RN-BSN Programs

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Hi!

Anyone have any strong opinions about RN-BSN programs in the Iowa City and surrounding areas? I'm pretty sure I won't be going to the University of Iowa (and I'm not too broken up about that), so I'm looking at Mount Mercy, Upper Iowa, Coe, and Iowa Wesleyan right now. I'll be finishing Kirkwood Community College's ADN program in May of next year, and I'd like to get a leg-up on getting ready to start the next step of my schooling sooner rather than later.

I'd also like to stay away from for-profit schools like Kaplan, as well, but if you have other suggestions, feel free!

Thanks!

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I'd be happy to connect you with somebody at Iowa Wesleyan College to talk about their nursing program. Contact me if you would like to learn more.

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I've been in contact with the admissions counselors at Iowa Wesleyan, and they seem extremely friendly and helpful! The IWC website doesn't have much information on the RN-BSN program, unfortunately.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Although it's across the Mississippi and not in Iowa, Western Illinois University has an RN to BSN program, with campuses in Macomb and the Quad Cities. The program just received its CCNE accreditation.

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I attend Mount Mercy and I personally LOVE it. I heard the RN-BSN program is really good too. I work in admissions so if you have questions feel free to PM me!

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At this point, I really think that Mt. Mercy is the front-runner. My best friend attended MMU and got a BS in Biology, and it was a really nice change from UI. I'm hoping I can qualify for some scholarships, since private school tuition is a killer!

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At this point, I really think that Mt. Mercy is the front-runner. My best friend attended MMU and got a BS in Biology, and it was a really nice change from UI. I'm hoping I can qualify for some scholarships, since private school tuition is a killer!

I think you should find out what you would get, admissions can tell you generally how much you would be awarded on a merit bases. I have a $15,000 scholarship from them, plus an outside scholarship. If you're working as an RN you should see if your employer does tuition reimbursement. Typically they may go up to $3000/year. The Iowa Hospital Association offers scholarships (up to $6,000 over two years), but you have to commit to work for an Iowa Hospital. http://www.ihaonline.org/careers/iherfscholarship/scholarship.shtml

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I've looked at that IHA scholarship! I'm going to apply for it for sure. Thanks for the advice on MMU. I've been talking to Lu Crary in admissions, and I'm currently waiting to hear back from her about my transcripts and any classes I might take this fall if I'm missing any pre-reqs.

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I am looking into Mt. Mercy for my BSN. For the LPN TO RN is Hawkeye a good program? I am looking for a program that is not constantly changing, or turning over their staff often.

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Just as an update, I actually ended up enrolling at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The tuition cost was actually a little less than for UIU, MMU, and IWC, and the program is entirely online, except for a community health practicum that I'll be completing locally next spring. The faculty is great, and very involved in the class discussions. I'm happy with my experience there so far!

The only bummer is that I'm probably not going to make the trek from Iowa City to Green Bay to walk at graduation. Oh well. :(

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