Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) has again received high marks. This time, it’s for their nursing department.
NCC officials tell us their practical nursing programs have been recognized by PracticalNursing.org in its 2026 rankings of Iowa’s top Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. They tell us NCC was ranked number two in Iowa among LPN programs. They say the ranking recognizes nursing programs that demonstrate strong student outcomes, quality instruction, and preparation for licensure and career success.
NCC officials say the recognition comes as healthcare providers across Iowa and the nation continue to face a growing demand for qualified nursing professionals, highlighting the important role nursing programs play in preparing the future healthcare workforce. Through its Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs, they say NCC helps meet that need by preparing graduates to serve patients and communities across Northwest Iowa and beyond.
More information direct from NCC:
PracticalNursing.org evaluates nursing programs using publicly available data and program information, including data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), to identify schools that demonstrate strong educational quality and student outcomes. Additional information about the rankings and methodology is available at PracticalNursing.org.
NCC offers two pathways for students interested in becoming Licensed Practical Nurses. The traditional Practical Nursing program can be completed in two semesters with a fall start, while the Practical Nursing–Extended program offers a more flexible three-semester format designed for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Both programs prepare students to provide safe, person-centered care through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, simulation training, and supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings throughout the region.
Students in NCC’s Practical Nursing programs develop skills in medical-surgical, geriatric, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing while preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Graduates of both programs are eligible to take the licensure exam required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
In addition to the statewide ranking, PracticalNursing.org highlighted NCC’s two-semester Practical Nursing diploma as one of Iowa’s shortest LPN programs. The accelerated program allows students to complete their nursing education and enter the workforce in as little as one academic year, helping them save time and tuition dollars while beginning their nursing careers sooner. The program is also eligible for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, which may help qualifying students reduce or eliminate tuition costs. For many students, the program serves as the first step in a nursing career pathway, allowing them to work as Licensed Practical Nurses while continuing their education through NCC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and preparing for careers as Registered Nurses.
NCC has prepared nurses to serve communities throughout Northwest Iowa and beyond for decades through its Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs. The recognition continues a tradition of excellence across NCC’s nursing pathways. In 2025, PracticalNursing.org ranked NCC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, which prepares students for careers as Registered Nurses (RNs), No. 2 in Iowa. Together, the recognitions highlight NCC’s commitment to providing multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers while helping meet healthcare workforce needs across Northwest Iowa and beyond.
For more information about NCC’s Practical Nursing and Practical Nursing–Extended programs, visit nwicc.edu.
About Northwest Iowa Community College
Since 1966, Northwest Iowa Community College has been a leader in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education. Serving more than 7,000 credit and non-credit students annually, NCC offers a wide range of programs, including career and technical training, transfer degrees, online and on-campus opportunities, and continuing education. Recognized as one of the nation’s top community colleges, NCC is committed to student success and strengthening partnerships that serve communities and industry.
In 2026, NCC is proudly celebrating 60 years of service, students, and excellence—honoring its history while continuing to look ahead to the future.
For more information or to request a free copy of the NCC Viewbook, visit nwicc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at studentservices@nwicc.edu.
Additional Information
PracticalNursing.org 2026 Best LPN Programs in Iowa:
https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-programs/iowa
PracticalNursing.org Ranking Methodology:
https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
NCC Practical Nursing Program:
https://nwicc.edu/academics/programs-of-study/practical-nursing/
NCC Practical Nursing–Extended Program:
https://nwicc.edu/academics/programs-of-study/practical-nursing-extended/
