I. Introduction

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in providing fundamental care and support across healthcare settings. With rising demand for nursing services and excellent job outlook, pursuing LPN training can prove highly rewarding in terms of job stability, competitive salaries, and making meaningful community impact.

Choosing an accredited LPN program recognized for quality curriculum, extensive clinical practice, knowledgeable faculty and high job placement rates is key to set oneself up for success. This article explores top LPN programs in the Des Moines, Iowa area along with helpful considerations around cost, format, training components and career prospects.

Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 9% employment growth for LPNs/LVNs between 2020-2030 – a rate faster than the 4% average across all occupations as healthcare needs expand significantly. ¹

Within Iowa, this demand is expected to translate to over 1,500 average annual job openings for Licensed Practical Nurses through 2028 – primarily driven by the state‘s aging population requiring expanded healthcare services. ²

The following table highlights projected job growth rates specifically within Des Moines and the surrounding areas:

With over 20% of Iowa‘s elderly population concentrated within Polk County, robust demand for LPN-provided services is expected across hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies and care facilities based in Des Moines and nearby suburbs. ³

In addition to strong job prospects, LPNs in the Des Moines metropolitan area stand to earn competitive salaries.

Per 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average annual wages for LPNs in the Des Moines-West Des Moines region were $48,680 – significantly higher than Iowa‘s average LPN salaries of $44,040. ⁴

With overtime, experience, and specialization, one‘s total compensation from an LPN career can further increase. For instance – LPNs with 5-10 years of experience at hospitals and care facilities can earn well over $55,000 annually.

When researching LPN schools, it is vital to evaluate certain key indicators related to program quality and outcomes:

Accreditation Status

Seeking out accredited programs is highly recommended to ensure quality standards. Accrediting bodies like ACEN and CCNE provide oversight.

Faculty Qualifications

Programs where experienced Registered Nurses or Advanced Practice Nurses lead instruction tend to better prepare students for licensing exams and practical nursing responsibilities.

Hands-on Clinical Trainings

Quality programs provide access to simulation labs and extensive supervised rotations across various hospital units and ambulatory care settings. This allows trainees to hone competencies.

Licensing Exam Pass Rates

Programs producing graduates that consistently demonstrate high first-time NCLEX-PN exam pass rates signal effective education models.

Graduate Employment Rates

High job placement rates indicate programs are effectively equipping trainees with in-demand skills, experience and networks.

Tuition Fees & Financing Options

Costs averaging $15,000-$25,000 in total, researching scholarships and student aid opportunities from the outset can help significantly ease budget constraints around one‘s nursing education.

After thorough evaluation, below are 5 of the top LPN programs in Des Moines area recognized for quality training:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

• Public community college program located on Ankeny and Boone campuses
• Holds ACEN accreditation demonstrating education standards
• Practical Nursing diploma. Admits each Fall/Spring across metro campuses.
• Blended format combining online and on-campus classes for flexibility
• Comprehensive LPN curriculum benchmarked to industry standards
• Highly qualified nurse faculty and small 8:1 student-teacher ratio
• Access to extensive simulation lab and local health network clinical rotations
• Reported 95-100% first-time NCLEX exam pass rates
• 100% job placement rates post completion

2. Hamilton Technical College

• Private accredited college located in Des Moines
• Offers accelerated 10-month Practical Nursing diploma program
• Combined traditional lectures and over 660 hours clinical trainings
• Student-Teacher ratio of 10:1. Nursing faculty lead instruction
• Clinical rotations across UnityPoint, VA Health and other metro partners
• cutting-edge simulation labs and technlogy-enabled classrooms
• 8-year average NCLEX-PN exam pass rate of 95% and perfect job placement

3. Kaplan University Davenport

• Accredited primarily online Practical Nursing Diploma program
• No waitlists or selective admission process
• 65-80 credit LPN curriculum aligns with board exam competencies
• Convenient online coursework combined with supervised clinicals
• Accepts Federal Financial Aid and offers military tuition assistance
• Produces graduates that pass NCLEX-PN exam at 90% first-try rates

4. American Institute of Business (AIB)

• Career college in Des Moines with ACEN-accredited 1-year LPN program
• Hands-on clinical experience across specialty hospital units
• Experienced nursing faculty. 8 students per instructor average ratio
• Option to continue two-year Associate RN degree
• Job placement assistance with ties to major regional employers
• Reports over 95% exam pass and job placement rates

5. Iowa Lakes Community College

• Accredited community college with Des Moines metro campus
• Flexible LPN diploma combining online foundations and on-site clinicals
• Coursework immerses students into medical procedures, pharmacology etc.
• Enroll and complete program in 11 months. Multiple yearly start dates
• Clinical site partners including UnityPoint Hospitals, clinics, aged care centers

With excellent employment prospects and competitive salaries, LPN career paths promise immense professional fulfillment. Choosing an accredited quality focused nursing program that aligns with one‘s schedule, interests and location preferences can make a world of difference in achieving one‘s career goals.

Be sure to evaluate faculty qualifications, hands-on training opportunities, graduate outcomes, financial aid options and industry alignments offered by different practical nursing schools as key indicators of program quality and ROI – both in terms of valuable skills gained and employability enabled.

Matching one‘s individual needs and professional interests to the strengths of specific LPN programs can pave the way for securing in-demand nursing roles within Iowa‘s rapidly growing healthcare ecosystem – one that promises immense opportunities to create meaningful community impact.