(l-r) Dawn Bowker, director of nursing education and clinical assistant professor of nursing, and Laura Jolly, dean and Dean's Chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University; joined president Rob Denson; Jeanie McCarville-Kerber, executive academic dean of health and public services; and Natalia Thilges, director of nursing education at Des Moines Area Community College on the DMACC campus Oct. 23 to sign a 3+1 nursing articulation agreement between the two institutions. Photo courtesy of DMACC.
A new partnership will provide a seamless transition for Des Moines Area Community College nursing graduates to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from Iowa State in one year. The new 3+1 agreement, which will begin in fall 2025, is designed so that nursing graduates can work while earning their bachelor's degree.
Iowa State's RN-to-BSN program offers flexibility for all students through a hybrid learning format. The university worked closely with DMACC to ensure the first year of coursework aligns with Iowa State's requirements for a BSN. Dawn Bowker, director of nursing education and clinical associate professor at Iowa State, said the agreement provides potential to grow Iowa State's nursing program and the state's workforce.
"We are providing a pathway for registered nurses to earn their BSN, which will lead to more highly-skilled nurses entering the workforce this decade," Bowker said. "Ultimately, patients will benefit. Research has shown that improved patient outcomes are associated with nurses with bachelor's degrees, including lower mortality rates and fewer medication errors."
Noah Harvey
DMACC graduates more than 400 nursing students each year. Noah Harvey, a May graduate, currently is working in the intensive care unit at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines while earning his BSN. Harvey said his goal is to become a medical doctor, and Iowa State's program provides the balance and opportunity to make that goal a reality.
"I was initially drawn to Iowa State's RN-to-BSN because of the immersion programs at the end of the year. After meeting with the faculty, I knew I had found my home," Harvey said. "The faculty cares so much about your success inside and outside the classroom. The fact that the program is made for working nurses has made it possible to give my all on assignments and not be overwhelmed with my nursing job."
Other partnerships
Since 2021, Iowa State has partnered with Ames' Mary Greeley Medical Center to advance the nursing profession in the community and the state of Iowa. Mary Greeley annually provides tuition for at least eight of its registered nurses to complete Iowa State's BSN program. Bowker said more healthcare facilities, including Mary Greeley, are requiring nurses have a BSN to address the growing complexity of healthcare needs.
Iowa State's program provides students with practicum opportunities at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and in Oslo, Norway. Bowker said these opportunities allow nursing students to gain experience in understanding global health issues.
Program recognition
The RN-to-BSN program has a 94% completion rate, compared to the 60% national average. The program also recently was recognized by the Iowa Nurses Association. Bowker received the organization's Excellence in Nursing Education award, presented to a nursing instructor who is making a positive influence on future nurses in Iowa.
