Licensing Agency

Iowa licenses nurses through the Board of Nursing and enforces education clinical training and continuing competence requirements. Employers commonly require state licensure national certification for specialty roles and documented competency for advanced procedures. Advanced practice nurses must hold graduate degrees national certification and state recognition for prescriptive authority.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is required for renewal and often includes specialty credits and safety training. Nurses participate in continuing education and quality improvement activities as part of maintenance. Regional networks support continuing education and peer review opportunities.

Sources: Iowa Board of Nursing | National Council of State Boards of Nursing