DMACC Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) runs one of Iowa’s largest community college nursing pathways—a Practical Nursing year followed by an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) year on multiple Central Iowa campuses—with published per-credit tuition and state-reported NCLEX outcomes. Confirm deadlines, campus availability, and progression rules with DMACC and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
DMACC’s nursing ladder lets students sit for the NCLEX-PN after Year 1 and NCLEX-RN after Year 2, with multi-campus delivery across the Des Moines metro and central Iowa—pairing one of the state’s lowest published per-credit tuition rates with Iowa Board of Nursing–reported NCLEX outcomes you can compare directly to other Iowa programs.
Overview & Why Students Choose DMACC
Headquartered in Ankeny with nursing offered across Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, and Urban/Des Moines locations, Des Moines Area Community College is Iowa’s largest community college by enrollment and publishes among the lowest in-state tuition rates in the state. DMACC’s nursing pathway is built as a two-year ladder: Year 1 focuses on Practical Nursing (PN) coursework, Year 2 on Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) coursework that culminates in an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree for students who complete the RN year.
That structure matters practically—you can qualify for the NCLEX-PN after the first year (when progression requirements are met) and for the NCLEX-RN after the second. DMACC also publishes a separate Nursing—Advanced Standing track for licensed LPNs who want to enter the ADN year, plus Nurse Aide certificates for students starting in direct care roles.
According to the Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data table (NCSBN Program Summary, Licensure Examination Reports, 2025 column), DMACC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for associate-degree graduates was 91.10% (191 first-time candidates). The companion LPN Program Data table lists a first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 90.91% for 2025 (11 first-time candidates). Confirm the latest cohorts with the Iowa Board of Nursing Nursing Program Statistics and DMACC.
Reasons students choose DMACC
Affordable, published tuition
DMACC publishes per-credit tuition for Iowa residents and non-residents for Fall 2025 through Summer 2026, plus a defined online rate—useful for budgeting before you commit to a cohort.
Ladder from LPN to RN
The PN-to-ADN progression is built into the curriculum design, with published testing expectations for moving from Year 1 to Year 2 and a separate Advanced Standing path for already-licensed LPNs.
Metro Des Moines clinical access
Urban and Ankeny programming places students in one of Iowa’s busiest healthcare labor markets; exact clinical sites rotate and must be confirmed with the program.
RN-to-BSN partnerships
DMACC advertises RN-to-BSN “3+1” completion options with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University for graduates who want a BSN after licensure—the BSN is awarded by the partner university.
State-reportable NCLEX outcomes
Iowa publishes program-level NCLEX tables so you can compare DMACC’s first-time pass rates alongside other Iowa schools using the same reporting year.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects DMACC’s published Health Science & Fitness — Nursing pages and Nursing Program Details as of this review. DMACC does not award a BSN; baccalaureate completion occurs through university partners after RN licensure.
Pre-licensure
Nursing (ADN), AAS — two-year ladder
Year 1: Practical Nursing curriculum; Year 2: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) courses leading to the AAS for students who complete both years. Graduates who meet Board requirements may sit for NCLEX-PN after Year 1 and NCLEX-RN after Year 2, per DMACC’s published progression rules.
Practical Nursing, Diploma
The Practical Nursing diploma aligns with Year 1 of the ladder for students pursuing PN licensure; confirm exit points and licensing eligibility with DMACC and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Nursing—Advanced Standing (LPN to RN), AAS
For students who already hold an Iowa (or eligible) LPN license and meet DMACC’s Advanced Standing checklist—including nursing information session and published math competency—this track focuses on ADN-level coursework.
Entry-level credentials
Nurse Aide & Advanced Nurse Aide
Certificate-level training for students seeking CNA/advanced nurse aide competencies; separate application and health-compliance steps apply through DMACC’s nurse aide process.
Post-licensure (partnership)
DMACC promotes RN-to-BSN 3+1 completion agreements with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The BSN is conferred by the partner institution under its admission and curriculum rules—not by DMACC.
DMACC states the ADN (Year 2) program holds ACEN continuing accreditation and Iowa Board of Nursing approval. The Practical Nursing program is listed as an ACEN candidate for initial accreditation effective October 14, 2025, expiring October 14, 2026. Candidacy is not full accreditation—confirm current status with DMACC, ACEN, and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
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, table years 2021–2025), Des Moines Area Community College recorded a 91.10% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 among 191 first-time candidates in the Associate Degree (ADN) row.
For Practical Nursing graduates, the Board’s LPN Program Data table lists a 90.91% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2025 (11 first-time candidates) for DMACC. These are regulatory statistics, not internal marketing figures—always confirm the newest file year on the Board’s website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (ADN) | 91.10% (2025; 191 first-time candidates) per Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data / NCSBN table. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (Practical Nursing) | 90.91% (2025; 11 first-time candidates) per Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data / NCSBN table. |
| 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 DMACC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Iowa Board of Nursing and DMACC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
DMACC admits international students for many programs, but 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 DMACC admissions and the nursing pathway.
- 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 ATI testing center requirements.
Policies change—verify with DMACC’s admissions office, international services (if assigned), and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
DMACC nursing uses selective admission: you must apply to the college, complete a Nursing Information Session, meet published entry requirements, and follow the checklist for either the standard ladder or Advanced Standing (LPN-to-RN) track. Meeting minimums does not guarantee a seat—capacity varies by campus.
ATI TEAS & progression testing
For students entering the ladder program (Fall 2024 and after), DMACC publishes these benchmarks: ATI TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score ≥ 55% for Year 1 entry (all four content areas; exams taken in person at a DMACC Testing Center). To enter Year 2, students need either ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Probability Score ≥ 92% from the end-of-Year-1 exam or ATI TEAS ≥ 65% Adjusted Individual Total Score. Confirm whether these thresholds apply to your cohort.
Application timeline
| Step | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to DMACC | Free online application | Creates your student record for prerequisite tracking. |
| Nursing Information Session | Required before advising | Listed on DMACC nursing details page; content updates by term. |
| Program checklist | Ladder vs. Advanced Standing PDF | Use the checklist that matches your entry type. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA range | Not publicly disclosed—confirm expectations with nursing advisors. |
| ATI TEAS | Required for ladder entry/progression per published TEAS fact sheets (see overview). |
| Health & clinical compliance | Immunizations, background checks, CPR, and agency-specific rules per DMACC nursing details. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
DMACC sets tuition annually. The figures below come directly from the college’s Tuition page (updated May 22, 2025) for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Face-to-face & web-blended (in-state) | $201 per credit hour |
| Face-to-face & web-blended (non-resident) | $231 per credit hour |
| Fully online / real-time virtual | $231 per credit hour ($201 tuition + $30 online support fee) |
| Source | DMACC Tuition; Student expenses & fees. Confirm total program cost (credits × rate + fees) with the Bursar and financial aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
DMACC’s public nursing materials list expected program outcomes—for example, an annual NCLEX-RN pass-rate benchmark of at or above 80% for first-time test takers, plus job-placement and on-time completion targets. Treat these as program goals, not guarantees of individual results; confirm how DMACC reports actual outcomes on its consumer information or accreditation pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (regulatory) | 91.10% in 2025 per Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data (191 candidates). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (regulatory) | 90.91% in 2025 per Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data (11 candidates). |
| Job placement / employment | DMACC publishes expected placement benchmarks in program materials; for your own employment outlook, use Handshake and Career Services. Confirm current reported placement with the college. |
| Source | Iowa Board of Nursing PDFs (see NCLEX section); DMACC Nursing Program Details. |
Is DMACC the Right Fit for You?
DMACC fits students who want an Iowa community college price point, can commit to sequential PN→ADN testing expectations, and plan to work in central Iowa’s hospital and community-based systems. It may be less ideal if you need a traditional four-year BSN on one campus or cannot meet frequent clinical compliance deadlines.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a published PN-to-ADN ladder with transparent ATI testing milestones.
- Prefer low published per-credit tuition and multiple Central Iowa campus options.
- Plan to work in the Des Moines metro or transfer later to a university RN-to-BSN partner.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a BSN awarded entirely at one institution without transferring.
- Cannot attend in-person labs, clinicals, or DMACC Testing Center appointments.
- Expect guaranteed admission—nursing seats remain competitive by campus.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Des Moines metropolitan area anchors Polk County’s healthcare economy—home to large acute-care hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care networks, and community agencies that host student clinical experiences. DMACC nursing students routinely intersect with this market through rotations that vary by semester, campus, and agency availability.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist & Iowa Lutheran Hospitals | Major Des Moines acute-care providers; common destination for new grads across specialties. |
| MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center | Large faith-based hospital network hub serving central Iowa. |
| Broadlawns Medical Center | Public hospital serving Polk County with emergency and specialty services. |
| Community & long-term care | Skilled nursing, home health, and clinics throughout the metro 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 DMACC nursing leadership.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students take courses on whichever DMACC campus hosts their cohort—Ankeny functions as a primary hub, but Boone, Carroll, Newton, and Urban/Des Moines locations also support Health Science programming. Expect skills labs, simulation, and community clinical experiences that mirror the high-acuity and community settings of the region. Student life is commuter-oriented; nursing-specific support flows through the Health Science & Fitness Pathway advisors and the nursing department chairs/coordinators listed on DMACC’s nursing pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Ankeny, IA
- Address
- 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023, US
- Telephone
- 515-964-6200 (main) · Toll-free 800-362-2127
- Nursing pathway email
- hsfpathway@dmacc.edu
- Admissions
- admissions@dmacc.edu · 515-965-7337
- Website
- dmacc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Nursing Program Application Checklist (or Advanced Standing checklist if you are an LPN).
- Register for a Nursing Information Session and add the date to your calendar.
- Schedule the ATI TEAS at a DMACC Testing Center if you are pursuing Year 1 entry—review the published minimum scores.
- Compare your transcripts to the nursing prerequisites in the DMACC catalog.
- Bookmark the Iowa Board of Nursing statistics page for future NCLEX updates.
- Talk with a Health Science advisor about campus availability for your target start term.
- Review immunization and CPR requirements on the nursing details page so clinical onboarding is not delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does DMACC offer?
DMACC publishes a nursing ladder (Practical Nursing coursework followed by Associate Degree Nursing coursework), a Nursing—Advanced Standing track for licensed LPNs, Nurse Aide certificates, and RN-to-BSN 3+1 partnerships through the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Confirm the exact award levels and campus availability on the official nursing pages.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Des Moines Area Community College?
According to the Iowa Board of Nursing RN Program Data table (NCSBN Program Summary, 2025 column), DMACC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 91.10% with 191 first-time candidates. Confirm the latest cohort with the Iowa Board of Nursing and DMACC.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for DMACC Practical Nursing?
The Iowa Board of Nursing LPN Program Data table lists a 90.91% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2025 (11 first-time candidates) for Des Moines Area Community College. Confirm current numbers with the Board and the school.
Does DMACC require the ATI TEAS?
Yes. DMACC’s published TEAS fact sheet for the ladder program requires a ≥ 55% Adjusted Individual Total Score for Year 1 entry (in-person testing at a DMACC Testing Center) and either a ≥ 92% ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Probability Score after Year 1 or a ≥ 65% TEAS score to enter Year 2. Verify current thresholds for your cohort.
How much is tuition at DMACC?
DMACC lists $201 per credit for Iowa residents and $231 for non-residents in face-to-face and web-blended courses for Fall 2025 through Summer 2026, and $231 per credit for online classes (including the $30 online support fee). See the Tuition page for details.
Is DMACC’s nursing program accredited?
The ADN (Year 2) program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN (continuing accreditation per DMACC). The Practical Nursing program is an ACEN candidate for initial accreditation effective October 14, 2025—expiring October 14, 2026. Candidacy is not full accreditation; confirm status with DMACC and ACEN.
Where does DMACC offer nursing classes?
DMACC publishes nursing at Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, and Urban/Des Moines locations, but not every track runs at every campus each term. Use the nursing details page and advising office to confirm your site.
Can I earn a BSN at DMACC?
DMACC awards the AAS/PN diploma pathways—not a BSN. After RN licensure, DMACC promotes RN-to-BSN completion through University of Iowa and Iowa State University 3+1 partnerships. The BSN is conferred by the partner university.
What should internationally educated nurses know about DMACC?
Verify English proficiency, credential evaluation, visa eligibility for clinical courses, and Iowa Board of Nursing licensure steps (including SAVE). Policies change—confirm with DMACC admissions and the Board.
References
- DMACC — Nursing program overviewdmacc.edu/pathways/hsf/nursing.html
- DMACC — Nursing program details (TEAS, accreditation, compliance)dmacc.edu/pathways/hsf/nursing-details.html
- DMACC — Tuition (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 / Summer 2026)dmacc.edu/tuition/index.html
- 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 DMACC’s published tuition page, and consistency with DMACC’s nursing pathway descriptions.
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 Des Moines Area Community College and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy