Iowa Valley Community College and Iowa State University announce nursing articulation agreement

AMES, Iowa – Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) and Iowa State University have established a new articulation agreement that aligns the nursing curriculum at IVCCD’s Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College with Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN program.

“This agreement creates a supportive and convenient pathway for registered nurses working in the field who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Iowa State,” said Laura Jolly, dean and dean’s chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Because the coursework is aligned, students can complete IVCCD’s program and move directly into Iowa State’s RN‑to‑BSN program when they’re ready. The program is delivered online with an in-person support component, allowing registered nurses to continue working while completing their degree.

Ultimately, patients will benefit as nurses advance their education through the Iowa Valley and Iowa State RN–BSN partnership, strengthening the quality and capability of the current workforce,” said Dawn Bowker, director of nursing education at Iowa State. “We’ve had exceptional students from Iowa Valley in our program and look forward to welcoming even more in the future.”

About half of Iowa’s registered nurses hold a bachelor’s degree. Beth Johanns, associate dean of health occupations for Ellsworth Community College, said that reflects the profession’s emphasis on continuous learning.

“Nursing is a career of lifelong learning, and becoming a registered nurse is just the beginning of formal and informal training,” Johanns said. “Partnerships like this give nurses the opportunity to continue to grow in the profession.”

Research links improved patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and fewer medication errors, with nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree. Iowa State’s nursing program has a 94 percent completion rate, significantly higher than the national average of 60 percent.

Leaders say the agreement also strengthens Iowa’s rural healthcare system by making advanced training more accessible to working nurses close to home.

“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when colleges work collaboratively rather than independently,” said Matt Schmit, provost of Marshalltown Community College. “By creating a seamless route from IVCCD to a quality four-year degree, we’re helping local students stay close to home while gaining the education needed to care for Iowa families.”

Students interested in beginning their nursing studies at IVCCD can find admission requirements and application deadlines on the Iowa Valley Community College District website. Dedicated faculty and advisors at Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College guide applicants through each step of the process. For more information or to start an application, visit the IVCCD website or contact either campus admissions office.

Registered nurses interested in earning a BSN can find admission requirements, application information, scholarship opportunities and more on Iowa State’s website.

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