of Iowa is a great choice. The program offers two specialization options: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP and Pediatric Acute Care NP.
New classes are admitted each fall semester. You can pursue this post-master’s DNP ACNP program in Iowa full-time and earn your degree in two years, or you can enroll part-time and complete the program in three years. Both the Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP pathways feature a 44-credit curriculum. The study plan includes 1,090 clinical hours. However, coursework and clinical hour requirements may be adjusted based on a GAP analysis of your master’s degree transcripts.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants for the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Iowa will possess an advanced degree in nursing earned from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse with eligibility to practice in Iowa. Additionally, candidates must meet work requirements: one year of inpatient pediatric acute care experience if pursuing the Pediatric ACNP program, and two years of full-time experience in an inpatient surgical or medical unit, progressive care, intermediate care, intensive or critical care, or stepdown unit if pursuing the Adult Gerontology ACNP program.
Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Purpose, a resume, a Statement of Disclosure, a Supplemental Information form, a copy of their RN license, contact information for three people who can provide a recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all MSN coursework.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Iowa offers master’s and doctorally prepared Advanced Practice RNs the opportunity to gain additional education in a new practice population. The program offers two acute care pathways, Adult Gerontology and Pediatrics.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program admits new students in the summer each year. Each PGC pathway requires a minimum of 21 credits. You will begin your studies by taking the courses, Graduate Pharmacology Specialty, and Advanced Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures for Acute Care. Each pathway features population-specific clinical courses and three clinical practicum courses, totaling 720 hours of clinical experience. A GAP analysis will be conducted to determine if changes to your study plan are warranted to meet eligibility criteria to sit for national certification exams.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, applicants must hold a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an accredited program and have a current RN license and APRN license.
Candidates must submit a Graduate Non-Degree Application and submit a Goal Statement, a Statement of Disclosure, a current resume, a copy of their RN license and APRN certification, and provide three professional recommendations.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Iowa offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and other financial awards and endowments to students pursuing their degrees. By utilizing these resources, you could see a reduction in the amount it costs to earn your degree, allowing you to focus more on studies. Financial aid advisors and counselors are available to assist you in identifying the types of aid for which you may be eligible.• The University of Iowa has a history of educating successful graduates. For example, Danielle Hodge, a graduate of the Pediatric Acute Care NP program, was published in the Thrombosis Research journal for her contributions to research about predictors of catheter-related thrombosis in critically ill infants.
• The ACNP programs at the University of Iowa are led and taught by faculty with years of experience in their chosen specialties. Faculty members maintain active practice outside of their roles at the university, which means they bring knowledge of relevant, current trends and changes about nursing and healthcare to the classroom to help prepare you for your new role as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
2. Graceland University - Lamoni
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Courses are offered primarily. An on-campus focus session is scheduled each trimester during the program, providing you with opportunities to collaborate with faculty, staff, and members of your cohort. The MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program features a 47-credit curriculum comprised of core courses, MSN specialty track courses, electives, and clinical practicums. The study plan features classes, including Advanced Pathophysiology, Applied Theory & Research for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Pharmacotherapeutics. Most coursework is completed online, with some campus visits required to complete skills check-offs and laboratory simulations. The program includes a minimum of 750 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants for the MSN program must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States and its territories and a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLNAC-accredited program. Candidates are required to submit a Graduate Nursing Application, pay an application fee, and provide official transcripts from their BSN program reflecting a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Additionally, candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, a Professional Goals Statement, and pass a criminal background check.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Registered nurses with a previous master’s or doctoral degree in nursing can pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate Program to gain the training needed to become certified as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The PGC program offers online coursework and face-to-face clinical experiences in various acute care settings in your community. A minimum of 25 credits is required. Course requirements may vary based on previous academic achievements. A GAP analysis will determine if additional coursework is required.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, candidates must have a master’s degree or higher in nursing earned from an accredited program. Applicants must provide official transcripts that reflect a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their nursing master’s degree program. Additionally, candidates are required to submit a Professional Goals Statement and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Finding clinical practicum placements and preceptors is often a challenging part of any graduate nursing program. At Graceland University, ACNP students receive assistance from NPHub, a technology company that specializes in matching students with experienced preceptors.• At Graceland University, your clinical practicums will span diverse settings in acute care, including critical care medicine, emergency medicine, hospitalist medicine, neurology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Additionally, you have the option to choose specialty practicums that interest you, such as rheumatology, hematology, endocrinology, oncology, or orthopedics.
• The Adult Gerontology Acute Care program at Graceland University is recognized as one of the best programs in the nation by several reputable sources. The School of Nursing’s record of providing high-quality nursing programs and preparing qualified graduates means you can feel confident about choosing this school to pursue your degree.
3. Allen College - Waterloo
Programs Offered: RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate
RN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Students attend campus during track-specific courses to complete residencies and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. RN-to-DNP students receive 71 credit hours of articulation credit for completion of their RN education and RN licensure. 26 additional credits must be completed before matriculating into the RN-to-DNP program.
Once the 26 credits of pre-matriculation courses are complete, the RN-to-DNP curriculum requires 76 credits for both the Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP pathways. Students complete a minimum of 1,050 clinical hours. The Clinical Coordinator arranges clinical placements with collaborative input from students in the preceptor selection process.
RN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates must hold an RN license from Iowa or a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Applicants are required to submit an online application form as well as one recommendation from an academic or professional representative, a resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of their current RN license, answers to application/essay questions, and official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of college enrollment and completion of a three-credit statistics course are required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Allen College also offers a post-baccalaureate pathway to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The BSN-to-DNP program admits students in the fall and spring each year.
The hybrid learning format combines synchronous and asynchronous course offerings with campus visits for OSCEs and residencies, as well as face-to-face clinical practicums. The Pediatric Acute Care and Adult Gerontology Acute Care pathways feature 68-credit curriculum plans consisting of core, track-specific, and DNP courses. Additionally, all DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an RN license in Iowa or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Candidates are required to submit a professional or academic recommendation from someone who can attest to their likelihood of success in the program, a curriculum vitae or resume, answers to essay questions, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools. Transcripts should show completion of a statistics course and reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of college enrollment.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at Allen College provides an excellent opportunity for registered nurses with a master’s degree to expand their scope of practice by gaining specialized training in an acute care nurse practitioner specialty. The PGC program offers acute care concentrations in pediatric and adult gerontology care. Post-Graduate Certificate students complete a minimum of 26 credits and 575 clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged in collaboration with the Clinical Coordinator and conducted near your hometown.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students who want to pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Allen College must have a master’s degree in nursing or higher from an accredited school of nursing and an active, unencumbered Iowa state or NLC Registered Nurse License. In addition to completing an online application, candidates are required to provide a resume or CV, a letter of recommendation from an academic or professional representative, answers to essay questions, and official college transcripts that reflect a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The Allen College School of Nursing features a state-of-the-art simulation lab where you can practice essential skills relevant to your field of practice. Recently, the lab underwent a $3 million expansion, adding three new classrooms, debriefing rooms, clinic simulation rooms, a home health suite, medical/surgical simulation rooms, and student study spaces.• Graduates of the Allen College ACNP program demonstrate outstanding success on national certification exams. According to the school, graduates consistently maintain a 100% first-time pass rate. As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to carefully consider certification exam pass rates when choosing a program, as they indicate how well the program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Allen College opened as a nursing school in 1925. Over the past 100 years, the nursing school has expanded, adding new programs and a new campus to accommodate its growth. The School of Nursing is led by a dedicated faculty that supports the academic and professional growth of all students.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN IOWA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN IOWA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $47.40 |
| Weekly | $1,896 |
| Monthly | $8,220 |
| Annual | $98,590 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN IOWA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $47.40 | $1,896 | $8,220 | $98,590 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.63 | $2,145 | $9,300 | $111,560 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $63.31 | $2,532 | $10,970 | $131,680 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $70.50 | $2,820 | $12,220 | $146,650 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $84.25 | $3,370 | $14,600 | $175,250 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN IOWA?
| Hourly | $64.43 |
| Weekly | $2,577 |
| Monthly | $11,170 |
| Annual | $134,010 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF IOWA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Ames | $65.23 | $2,609 | $11,310 | $135,680 |
| Cedar Rapids | $62.36 | $2,494 | $10,810 | $129,710 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $61.96 | $2,478 | $10,740 | $128,870 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $65.09 | $2,604 | $11,280 | $135,390 |
| Dubuque | $62.88 | $2,515 | $10,900 | $130,800 |
| Iowa City | $60.67 | $2,427 | $10,520 | $126,200 |
| Sioux City | $69.22 | $2,769 | $12,000 | $143,980 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $67.11 | $2,684 | $11,630 | $139,580 |
ACNP SALARY IN IOWA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN IOWA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Iowa ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $134,010 | $131,620 | +$2,390 | +1.82% |
ACNP SALARY IN IOWA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$31,470 | -19.02% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$18,280 | -12.00% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$14,930 | -10.02% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$14,550 | -9.79% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$14,470 | -9.75% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$13,510 | -9.16% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$12,300 | -8.41% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$6,310 | -4.50% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$6,090 | -4.35% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$4,290 | -3.10% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$4,120 | -2.98% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$2,700 | -1.97% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$1,830 | -1.35% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$1,780 | -1.31% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$290 | -0.22% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$90 | +0.07% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$830 | +0.62% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$2,550 | +1.94% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$2,900 | +2.21% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$3,080 | +2.35% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$3,140 | +2.40% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$3,460 | +2.65% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$4,020 | +3.09% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$4,770 | +3.69% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$4,840 | +3.75% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$6,330 | +4.96% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$6,430 | +5.04% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$6,650 | +5.22% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$7,440 | +5.88% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$7,690 | +6.09% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$8,080 | +6.42% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$8,150 | +6.48% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$9,050 | +7.24% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$9,370 | +7.52% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$9,460 | +7.60% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$9,910 | +7.99% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$10,080 | +8.13% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$10,200 | +8.24% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$10,390 | +8.40% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$11,380 | +9.28% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$11,830 | +9.68% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$12,450 | +10.24% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$13,660 | +11.35% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$14,220 | +11.87% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$14,490 | +12.12% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$17,800 | +15.32% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$17,840 | +15.36% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$20,950 | +18.53% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$21,310 | +18.91% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$27,760 | +26.13% |
ACNP SALARY IN IOWA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN IOWA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,710 | -$93,700 | -41.15% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $134,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $124,040 | +$9,970 | +8.04% |
| Registered Nurse | $74,610 | +$59,400 | +79.61% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $71,690 | +$62,320 | +86.93% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,870 | +$78,140 | +139.86% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,380 | +$95,630 | +249.17% |
ACNP SALARY IN IOWA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN IOWA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,420 | -$52,410 | -28.11% |
| Podiatrist | $163,700 | -$29,690 | -18.14% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $134,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,230 | +$4,780 | +3.70% |
| Pharmacist | $127,780 | +$6,230 | +4.88% |
| Optometrist | $122,970 | +$11,040 | +8.98% |
| Veterinarian | $106,040 | +$27,970 | +26.38% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,850 | +$42,160 | +45.90% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,790 | +$48,220 | +56.21% |
| Audiologist | $83,620 | +$50,390 | +60.26% |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,220 | +$50,790 | +61.03% |
| Radiation Therapist | $82,310 | +$51,700 | +62.81% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $82,210 | +$51,800 | +63.01% |
| Chiropractor | $69,650 | +$64,360 | +92.40% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Iowa?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Iowa?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Iowa?
| $64.43 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Iowa?
| $2,577 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Iowa?
| $11,170 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Iowa?
| $134,010 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Iowa?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +52.92% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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