Aspiring nurses in Cedar Rapids have several nursing schools and programs from which to choose. The local nursing profession can be broadly divided into four roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Nursing assistant is the most junior role. CNAs require only the completion of a brief eight- to ten-week certificate program. Candidates must also pass a state-administered examination to gain licensure. Cedar Rapids is home to 1,360 CNAs who earn a median annual salary of $24,150.
Registered nurses comprise the majority of Cedar Rapids’ nursing workforce. Iowa RNs may attain licensure through one of two pathways: a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN national licensure examination before they begin practice. Cedar Rapids’ 2,570 RNs earn a median annual salary of $51,940.
Advanced practice registered nurses fill the most senior nursing roles. APRNs must complete an approved master’s degree program in a specialized field like nursing practice, midwifery, or anesthesia. Compensation increases substantially with this specialization. For example, nurse practitioners in Cedar Rapids earn $85,700 per year on average.
Graduates of Cedar Rapids’ accredited nursing programs are prepared to join the workforce rapidly. Local employers include private healthcare facilities, often staffed by agencies like MedPro Healthcare Staffing, and government facilities such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To assist potential nursing students, we’ve organized below a comprehensive list of nursing schools and programs throughout the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area.