Iowa Board of Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Iowa is home to far more than just acres of cornfields. In fact, this state holds a special place in the healthcare industry as the home to facilities leading the way in cutting-edge cancer research. Iowa has a population of slightly more than 3 million people, and despite the increase in people living in urban areas, nurses are still valued in the many rural parts of the state.

Are you ready to begin the Iowa Board of Nursing license renewal process, but you’re unsure of where to start? Don’t worry, keep reading to learn how to successfully renew your license in three easy steps: finding out your deadline for renewal, completing your continuing education, and providing your license information to the nursing board via their online portal.

Iowa Nursing Facts

The information below can help you with the Iowa Board of Nursing license renewal process, apply from out of state, or answer any other questions you have.

Is Iowa part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

Yes, Iowa is a nursing compact state.

How much do nurses in Iowa earn?

• The average CNA salary in Iowa is $38,380 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Iowa is $55,870 per year.
• The average RN salary in Iowa is $74,610 per year.

How can I contact the Iowa Board of Nursing (BON)?

Iowa Board of Nursing Phone Number: 515-281-3255

Website: https://nursing.iowa.gov/

Iowa Board of Nursing Address
400 SW 8th Street, Suite B Des Moines, IA 50309

Iowa Board of Nursing License Renewal Process

If you are a nurse working in Iowa, the steps below will show you what you need to do. If you don’t currently reside in Iowa, you can obtain your license by endorsement.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

To avoid missing out on work opportunities or losing your license, it’s important to prioritize renewing your nursing license on time. The Iowa Board of Nursing issues initial licenses for either 24 or 36 months. Once a license is renewed, it follows a three-year renewal timeline.

Note that the expiration date for licenses falls on the 15th day of the nurse’s birth month. Nurses can start renewing their licenses 60 days before the expiration date, and the renewal process must be completed 30 days before the expiration date.

Step 2: Satisfy Iowa Board of Nursing CEU Requirements

It’s important to stay up to date on the latest nursing trends to make sure your quality of care remains top notch. This is why Iowa nurses must complete 36 hours of continuing education from a board-approved program by the time they renew their licenses.

You have up until 30 days after your license expiration date to complete your continuing education. These requirements also apply to advanced practice nurses. On the other hand, CNAs in Iowa don’t have to complete continuing education.

On top of the continuing education courses displayed on the Iowa Board of Nursing website, you can browse courses from IntelyEdu, which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: Renew Your Iowa Nursing License Online

To renew or verify your license, log onto the IBON Online Services portal and select “Renew an Existing License.” Once you upload all of the required documents, your application will be processed as soon as possible. The Iowa nursing license renewal fee is $99. Late renewals require a $50 late fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Once your license is renewed, you’re ready to go. You’ll be eligible to work as an RN, LPN, or CNA in Iowa.

Great Areas in Iowa for Nursing Jobs

You can also work in various parts of the state with large populations, including:

• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Des Moines
• Iowa City
• Sioux City

The Iowa Board of Nursing License Renewal Process Just Got Easier

Now you know how to complete your Iowa nursing license renewal, so you’re prepared to keep your license in good standing. Ready to find a new nursing role? Search for nursing jobs in Iowa on IntelyCare to find one that fits.