Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Iowa

Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Iowa?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an autonomous licensed clinician focused on managing their patient’s health conditions, aiding the sick, and offering medical care without requiring physician supervision. NPs often specialize in the patient population, including pediatric, family, and women’s health. NPs may also have skillsets in areas such as dermatology, oncology, and cardiovascular health.

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training and education, often obtaining a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree (DNP). Those who already hold an MSN degree and wish to enter a new nurse practitioner specialty can opt for a post-graduate certificate.

According to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the United States will see a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032 as demand for physicians continues to grow faster than supply. As our nation’s population grows and ages, the need for nurse practitioners will also increase. The NP’s role in health care, particularly in rural and historically under-served areas, allows them to diagnose and treat medical conditions, order and interpret diagnostic and lab tests, and create treatment plans.

Online NP programs, in particular, give students the opportunity to have a life outside of their studies. With a computer and an internet connection, online NP coursework can be completed from just about anywhere. This makes advancing to a graduate-level nursing degree much more realistic for most students.

List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Iowa

Iowa is the nation’s third most productive agricultural state—it similarly attracts hard-working and productive nurse practitioners.

NPs have at least two-years more education in a particular area, such as pediatrics or family practice than registered nurses. Online programs typically consist of graduate-level core courses, specialty nursing courses, and clinical requirements. The academic courses can be taken fully online or may be offered in a hybrid format that combines online learning with classroom-based learning. Clinicals must be completed in person at a local healthcare facility or hospital.

Once their online nurse practitioner program is completed, NPs can start work immediately.

There is no difference in the level of education between online programs and traditional schools. Nurse practitioners make a higher salary than registered nurses as a reflection of their advanced training.