Nursing Admission Requirements

IVCCD Nursing Programs

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) offers pathways into nursing through both Marshalltown Community College (MCC) and Ellsworth Community College (ECC). Students can pursue either a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma or an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN/RN) program, depending on their educational and career goals.

Admission to the Nursing programs is separate from general college admission. Students must complete a Nursing Admissions Folder and submit all required documentation to the appropriate campus Admissions Office.

Click here to access the MCC Nursing Checklist

Click here to access the ECC Nursing Checklist

Practical Nursing (PN)

Application Requirements

Applications for the Practical Nursing Program are accepted throughout the year with a new class beginning each fall. Applications are due March 15th for priority consideration.

  1. Complete application for admission to MCC or ECC
  2. Submit official high school transcript or GED/HSED
  3. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges (if applicable)
  4. Complete and submit the Iowa Core Performance Standards Form for health careers. Applicants unable to meet the core performance standards must discuss the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the Nursing Program Director at 641-844-5731 or 1-866-622-4748, Ext. 5731.
  5. Meet with the Nursing Program Director if accommodations are needed

Academic & Testing Requirements

All students must earn a minimum ACT composite score of 18, OR pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) prior to acceptance into the Practical Nursing program. It is required students wait until they have completed and passed BIO168 to take the TEAS exam. To register for the TEAS Exam please contact the Nursing Advisor at 641-844-5710.

The minimum required TEAS test scores are:

  • Reading, 47.6%
  • Mathematics, 46.7%
  • Science, 33%
  • English and Language Usage, 40%

Important Update: TEAS tests are exclusively offered during the spring semester. Click here to sign up for 2026 TEAS Testing.

If you need assistance, accommodations are available.

Note: If you have earned a bachelor’s degree the TEAS requirement is waived.

Note: ACCUPLACER scores will assist advisors in the placement of students in developmental courses, as needed, in order to enhance their chances of meeting the entrance requirements for the nursing program.

Applicants must complete the following five General Education courses with a C- or higher and must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.7000 prior to entry:

  • BIO151 Nutrition* (3 credits)
  • BIO168 Human Anatomy & Physiology I* (4 credits)
  • BIO173 Human Anatomy & Physiology II* (4 credits)
  • BIO186 Microbiology* (4 credits)
  • EDU160 Human Growth & Development (3 credits) or PSY121 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

* All science courses must have been completed within the past 10 years.

Documentation to verify the successful passage of the Iowa CNA Written and Skills Certification Exams is required for entrance into the Nursing program.

As an applicant for the Nursing program, you are responsible for turning in all required documentation to MCC or ECC Admissions.

MCC: MccInfo@iavalley.edu

ECC: EccInfo@iavalley.edu 

If you graduate from a high school out of the US, TOEFL scores are required unless your country is on exempt list.

While working on the above requirements, all students are considered Pre-Nursing Liberal Arts majors. If officially admitted into the Nursing program, a student will then be a Practical Nursing major.

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN/RN) 

Application Requirements

Applications for the Practical Nursing Program are accepted throughout the year with a new class beginning each fall. Applications are due March 15th for priority consideration.

  1. Complete application for admission to MCC or ECC
  2. Submit official high school transcript or GED/HSED
  3. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges (if applicable)
  4. Complete and submit the Iowa Core Performance Standards Form for health careers. Applicants unable to meet the core performance standards must discuss the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the Nursing Program Director at 641-844-5731 or 1-866-622-4748, Ext. 5731.
  5. Meet with the Nursing Program Director if accommodations are needed

Academic & Testing Requirements

Note: Summer graduates must submit copy of PN license no later than the start of the fall semester Associate Degree Nursing program classes. Failure to do so will be grounds for administrative withdrawal from the program. Extenuating circumstances will be subject to approval by the Nursing Program Director.

  • Must complete these general education courses with a C- or higher prior to entry:
    • BIO151 Nutrition* (3 credits)
    • BIO168 Human Anatomy & Physiology I* (4 credits)
    • BIO173 Human Anatomy & Physiology II* (4 credits)
    • BIO186 Microbiology* (4 credits)
    • EDU160 Human Growth & Development (3 credits) or PSY121 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
    • All science courses must have been completed within 10 years.
  • Must complete these general education courses with a C- or higher prior to graduation (it is highly recommended to have them completed prior to program entry):
    • ENG105 Composition I (3 credits)
    • PSY111 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
    • SOC110 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7000 in all Nursing prerequisites and general education courses is required for entry.

As an applicant for the Nursing program, you are responsible for turning in all required documentation to MCC or ECC Admissions.

MCC: MccInfo@iavalley.edu

ECC: EccInfo@iavalley.edu 

If you graduate from a high school out of the US, TOEFL scores are required unless your country is on exempt list.