Iowa State expands nursing education with two new programs

February 26, 2026 - 19:48

Iowa State University is significantly expanding its role in addressing the national nursing shortage with the introduction of two new degree pathways. The Iowa Board of Regents has granted approval for both an online Master of Science in Nursing and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

The online Master's program, set to launch in the fall of 2026, is designed to provide advanced education for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers into leadership, education, or specialized practice roles. Its flexible, digital format aims to make graduate-level nursing education accessible to working professionals across the state and beyond.

Complementing this, the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) will begin in the summer of 2027. This intensive pathway is tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, allowing them to leverage their previous education to transition into nursing on a faster timeline. The program will equip students with the critical clinical skills and knowledge required to enter the workforce as baccalaureate-prepared nurses.

University officials emphasize that these strategic additions will help meet the growing demand for highly skilled nurses in Iowa's hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. By offering both an accessible advanced degree and a rapid-entry option for career-changers, Iowa State is creating a more robust pipeline of nursing professionals to serve the healthcare needs of the region.