NIACC Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City offers separate Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing pathways, plus an LPN-to-ADN option and Nurse Aide training. The college publishes per-credit tuition and Iowa Board of Nursing–reported NCLEX outcomes. Confirm application materials, HESI/ACT rules, and clinical expectations with NIACC and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NIACC anchors nursing education in North Central Iowa with a Health Simulation Center, Future Ready Iowa scholarship eligibility on qualifying programs, and published tuition rates. Iowa’s Board of Nursing publishes program-level NCLEX tables so you can compare NIACC’s first-time pass rates alongside other Iowa schools using the same NCSBN-based reports.
Overview & Why Students Choose NIACC
In Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College serves a largely rural 11-county region and runs a dedicated Health Sciences pathway that includes Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), a Practical Nursing diploma, and an ADN option for licensed practical nurses—separate program designs rather than a single mandated PN-to-ADN ladder for all students. The catalog describes the ADN program as preparing graduates for general staff RN roles and notes that students should expect travel for clinical rotations, including some evening, night, and weekend experiences.
NIACC publishes per-credit tuition for residents and non-residents and lists Nurse Aide training for students preparing for direct care roles. For RN licensure, the catalog states the ADN program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. After the ADN, RN-to-BSN completion is described through university partners—not as a degree awarded by NIACC.
According to the Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data table (NCSBN Program Summary, Licensure Examination Reports, 2025 column), NIACC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for associate-degree graduates was 90.00% (40 first-time candidates). The companion LPN Program Data table lists a first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 100.00% for 2025 (13 first-time candidates). Confirm the latest cohorts with the Iowa Board of Nursing Nursing Program Statistics and NIACC.
Reasons students choose NIACC
Published tuition & regional aid context
NIACC publishes per-credit tuition for Iowa residents and non-residents and notes scholarship support for eligible students from neighboring states on its Tuition and Expenses page.
Multiple entry routes into ADN
The catalog describes both generic ADN entry and a dedicated LPN-to-ADN option with additional prerequisites and orientation requirements for licensed practical nurses.
North Iowa clinical corridor
Students train in a region anchored by MercyOne North Iowa and other community providers; exact placements vary by semester and must be confirmed with the program.
Simulation and skills infrastructure
NIACC highlights a Health Simulation Center as part of its Health Sciences pathway, supporting skills practice before live patient care.
RN-to-BSN partnerships
The catalog references University of Iowa RN-to-BSN progression in the North Iowa area and lists multiple articulation partners for students who complete the ADN and seek a BSN.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects NIACC’s Health Sciences program list and the Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. catalog entry as of this review. NIACC does not award a BSN; the catalog describes RN-to-BSN completion through partner universities after RN licensure.
Pre-licensure
Nursing (ADN), A.A.S.
The catalog describes a 72.5 semester-hour ADN curriculum (including prerequisite term) with Summer/Fall starts, two routes of entry (generic and LPN), and progression requiring a C or better in prescribed courses. Graduates who meet requirements may sit for NCLEX-RN.
Practical Nursing Diploma
NIACC lists a Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma as a separate Health Sciences program preparing students for NCLEX-PN; confirm course sequence and approval status with the Health Division.
ADN Option for Licensed Practical Nurses, A.A.S.
For licensed LPNs, NIACC publishes an ADN option that places students into ADN coursework per prerequisites, orientation, and faculty placement rules outlined in the catalog.
Entry-level credentials
Nurse Aide Certificate
NIACC offers Nurse Aide training as an entry credential; ADN applicants must complete an Iowa-approved CNA (or equivalent) per the ADN catalog.
Post-licensure (partnership)
The ADN catalog references the University of Iowa RN-to-BSN Progression Program in the North Iowa area and RN-to-BSN 3+1 structure, plus articulation agreements with multiple Iowa colleges. The BSN is conferred by the partner institution—not by NIACC.
The NIACC catalog states the ADN program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Confirm Practical Nursing accreditation disclosures separately with NIACC and ACEN if you are comparing PN programs.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data report (source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing Program Summary, Licensure Examination Reports), North Iowa Area Community College recorded a 90.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 among 40 first-time candidates in the Associate Degree (ADN) row.
For Practical Nursing graduates, the Board’s LPN Program Data table lists a 100.00% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2025 (13 first-time candidates) for NIACC. These are regulatory statistics (not internal marketing figures)—confirm the newest publication year on the Board’s website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (ADN) | 90.00% (2025; 40 first-time candidates) per Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data / NCSBN table. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (Practical Nursing) | 100.00% (2025; 13 first-time candidates) per Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data / NCSBN table. Confirm current rates with the Iowa Board of Nursing and NIACC. |
| Source | Iowa Board of Nursing — RN Program Data (PDF); LPN Program Data (PDF); hub: Nursing Program Statistics. Confirm current data with the Iowa Board of Nursing and NIACC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Iowa Board of Nursing and NIACC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
NIACC enrolls many students from its service region; nursing clinical courses have additional compliance requirements (immunizations, background checks, clinical agency rules). Iowa licensure by examination also requires lawful presence verification (SAVE) through the state’s licensing process. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm minimum TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent scores with NIACC admissions and the Health Division.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Use evaluators required for admission and, if applicable, for Iowa Board of Nursing licensure.
- Iowa Board of Nursing: Review examination and endorsement pathways, NCLEX eligibility, and SAVE requirements on the Board’s website.
- Immigration & visa: Confirm whether your visa status supports required face-to-face labs, clinical rotations, and on-campus testing.
Policies change—verify with NIACC’s admissions office and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
NIACC nursing programs use selective admission through the health professions counselor in the Student Development Office. The ADN catalog requires applicants to complete prerequisites (including PSY-111 with a C or better), document an ACT composite of 19+ or qualifying college GPA, complete an Iowa-approved CNA program, and submit ACT or HESI Admission Assessment results before the admissions committee acts. Meeting minimums does not guarantee a seat.
HESI / ACT & prerequisites
The catalog states that an application must include ACT or HESI Admission Assessment cumulative score of 75% or better before the committee reviews acceptance. Anatomy & Physiology I/II must be completed within five years of beginning the program (with a waiver pathway via HESI science score for some students). Confirm current testing policies for your entry term.
Application timeline
| Step | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to NIACC | College admission + nursing application | Work with the health professions counselor in Student Development. |
| ADN entry terms | Summer & Fall starts | Completed applications reviewed in March and October per catalog. |
| LPN-to-ADN track | Separate prerequisites & orientation | See ADN Option for LPNs catalog entry for B-grade rules and IV therapy course. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (ADN prerequisites) | 2.0 cumulative NIACC GPA to enter; 2.5 on AA/BA pathway per catalog—confirm current rules. |
| HESI / ACT | HESI cumulative 75%+ or ACT 19+ composite per ADN catalog language. |
| Health & clinical compliance | Physical exam, immunizations, BLS CPR, TB screening, background checks per catalog. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
NIACC publishes tuition on its Tuition and Expenses page. Figures below are taken from that page as of this review (effective Fall Semester).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Iowa resident tuition | $226.75 per semester hour |
| Non-resident tuition | $325.88 per semester hour |
| Regional scholarship | Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois residents may qualify for tuition support (see NIACC page); confirm eligibility. |
| Source | NIACC Tuition and Expenses; Resident tuition PDF. Confirm total program cost (credits × rate + fees) with the Business Office and financial aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NIACC publishes ADN Program Outcomes as a downloadable PDF from the catalog. For licensing outcomes, Iowa’s Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX pass rates by program—use those regulatory tables alongside any school consumer information.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (regulatory) | 90.00% in 2025 per Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data (40 candidates). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (regulatory) | 100.00% in 2025 per Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data (13 candidates). Confirm current rates with the Iowa Board of Nursing and NIACC. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed as a single audited figure on this page—see NIACC career services and program outcomes PDFs. |
| Source | Iowa Board of Nursing PDFs (see NCLEX section); NIACC ADN Program Outcomes (PDF). |
Is NIACC the Right Fit for You?
NIACC fits students who want a public community college in North Iowa, can meet HESI/ACT and prerequisite sequencing, and are willing to travel for clinicals. It may be less ideal if you need a traditional four-year BSN on one campus without transferring, or cannot meet evening/weekend clinical scheduling.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want clearly published per-credit tuition and Iowa Board of Nursing–reported NCLEX outcomes.
- Prefer a regional campus with simulation resources and a defined ADN + PN portfolio.
- Plan to work in North Iowa hospitals and clinics or pursue RN-to-BSN later through a partner university.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a BSN awarded entirely at one institution without transferring.
- Cannot travel for clinical rotations or meet health compliance deadlines.
- Expect guaranteed admission—nursing seats remain competitive.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Mason City sits at the center of North Iowa’s healthcare corridor—students typically train in acute care, community clinics, and long-term care settings across Cerro Gordo County and neighboring counties. Major employers include regional medical centers and multi-specialty groups that hire both LPNs and RNs.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center | Large Mason City hospital system serving the region; common destination for nursing graduates. |
| Mayo Clinic Health System – North Iowa | Regional Mayo-affiliated services in and around Mason City. |
| Community & long-term care | Skilled nursing, home health, and rural critical access sites support PN and RN clinical training—exact sites change by cohort. |
Clinical assignments are determined by the program—not chosen independently. Confirm the current affiliation list with NIACC nursing leadership.
Student Experience & Campus Life
NIACC’s main campus is in Mason City, with additional community education centers in the region. Nursing students use classroom, skills lab, and Health Simulation Center resources described on the Health Sciences pages. Student life is largely commuter-oriented; nursing-specific advising flows through the Student Development Office and Health Division.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Mason City, IA
- Address
- 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401, US
- Telephone
- 641-422-4245 (Admissions) · Toll-free 888-GO-NIACC
- Health Division
- 641-422-4334 (per NIACC contacts directory)
- Admissions email
- admissions@niacc.edu
- Website
- niacc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. catalog entry and download the ADN Student Handbook if available.
- Email admissions@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4245 to connect with a health professions counselor.
- Review HESI/ACT requirements and schedule a HESI sitting if you are applying to ADN—confirm which exam is required for your term.
- Compare your transcripts to ADN prerequisites (including CNA documentation).
- Bookmark the Iowa Board of Nursing statistics page for future NCLEX updates.
- Talk with the Health Division about clinical travel expectations for your cohort.
- Review immunization and CPR requirements in the catalog so clinical onboarding is not delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does North Iowa Area Community College offer?
NIACC lists Nursing (ADN) as an A.A.S., a Practical Nursing diploma, an ADN Option for Licensed Practical Nurses, and a Nurse Aide certificate in Health Sciences. The BSN is not awarded at NIACC; the catalog describes RN-to-BSN completion through partner universities after licensure.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for NIACC associate-degree graduates?
According to the Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data table (NCSBN Program Summary, 2025 column), NIACC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 90.00% with 40 first-time candidates. Confirm the latest cohort with the Iowa Board of Nursing and NIACC.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for NIACC Practical Nursing (Iowa BON, 2025)?
The Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data table lists a 100.00% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2025 (13 first-time candidates) for North Iowa Area Community College. Confirm current numbers and cohort size with the Board and the school.
Does NIACC require the HESI Admission Assessment for ADN?
The NIACC catalog states the ADN application must include ACT or HESI Admission Assessment results with a cumulative score of 75% or better before the admissions committee acts. Confirm whether HESI is required vs. ACT-only for your term.
How much is tuition at NIACC?
NIACC’s Tuition and Expenses page lists $226.75 per semester hour for Iowa residents and $325.88 for non-residents, effective Fall Semester, with a scholarship noted for eligible residents of several neighboring states. See the Tuition and Expenses page.
When does NIACC review ADN applications?
The catalog states the ADN program offers Summer and Fall starts and that completed applications are reviewed in March and October. Confirm deadlines for your target term with the health professions counselor.
Is NIACC’s ADN program accredited?
The NIACC catalog states the ADN program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Confirm Practical Nursing accreditation disclosures separately with NIACC if you are comparing PN programs.
Can I earn a BSN at NIACC?
NIACC awards the A.A.S., PN diploma, and certificates—not a BSN. After RN licensure, the catalog references RN-to-BSN completion through partner universities (e.g., University of Iowa progression programs). The BSN is conferred by the partner institution.
What should internationally educated nurses know about NIACC nursing?
Verify English proficiency, credential evaluation, visa eligibility for clinical courses, and Iowa Board of Nursing licensure steps (including SAVE). Policies change—confirm with NIACC admissions and the Board.
References
- NIACC — Health Sciences (program list)niacc.edu/health-science
- NIACC Catalog — Nursing (ADN), A.A.S.catalog.niacc.edu
- NIACC — Tuition and Expensesniacc.edu/admissions/tuition-and-aid/tuition-and-expenses
- Iowa Board of Nursing — Nursing Program Statisticsnursing.iowa.gov
- Iowa Board of Nursing — RN Program Data (PDF, NCSBN 2025 table)dial.iowa.gov/media/9065/download
- Iowa Board of Nursing — LPN Program Data (PDF, NCSBN 2025 table)dial.iowa.gov/media/9066/download
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with Iowa Board of Nursing program statistics, tuition figures from NIACC’s published Tuition and Expenses page, and consistency with the NIACC catalog nursing entries.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with North Iowa Area Community College and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy