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Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
Kathleen R. Weinberg, MSN, RN, Executive Director

Criteria for Out of State Nursing Programs

Out of state nursing education programs must: 

  • Be aware fo nursing educational program criteria operating in Iowa, as set forth in 655 Iowa Administrative Code, chapter 2.

  • Determine registration status and seek approval to operate in Iowa by contacting the Iowa College Student Aid Commission under Iowa Code chapter 261B.

  • Follow their home state regulations for nursing programs in each state where the program exists.

  • Submit data, information or materials to the Iowa Board of Nursing, if requested.

  • Deliver instruction that is congruent with the submitted curriculum plan and achievement of program outcomes.

  • Ensure that nursing faculty instructing or practicing in Iowa hold an active Iowa Nursing license or nurse licensure compact contained in Iowa Administrative Code, chapter 152E.

  • Have clinical contractual agreements that include:

    • Identification of responsibilities of both parties in regards to client services.

    • Faculty control, selection, and guidance of student learning experiences.

    • Provisions for termination of the agreement.

    • Provisions for annual review. 

  • Be aware of preceptorship guidelines, that include:

    • The nursing program will approve preceptors with collaboration of the clinical facility.

    • Preceptor experiences support student learning and program outcomes.

    • The nursing program is ultimately responsible for the students learning and evaluation.

    • The nursing program must inform the preceptor of the responsibilities of the preceptor, faculty, and students.

  • Post-licensure nursing students attending a clinical component must have an active Iowa nursing license or licensure in Iowa pursuant to the nurse licensure compact contained in Iowa Code chapter 152E. 

  • The post-licensure nursing student must practice within the parameters of Iowa Code section 152 and 655 Iowa Administrative Code, chapters 6 and 7. 

To view Iowa Code referenced above, visit: https://nursing.iowa.gov/about-us/iowa-law-and-administrative-rules

Updated 11/8/22