Northwest Iowa Community College has been recognized as home to one of Iowa’s top Licensed Practical Nurse programs.
According to new rankings released by PracticalNursing.org, NCC’s Practical Nursing program ranks No. 2 in Iowa for 2026 among Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs.
The rankings recognize nursing programs that demonstrate strong student outcomes, quality instruction, and preparation for licensure and career success. PracticalNursing.org evaluates programs using publicly available data and information from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
The recognition comes at a time when healthcare providers across Iowa and the nation continue to face growing demand for qualified nurses.
Multiple Pathways Into Nursing
NCC offers two pathways for students interested in becoming Licensed Practical Nurses:
A traditional Practical Nursing program that can be completed in two semesters with a fall start.
A Practical Nursing-Extended program that spans three semesters and is designed for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Both programs provide classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, simulation training, and supervised clinical experiences throughout the region.
Students receive training in:
•Medical-surgical nursing
•Geriatric nursing
•Obstetric nursing
•Pediatric nursing
•Psychiatric nursing
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), the exam required to become a licensed practical nurse.
One of Iowa’s Shortest LPN Programs
PracticalNursing.org also highlighted NCC’s two-semester diploma as one of Iowa’s shortest LPN programs.
College officials say the accelerated format allows students to complete their education and enter the workforce in as little as one academic year, helping save both time and tuition costs.
The program is also eligible for Iowa’s Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, which may help qualifying students reduce or eliminate tuition expenses.
For many students, the LPN program serves as the first step in a nursing career pathway, allowing graduates to work as LPNs while continuing their education through NCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program and preparing for careers as Registered Nurses.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
The latest recognition follows another recent honor for NCC’s nursing programs. In 2025, PracticalNursing.org ranked the college’s Associate Degree Nursing program No. 2 in Iowa among programs preparing students to become Registered Nurses.
College officials say the recognitions underscore NCC’s commitment to providing multiple pathways into nursing while helping meet workforce needs across Northwest Iowa and beyond.
More information about NCC’s Practical Nursing and Practical Nursing-Extended programs is available through
Northwest Iowa Community College.
