Hands-On Training for a Rewarding Career in Nursing
Earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Iowa Lakes Community College. Our program is an ACEN-accredited program which ensures a high-quality education that meets national nursing standards. Once enrolled in our program you will gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the healthcare field. After successfully completing our program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, opening the door to a rewarding career as a registered nurse.
With an ADN from Iowa Lakes, you will enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, and schools. Our program combines hands-on clinical training with coursework in nursing theory, patient care, and medical best practices. When you enroll in our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and real-world clinical experiences, preparing you for the fast-paced demands of the nursing profession. Our program is instructed with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations for registered nurses through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and begin your journey toward a fulfilling nursing career.
Find Your It!
Hands-On Learning & Advanced Training
Comprehensive Coursework to Build Your Nursing Expertise
The ADN program at Iowa Lakes is structured to develop clinical competency, patient care skills, and medical knowledge. Students engage in coursework that covers:
- Fundamentals of nursing and patient care
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Medical-surgical nursing across the lifespan
- Maternal-child and pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing and crisis intervention
Clinical Experiences and Simulation Training
Students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings. These hands-on experiences provide exposure to a variety of nursing roles and patient care scenarios.
In addition to clinicals, Iowa Lakes features advanced simulation labs, where students practice in realistic healthcare environments. This training enhances their ability to respond to medical emergencies, perform procedures, and apply critical thinking in patient care.
Pathways to Career Growth
Graduates of the ADN program are prepared for entry-level registered nursing positions, but many choose to continue their education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Iowa Lakes maintains partnerships with four-year institutions to support a seamless transition for those who want to advance their careers.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (76 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Clinical Assignments & Preceptorship
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ADN 111 – Nursing Concepts I
Nursing Concepts I is a class/lab/clinical course that introduces the role of the registered nurse considering history, trends and comportment through a caring perspective. The roles of the registered nurse will be discussed related to safety, legal implications, and collaborative practice throughout the client’s lifespan. The nursing process and health promotion will be introduced related to human needs and the physical assessment. The conceptual focus includes oxygenation, perfusion, elimination, tissue integrity, mobility, sensory alterations and pain. The student will practice and perform nursing skills in the lab and clinical settings while caring for simple client conditions.
BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include cell biology, histology, skin, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lecture and laboratory.
HSC 151 – Dosage Calculations
Dosage Calculations emphasizes the basic math skills and dosage calculations required of nurse professionals.
Grading: P/Q
HSC 202 – Health Informatics
Health Informatics will provide an overview of basic computer skills as well as introduce the student to concepts related to information literacy and management. Utilization of informatics within the healthcare delivery systems including application of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will be included.
Must be completed before starting program: BIO 151, ENG 105, HSC 114 and PSY 121
Term 2
ADN 212 – Nursing Concepts II
Nursing Concepts II is a class/clinical course that builds upon nursing concepts related to human needs with an emphasis on a safe and effective environment. The student will demonstrate caring behaviors while learning about physiologic adaptations related to perioperative, comfort, pain, infection, fluid and electrolyte, acid/base, metabolism, oxygenation, perfusion, elimination, digestion, and mobility as related to the Medical-Surgical client throughout the lifespan. The nursing process will be utilized throughout the course while applying principles of teaching and learning.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester ADN courses (C or better)
ADN 213 – Pharmacology Applications
Pharmacology Applications is a class/lab designed to provide the learner knowledge of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmcotherapeutics as it relates to the client lifespan. Major drug classifications will be discussed in relation to physiologic systems, with emphasis on application of these agents. Medication administration including oral, parenteral, enteral, and intravenous therapy will be discussed and applied.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of first semester ADN courses (C or better)
BIO 173 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, blood, metabolism, reproduction, urinary, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 3
BIO 186 – Microbiology
General microbiology designed for the science major and nursing students. Emphasis on morphology, physiology, microbial genetics, immunology, pathology, epidemiology, and laboratory techniques. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 105 – Introductory Biology, BIO 112 – General Biology I, BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I, AGV 118 – Animal Anatomy & Physiology I or higher.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
Term 4
ADN 314 – Nursing Concepts III
Nursing Concepts III is a class/clinical course that enhances the concepts of critical thinking, complex nursing interventions, and nursing skills using caring behaviors throughout the client’s lifespan. The student will relate concepts of physiologic human needs including: oxygenation, perfusion, developmental and pediatric alterations, intracranial regulation, immunity and inflammation, fluid and electrolytes, cellular regulation, and sensory perception. The role of the registered nurse will be discussed related to maintaining a safe and effective environment through health promotion strategies in case management, utilization review, and quality improvement.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of second semester ADN courses (C or better)
ADN 413 – Behavioral Health Concepts
Behavioral Health Concepts is a classroom/clinical course that introduces foundational nursing practice for the client with human needs of behavioral health and/or mental illness. The student will display caring behaviors while using critical thinking, evidence based practice, and the nursing process to promote a safe and effective environment for clients with behavioral health issues. The student will explore the nurse’s role as provider of care, manager of care, and member of the profession of nursing through communication, health promotion, and maintenance strategies as the student cares for behavioral health clients in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of second semester ADN courses (C or better)
ADN 414 – Maternal Newborn Concepts
Maternal Newborn Concepts is a classroom/clinical course that introduces nursing skills necessary while caring for clients with reproductive and family planning health promotion and maintenance needs. The student will provide a safe and effective environment, use the nursing process, demonstrate critical thinking, evidence based practice, and communication while providing care for the human needs of maternal newborn clients. The student will explore the nurse’s role as provider of care, manager of care and member of the profession of nursing as the student cares for maternal newborn clients in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of second semester ADN courses (C or better)
Choose either ADN 413 or ADN 414
Term 5
ADN 415 – Nursing Concepts IV
Nursing Concepts IV is a class/clinical or class/preceptorship course that prepares the student for entry level nursing practice by focusing on nursing judgment and assimilation into the profession. Emphasis is on the role of the nurse as the provider and manager of care with simple to complex client conditions throughout the lifespan using evidence based practice interventions while demonstrating positive communication. Management of simple to complex human needs including: oxygenation, perfusion, intracranial regulation, mobility, inflammation/infection/ immunity, tissue integrity, cellular regulation, and comfort/psychosocial. Through management of various clients, the student will explore contemporary nursing practice topics.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of third semester ADN courses (C or better)
ADN 414 – Maternal Newborn Concepts
Maternal Newborn Concepts is a classroom/clinical course that introduces nursing skills necessary while caring for clients with reproductive and family planning health promotion and maintenance needs. The student will provide a safe and effective environment, use the nursing process, demonstrate critical thinking, evidence based practice, and communication while providing care for the human needs of maternal newborn clients. The student will explore the nurse’s role as provider of care, manager of care and member of the profession of nursing as the student cares for maternal newborn clients in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of second semester ADN courses (C or better)
ADN 413 – Behavioral Health Concepts
Behavioral Health Concepts is a classroom/clinical course that introduces foundational nursing practice for the client with human needs of behavioral health and/or mental illness. The student will display caring behaviors while using critical thinking, evidence based practice, and the nursing process to promote a safe and effective environment for clients with behavioral health issues. The student will explore the nurse’s role as provider of care, manager of care, and member of the profession of nursing through communication, health promotion, and maintenance strategies as the student cares for behavioral health clients in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of second semester ADN courses (C or better)
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 120 – College Algebra
Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
MAT 121 – College Algebra
Topics include linear functions and inequalities; quadratics; conics; polynomials and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; linear systems; matrices and determinants. Additional topics may include sequences, series, permutations, combinations and probability.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 156 or MAT 157
Choose ADN 414 or ADN 413
Choose MAT 156, MAT 157, MAT 120, or MAT 121
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Associate Degree Nursing program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Provider of Care
- Adapts the nursing process to provide ethically safe patient care within the scope of practice for the registered nurse.
- Perform appropriate, individualized nursing skills.
Member of the Profession of Nursing
- Employ professionalism in the role of theregistered nurse within the healthcare system.
- Proficient critical thinking skills through Evidence Based Practice.
Manager of Care
- Choose communication techniques in providing culturally competent care throughout the life span.
- Apply knowledge of health promotion and maintenance across the life span.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Applied Science Nursing degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Accreditation:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing Program ACEN Candidacy Notice to Students
Related Documents:
This information is only for initial licensure by exam requirements for the state listed.
- Students should contact the State Board of Nursing in which they wish to be licensed for specific licensing requirements.
- Students may meet with the Director of Nursing Education if they wish to be licensed in another state.
Disclaimer: This information has been gathered from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website and will be updated annually on July 1. Iowa Lakes Community College assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained in this resource. It is your responsibility to verify accuracy by visiting the NCSBN website at: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm
Program Acceptance & Admission Requirements
Preference is given to applicants who apply by June 1 for the fall semester and February 1 for the summer semester. To qualify for the Iowa Lakes Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, applicants must meet one of the following options:
Option 1: Standard ADN Admission
Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the following college-level science courses, with a grade of C or higher in each:
- Nutrition (BIO 151) – 3 credits
- Composition I (ENG 105) – 3 credits
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 121) – 3 credits
- Medical Terminology (HSC 114) – 3 credits
ACT Requirement:
- Composite ACT score of 19 (no superscores accepted)*
- The composite score is based on English, reading, mathematics, and science
- The Writing Test is not required
- ACT is not required for students who hold a degree from an accredited college or university
Option 2: LPN to ADN Pathway
LPNs entering the ADN program will receive eight credits for Nursing Concepts I and Dosage Calculations. Additional coursework will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements:
- Next-Generation Accuplacer scores: 250 in Reading and Writing, 270 in Math
- GPA of 2.5 or higher in the following college-level science courses (grade of C or higher required):
- Nutrition (BIO 151) – 3 credits
- Composition I (ENG 105) – 3 credits
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 121) – 3 credits
- Medical Terminology (HSC 114) – 3 credits
- Hold an unencumbered Practical Nursing license, verified by Nursys
- Meet all other ADN requirements, including a syllabi review of the completed Practical Nursing program
- ACT is not required for LPN to ADN applicants due to licensure
*Applicants must request official ACT results be sent directly to the Iowa Lakes Admissions Office. Hand-delivered results will not be accepted. Register for the ACT exam at www.actstudent.org.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.2%
Potential Careers
Registered Nurse (RN) in areas including critical, acute, post-acute, skilled, behavioral health and maternal-newborn nursing
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$74,609
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$94,480
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Melinda McGregor Recruitment & Retention Coordinator 712-852-5271 | mmcgregor@iowalakes.edu |