The Top 20 Two Year Nursing Programs in Des Moines, IA for 2026
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand career paths today. With a two year nursing degree from one of Des Moines‘ top programs, you can gain the knowledge and hands-on training needed to excel in this growing field. I have researched and compiled this expert guide on the 20 best two year nursing programs in the Des Moines metro for 2024 to help aspiring nurses find the right fit.
1. Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills continues to be the number one choice for a two year nursing degree in the region. Key highlights include:
- Accredited RN program with 98% NCLEX exam pass rate
- Brand new, state-of-the-art nursing lab facility opened in 2023
- Clinical experience at UnityPoint and MercyOne hospitals in Des Moines
- Full-time and part-time program tracks available
- Strong job placement: 94% employed in nursing within 6 months of graduation
Indian Hills‘ nursing students receive hands-on clinical training paired with classroom education to build real nursing skills. The expert faculty provide one-on-one mentoring. Graduates have a strong reputation at area hospitals and clinics.
Location: Ottumwa, IA (with some classes in Indianola)
Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters)
2. Des Moines Area Community College
DMACC continues to be a top contender when it comes to two year nursing degrees in central Iowa. Benefits include:
- Highly flexible full-time and part-time schedules
- Classes offered at Ankeny and Urban Des Moines campuses
- Partnerships with all major Des Moines hospitals and clinics for clinicals
- Competitively priced tuition and financial aid options
- Known for strong job placement with 92% nursing employment rate
DMACC aims to meet the needs of student nurses – whether you are coming straight from high school or are a working adult seeking a career change into healthcare.
Location: Ankeny and Des Moines, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
Explore DMACC‘s Nursing Program
3. Iowa Central Community College
If you‘re looking for a high-quality, affordable nursing program, Iowa Central should be on your list. Key advantages include:
- One of the most cost-effective 2-year RN degrees in the region
- Cutting-edge simulation labs and facilities
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Option to transfer seamlessly to bachelor‘s degree after graduation
- 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Iowa Central has an excellent reputation in the nursing education field for turning out competent, job-ready graduates at an affordable price point.
Location: Fort Dodge, IA
Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters full-time)
Check out Iowa Central‘s Nursing Program
4. Iowa Lakes Community College
For over 50 years, Iowa Lakes has been providing top-tier nursing training to students in north central Iowa. Standout features include:
- 92% first-time NCLEX exam pass rate
- Advanced simulation technology for clinical scenario training
- On-campus healthcare clinics provide additional real-world experience
- Partnerships with rural healthcare facilities for clinical rotations
- Emphasis on evidance-based practice and research
Graduates have great success finding nursing jobs at hospitals and clinics in smaller rural communities.
Location: Estherville, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Learn More About Iowa Lakes‘ Nursing Program
5. Lutheran School of Nursing
With faith-based roots extending back to 1903, Lutheran School of Nursing offers a values-focused education centered on caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Key features include:
- Emphasis on patient-centered, holistic care
- Extensive clinical hours at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
- NCLEX pass rate consistently above 95%
- Strong reputation among healthcare employers
- Seamless transition to Bachelor‘s degree program
Graduates choose to work in diverse settings ranging from hospitals to home health or hospice care.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Program Length: 2 years (20 months)
Check out Lutheran School of Nursing
6. North Iowa Area Community College
NIACC is the go-to option for exceptional nursing education in North Iowa. Benefits include:
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- State-of-the-art simulation lab and facilities
- Clinical rotations at area hospitals and clinics
- 100% job placement for 2023 graduating class
- Seamless transfer to NIACC‘s RN-BSN online program
NIACC partners extensively with health systems in the region to ensure graduates have the exact skills employers need.
Location: Mason City, IA
Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters full-time)
Explore NIACC‘s Nursing Program
7. Mercy College of Health Sciences
As a top-ranked Catholic institution, Mercy College of Health Sciences specializes in values-driven healthcare education. Key advantages include:
- One-on-one faculty mentoring
- Extensive hands-on clinical experience
- State-of-the-art simulation labs and technology
- Direct pathway to Bachelor‘s degree at Mercy after graduation
- Consistently high NCLEX exam pass rates
Graduates are highly sought after by Iowa healthcare employers.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters including summer)
Learn More About Mercy‘s Nursing Program
8. Southeastern Community College
For students in Southeast Iowa seeking top-notch nursing education close to home, SCC is an excellent choice. Benefits include:
- Highly flexible schedule options, including part-time
- Small class sizes and personalized instruction
- New simulation lab opened in 2022
- Clinical experience at Great River Health and other regional partners
- Seamlessly transfer to University of Iowa‘s RN-BSN program
Location: Burlington and Keokuk, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters with summer terms)
Discover SCC‘s Nursing Program
9. Western Iowa Tech Community College
WITCC continues to offer exceptional nursing education to students in Northwest Iowa. Standout features include:
- Excellent record of graduate employment and satisfaction
- Flexible scheduling options to meet student needs
- High-tech simulation experience readies students for real-world practice
- Clinical rotations available at UnityPoint Sioux City and surrounding hospitals
- Dedicated student support resources on campus
Location: Sioux City, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Check out WITCC‘s Nursing Program
10. Clinton Community College
For over 50 years Clinton CC has delivered affordable, quality nursing training serving students in Eastern Iowa. Benefits include:
- Hands-on clinical experience at MercyOne Clinton and other regional partners
- Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support student success
- State-of-the-art simulation lab technology
- Seamless transfer options to several BSN programs
- Continually recognized as a top community college value
Location: Clinton, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
Discover Clinton Community College‘s Nursing Program
11. Iowa Wesleyan University
Iowa Wesleyan is praised for delivering personalized nursing education focused on clinical excellence and leadership development. Key advantages include:
- Faith-based program emphasizing values of caring, integrity and service
- Extensive hands-on simulation lab and clinical experience
- Small class sizes ensure focused faculty mentoring
- State-of-the-art learning spaces and technology
- Option to seamlessly continue to BSN degree
The program welcomes both traditional students and working adults seeking a career change.
Location: Mount Pleasant, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters including summer)
Learn More About Iowa Wesleyan‘s Nursing Program
12. Southwestern Community College
SCC has delivered exceptional nursing education for over 40 years serving rural communities in SW Iowa. Standout features include:
- High graduate satisfaction and employer reputation
- Flexible part-time and accelerated options
- Extensive hands-on clinical practice at area hospitals
- Seamless transfer to Bachelor‘s programs
- Specializes in preparing students for rural healthcare careers
Graduates are skilled in caring for diverse patient populations and excelling in generalist nursing roles.
Location: Creston, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Discover SCC‘s Nursing Program
13. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
With expert faculty and advanced hospital experience through UnityPoint Health, this program stands out from the crowd. Key advantages include:
- All clinical experiences occur on the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines campus
- Get first-hand experience with state-of-the-art technology and specialized care
- Small cohort size ensures focused mentoring from nursing leadership
- Direct pathway to RN-BSN program through Allen College
- Excellent reputation among health system employers
This program is best suited for those seeking specialized training focused on the acute care hospital environment.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
Discover UnityPoint‘s Nursing Program
14. Muscatine Community College
For over 50 years, Muscatine CC has prepared nurses to deliver exceptional care and lead positive change. Standout features include:
- Renowned for outstanding graduate and employer satisfaction
- Dynamic curriculum integrates leadership, research and technology
- Cutting-edge simulation lab mimics real-world patient scenarios
- Clinical rotations with Trinity Muscatine and other regional partners
- Community campuses in Muscatine, Clinton and Scott counties
Location: Muscatine, IA (plus two regional centers)
Program Length: 2 years
Check Out Muscatine Community College‘s Nursing Program
15. Carl Sandburg College
Carl Sandburg College offers a convenient pathway to an RN degree for students based in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Benefits include:
- High value program at an affordable cost
- Option to complete general education courses online before the clinical portion
- Hands-on simulation lab experience readies students for patient care responsibilities
- Clinical partnerships with Hammond Henry Hospital and other regional providers
- Opportunity to simultaneously earn LPN certification
Location: Galesburg, IL (near Burlington, IA)
Program Length: 2 years
Explore Carl Sandburg‘s Nursing Program
16. North Iowa Area Community College
With an excellent reputation among regional employers, NIACC continues to prepare exceptional nurses in Northern Iowa. Key advantages include:
- Cutting-edge simulation labs with advanced patient simulators
- Clinical rotations available at MercyOne North Iowa and other partners
- Expert faculty focused on student success
- Seamless transfer options to several BSN programs
- High graduate job satisfaction and employer reputation
NIACC partners closely with healthcare providers to ensure curriculum aligns with the latest industry needs.
Location: Mason City, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Discover More About NIACC‘s Nursing Program
17. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
With campuses across Eastern Iowa, EICC offers convenient access to ADN education. Standout features include:
- Highly flexible full-time and part-time options
- Simulation labs mimic real-world clinical environments
- Clinical experience at UnityPoint, MercyOne and other regional partners
- Specialty pathways in obstetrics and pediatrics
- Seamless transfer to University of Iowa‘s RN-BSN program
Location: Davenport, Clinton and Muscatine, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Check out EICC‘s Nursing Program
18. North Iowa Community College
Delivering career-ready nurses to meet critical workforce shortages in rural communities, NICC is an industry leader. Key highlights include:
- Specializes in rural nursing competencies and telehealth
- Extensive hands-on clinical experience at MercyOne North Iowa and other partners
- Small class size ensures focused mentoring and advising
- State-of-the-art simulation lab technology
- Excellent reputation among regional healthcare employers
Location: Mason City, IA
Program Length: 2 years
Explore NICC‘s Nursing Program
19. St. Luke‘s College
With faith-based roots over 100 years old, St. Luke‘s College embraces a holistic approach to nursing education focused on caring for body, mind and spirit. Key advantages include:
- All clinical experiences occur within St. Luke‘s Healthcare system
- Learn cutting-edge best practices from St. Luke‘s specialized care units
- Small cohort size enables tight-knit educational experience
- Seamless academic pathway to St. Luke‘s BSN program
- Excellent reputation as a nurse employer
This program is best suited for students seeking faith-based education focused on advanced hospital nursing care.
Location: Sioux City, IA
Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters including summer)
Check Out St. Luke‘s College Nursing Program
20. Iowa Western Community College
Rounding out our list of top nursing programs is IWCC, delivering career-focused education in Southwest Iowa for over 50 years. Key advantages include:
- Highly flexible schedule options to accommodate student needs
- Simulation lab provides cutting-edge clinical scenario experience
- Clinical rotations available at Methodist Health and other regional partners
- Dedicated student advisor ensures personalized mentoring
- Option to live on-campus for a traditional college experience
Location: Council Bluffs, IA
Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters)
Learn More About Iowa Western‘s Nursing Program
With this expert guide on the top 20 two year nursing programs in the Greater Des Moines Area for 2024, you can feel confident picking the school that aligns with your learning needs, professional interests and career aspirations in nursing.
When evaluating programs, be sure to consider factors like location and flexibility, teaching methods and technology utilized, reputation with healthcare employers, clinical experience available and potential to continue to an RN to BSN program after graduation. Schedule time to visit campuses that interest you virtually or in-person.
I wish you the very best in your nursing education journey in Des Moines! Our healthcare community welcomes caring, skilled nurses like you who will make a positive impact in improving people‘s lives.
