Program Overview

At Iowa State, innovation is part of who we are — and that same Cyclone spirit drives our A-BSN program. Designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, this 15‑month program helps you transform your passion for helping others into a rewarding nursing career that makes a meaningful impact.

You will build on your academic foundation through immersive nursing education grounded in evidence‑based practice, collaboration, and compassionate care. In a supportive cohort model, expert faculty guide you through active learning, high‑fidelity simulation, and clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings — helping you develop the confidence, critical thinking, and clinical judgment needed to provide exceptional, person-centered care across the lifespan.

When you graduate, you will be ready to lead. The program prepares you to deliver high‑quality care in a variety of settings and to sit for the NCLEX‑RN licensure exam. Whether your path leads to acute or long-term care, community health, population‑based practice, or advanced practice nursing, you will join a community of Cyclone Nurses dedicated to improving health and strengthening communities.

Program Length & Format

The A-BSN program starts each summer and is completed in 15 consecutive months of full‑time study. Learning takes place through a combination of in‑person classroom instruction, on‑campus skills and simulation labs, and clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings. 

The program’s cohort model fosters collaboration, teamwork, and mentorship, creating a strong support system as you move through this intensive and rewarding experience. This immersive format prepares you to enter practice confidently — as a nurse ready to serve, lead, and innovate.

Preparing the next generation of nurses to work and live in an evolving healthcare landscape.