Health Care Schools in Iowa

7 out of the ten fastest growing careers over the next ten years are in the health care field and the other three are in technology areas closely tied to the health care industry. Iowa has ample opportunities for well educated and skilled clinical and non-clinical professionals in the health care industry. This is the time to launch or advance your career in the dynamic field of health care.

Fastest Growing Health Care Careers in Iowa

Technological advances in health care and the rapidly growing elderly population is driving demand for health care services and well educated and skilled professionals are needed in all areas of health care from technology and business to nurses and surgeons. Here is the list of the fastest growing careers over the next ten years in the Iowa health care industry as reported by the Iowa Workforce Development Department :

Home health aides, network systems and data analysts, psychiatric aides, psychiatric technicians, physician assistants, network and computer systems administrators, database administrators, computer systems analysts, medical assistants, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.

This is list captures the fastest growing careers in the health care industry out of the top 25 fastest growing careers in Iowa. There will also be significant growth in medical and health service manager positions as well as other business and finance related positions. Those with a formal education will have the greatest opportunities for advancement and earning potential.

Not sure what you’re interested in doing for a career? Learn about career paths in the health care industry in the Career Center.

The largest Health Care Industry Employers in Iowa

The health care industry is not just doctors and nurses. Health care organizations are large corporations and run like them with CEOs, managers, IT professionals, technicians, sales people, administrators, human resources and of course the doctors and nurses. Take some time to research opportunities with these organizations to learn more about the career opportunities available to you. According to Iowa Workforce Development these are the largest employers in the Iowa health care industry:

  • Iowa Health System: One of the largest employers in the state with over 19,000 employees. Many different locations throughout the state creating numerous opportunities for job growth. Comprehensive benefits.
  • Iowa Health-Des Moines: Located in Central Iowa, Des Moines. Encompases three hospitals: Blank Children’s, Iowa Methodist and Iowa Lutheran. Many physician practice offices in the area. Nice looking benefits package.
  • Mercy Hospital Medical Center-Des Moines: Over 6,800 employees and more than 900 physicians and allied health professionals.
  • Genesis Health System: Located in Davenport, DeWitt and the Illini Campus with large medical centers in each location as well as a number of physician group practices in the surrounding areas.
  • Care Initiatives: The largest senior care provider in Iowa with 53 nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Iowa.

Take the first step toward advancing or starting your career at one of these organizations by requesting information from the schools below.

Schools Offering Health Care and Nursing Degrees in Iowa

tip Programs are subject to change.

Allen College – Waterloo, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Briar Cliff University – Sioux City, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Clarke University – Dubuque, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Coe College – Cedar Rapids, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny, IA:

Programs:

  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Community Organization and Advocacy
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Phlebotomy/Phlebotomist
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician/Veterinary Assistant
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Des Moines University – Des Moines, IA:

Programs:

  • Master of Health Care Administration
  • Master of Public Health
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant Studies

Dordt College – Sioux Center, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Eastern Iowa Community College District – Davenport, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Ellsworth Community College – Iowa Falls, IA:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician

Grand View University – Des Moines, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing Program

Indian Hills Community College – Ottumwa, IA:

Programs:

  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Health Unit Coordinator/Ward Clerk
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Transcription/Transcriptionist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiographer
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Iowa Central Community College – Fort Dodge, IA:

Programs:

  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiographer
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Iowa Lakes Community College – Estherville, IA:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Environmental Studies
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • MassageMassage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Iowa Valley Community College District – Marshalltown, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

Iowa Wesleyan College – Mount Pleasant, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Iowa Western Community College – Council Bluffs, IA:

Programs:

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Transcription/Transcriptionist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician/Veterinary Assistant
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Kaplan University – Cedar Falls, IA:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Kaplan University – Cedar Rapids, IA:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Kaplan University – Mason City, IA:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids, IA:

Programs:

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician
  • Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Tech/Tech
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Social Work
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician/Veterinary Assistant
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Luther College – Decorah, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Marshalltown Community College – Marshalltown, IA:

Programs:

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician

Mercy College of Health Sciences – Des Moines, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Bachelors in Nursing

Morningside College – Sioux City, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Mount Mercy College – Cedar Rapids, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

North Iowa Area Community College – Mason City, IA:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Northeast Iowa Community College – Calmar, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

Northwest Iowa Community College – Sheldon, IA:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiographer
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Northwestern College – Orange City, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Palmer College of Chiropractic – Davenport, IA:

Programs:

  • Doctor of Chiropractic

Southeastern Community College – West Burlington, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Nursing PN Diploma

Southwestern Community College – Creston, IA:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Transcription/Transcriptionist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse

St. Ambrose University – Davenport, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

St. Luke’s College – Sioux City, IA:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

University of Dubuque – Dubuque, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of Iowa – Iowa City, IA:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Western Iowa Tech Community College – Sioux City, IA:

Programs:

  • Biotechnology
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Office Management/Administration
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing/Registerd Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing – Diploma
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