Why Graceland’s Rural Nursing Program Prepares You for a Career of Impact

Shaping the Future of Rural Health Care at Graceland University

When you think of rural nursing, think of impact. Nurses in small towns and underserved regions aren’t just caregivers — they’re lifelines. They adapt, innovate, and provide comprehensive care in places where resources are limited and distances to hospitals can be daunting. According to the Richmond Federal Reserve, rural communities face significantly greater health workforce shortages than urban areas, making the role of rural nurses more important than ever.
At Graceland University, our Lamoni, Iowa nursing program gives you both the education and the perspective to meet these challenges head-on. From day one, you’ll be preparing for a career that changes lives.

Why Rural Nursing Matters

Rural nurses are one of a kind. They don’t just provide care; they embody versatility, independence, and resilience. The unique challenges of rural healthcare (distance to facilities, fewer specialists, and limited resources) require nurses who can think on their feet and wear multiple hats.

The impact is tangible. Rural nurses directly influence life expectancy and community health, serving as educators, advocates, and trusted professionals in areas where consistent care can be hard to find. As the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) projects continued nursing shortages nationwide, the demand for nurses prepared to serve in rural communities is only growing.

If you’re interested in rural nursing, double-majoring in Transformational Leadership positions you to become a future nurse leader, further expanding your potential for community impact.

Graceland’s Rural Nursing Advantage

At the heart of this preparation is Graceland’s residential BSN program in Lamoni, Iowa. Here, students gain:

• Access to rural health care facilities for real-world patient experience.
• Cutting-edge simulation technology that prepares you for complex clinical scenarios.
• A unique blend of academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling college experience.
• The ability to apply their knowledge to any setting — while this program prepares you to meet the nursing demands of rural areas, the skills you gain and program you complete will not lock you into rural settings.

This combination creates a comprehensive education environment where you learn to deliver excellent care under the very conditions you’ll face as a rural nurse.

Comprehensive Education for Real-World Care

Graceland’s rural health perspective equips students with a wide range of skills that prepare them for both everyday and high-stakes scenarios. From preventive healthcare and bedside nursing to long-term care, home care, hospice, and even community health education, students graduate ready to provide holistic care across the lifespan. This breadth of education is especially important in rural areas, where nurses are often expected to step into multiple roles and where hospitals may have fewer BSN-prepared staff compared to urban facilities.

Pathways Beyond Your BSN

Your career of impact doesn’t end with your BSN. At Graceland, you’ll find clear pathways into advanced practice:

• Online MSN specialties in acute care, family practice, and more.
• A BSN-to-DNP track for nurses who want to advance their education and clinical practice to become nurse practitioners.
• A post-master’s DNP designed for nurses seeking leadership or system-level impact in health care.
• Post-graduate certificates for career flexibility and specialization.

And since these programs are offered online, you can continue your graduate education wherever you are — all while still serving your community.

Life on Graceland’s Lamoni Campus

Set in the rolling fields of southern Iowa, Graceland’s Lamoni campus combines small-town values with big opportunities. Students join a supportive community while gaining access to rural health networks, hands-on clinical placements, and a campus environment that nurtures both personal growth and professional education.

Why Choose Graceland for Rural Nursing?

Choosing Graceland means more than earning a degree — it means joining a mission-driven community. Our programs are fully accredited and nationally recognized, designed to prepare nurses who can serve and lead in rural and underserved areas. With a supportive alumni network shaping rural health care across the country, students benefit from mentorship and professional connections that last well beyond graduation. At Graceland, you won’t just become a nurse, you’ll become a leader of impact.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to make a difference where it matters most? Graceland University’s rural nursing program in Lamoni, Iowa empowers you to step into a career where your skills directly shape healthier communities.

Apply today or schedule a visit to Lamoni to see how Graceland can help you shape the future of rural health care.