Graceland University’s School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including BSN-RN, RN-BSN, MSN nurse practitioner tracks (FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP), and the DNP. Programs are available online and on campus, built for both new students and working RNs. Nursing students learn with Graceland in Missouri and Iowa, with flexible online options available beyond campus.
Graceland’s School of Nursing offers flexible undergraduate and graduate nursing programs designed to prepare professional nurses at every stage of their careers to meet the evolving health care needs of their communities.
Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees. From face-to-face instruction to online learning, the Graceland School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the health care needs of our communities.
Graceland was named the #1 Best Online RN-BSN Program in Missouri and the #6 Best RN Program in Iowa. Additionally, the school received a designation in 2020 as a Nursing Diversity Champion from Minority Nurse, and the Family Nurse Practitioner program was recognized as one of the best online nursing programs in the nation.
The mission of the nursing program is to create learning communities where professional nursing students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives as generalists and advanced practice specialists.
At Graceland, this mission is reflected through student-centered instruction, hands-on clinical preparation, and strong academic support that prepare graduates for real-world nursing practice. Students build the knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional confidence needed to succeed in diverse healthcare environments while meeting expectations for licensure, certification, and continued graduate study.
The School of Nursing also supports working nurses and nontraditional learners through flexible program formats, faculty mentorship, and pathways designed to balance education with professional and personal responsibilities—graduating nurses who are clinically ready, professionally prepared, and committed to improving community health.
We support the mission of Graceland University and the School of Nursing by fostering learning communities that prepare students for meaningful professional lives and service to others.
Our curricula prepare students according to nationally recognized nursing education standards and the needs of the communities nurses serve.
Students learn from academically and clinically qualified faculty who are dedicated teachers, scholars, and mentors engaged in service to the profession.
Programs provide a strong academic and clinical foundation that supports continued education and specialization in nursing.
Graduates meet expected student outcomes and are prepared for professional licensure, certification, and entry into nursing practice.
We strive to graduate nurses who are confident in their preparation and valued by employers and healthcare communities.
Considering an undergraduate nursing degree? Graceland University offers flexible options to fit your goals and schedule. Earn your BSN through our traditional residential nursing program in Lamoni, Iowa, our 18- or 24-month degree completion programs in Independence, Missouri, or through convenient online programs designed for working RNs. We also offer an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway so you can advance your nursing career faster. Whether you’re beginning your nursing journey or returning to school as a working nurse, Graceland has a program designed for you.
The world of nursing is constantly changing, and for 50 years, Graceland has been changing with it by dedicating ourselves to providing the most up-to-date online graduate nursing programs and content possible.
Graceland University School of Nursing accepts students from states in which they are approved to offer practicum experiences in preparation to become certified as a Nurse Practitioner. To find out whether Graceland is approved to accept students from your state, please contact bbell1@graceland.edu; for more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please contact the appropriate state board of nursing.
Graceland has partnered with NPHub, a technology company specializing in pairing MSN nursing students with experienced preceptors for their clinical practicum placements. Through its innovative marketplace platform, NPHub considers the nature of the clinical rotation, gives you access to geographical preferences, and specific areas of interest.
Finding clinical practicum placements is one of the most challenging parts of completing your coursework. Graceland’s relationship with NPHub gives you access to clinical placements that are critical for your success.
Welcome to Graceland University School of Nursing. Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees. Delivery options include face-to-face and online learning modalities. The School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, the Graceland University School of Nursing is dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the health care needs of our communities.
The School of Nursing strives to:
As an integral part of Graceland University, the School of Nursing was framed by Christian beliefs as set forth in the Value Statements of the University that further enhance the achievement of University General Education Goals by nursing students.
The goal of the nursing program is to enable students to become professional nurses who respect and care about the worth of all individuals, who are capable of thinking critically, and who can provide quality nursing care in diverse settings to individuals, families, communities and societies within the global health environment. Consequently, the School of Nursing educates students to become professional nurses who synthesize and apply concepts from the liberal arts, nursing curricula, and nursing practice.
As reflective practitioners, professional nurses apply the nursing process in a holistic and caring way to promote the optimal health of individuals, families, and communities. The roles of the professional nurse include Learner, Clinician, and Leader. Development within each role occurs along a novice-to-expert level continuum.
Learning is life-long. Learners possess intellectual curiosity fostered by the incorporation of current research findings (evidence) in their nursing practice. Clinicians provide competent, holistic care across the lifespan. Nurse Leaders collaborate with other health disciplines to develop policies and institute changes in healthcare.
Professional Nursing Standards, the AACN Essentials for BSN and MSN Education, and the missions, goals, and philosophies of the University and School of Nursing guide curricular development and delineation of expected student learning outcomes. Curricula are developed to instill professional nursing values and a commitment to Evidence-Based practice. Effective learning is best facilitated by employment of active learning and self-reflective strategies.
Central to the mission, goals, and curricular design of Graceland University’s School of Nursing programs is the development and achievement of student learning outcomes necessary for practice as baccalaureate generalist nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse educators. All graduates are expected to achieve student learning outcomes related to higher level thinking, communication, and nursing role performance.
Entry into professional nursing begins with education at the baccalaureate level. At all levels the educational process is a shared endeavor between students and faculty. Opportunities for theoretical and experiential learning are provided in an atmosphere that stimulates each learner. The faculty support learning communities for traditional as well as nontraditional students. Each student has the right and responsibility to develop his/her highest personal and professional potential.
Graceland offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-BSN-MSN, multiple MSN nurse practitioner tracks, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice, with both online and on-campus options.
Yes. Nursing programs are accredited by CCNE and follow professional standards required for licensure and certification.
Yes. Several programs—including RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing degrees—are available in flexible online formats designed for working nurses.
Traditional BSN pathways are typically completed in 18 to 48 months, depending on the program structure and prior coursework.
Graceland’s School of Nursing serves students through campus locations in Missouri and Iowa as well as online learning nationwide.
The Graceland Pi Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing was chartered in March, 2000. STTI has a total of 520 chapters and over 135,000 active, dues-paying members who live in more than 90 different countries. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing is a prestigious organization that provides many exciting opportunities for nurses around the world. Students are invited into the honor society based on academic achievement and academic integrity. Explore www.nursingsociety.org for more information about Sigma Theta Tau.
View Graceland's Pi Eta Chapter
Graceland University’s history as an institution for educating nurses dates back more than 50 years. Originally a diploma program that was a partnership with the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital, Graceland’s nursing program has been a leader for decades. 1968 – 69 marked the first cohort of students in the baccalaureate program and, over 50 years later, the School of Nursing continues to produce graduates who are empathetic, committed to patient care and among the most respected in the profession.
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The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Graceland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa and Missouri State Boards of Nursing.
Graceland University has been approved by Iowa to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.
The right accreditation helps ensure that you are receiving a quality education. Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Graceland School of Nursing selected CCNE to be their accrediting body due to it’s rigorous standards and respect within the academic and health care communities.
In accordance with Missouri requirements (Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 335.046; 20 CSR 2200-4.020,1D) completion of the Graceland BSN degree does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination since all applicants must be approved by the Board and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the State Board of Education, as well as the basic professional curriculum at Graceland. A complete copy of the State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act 335.066 can be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. A resource for information regarding tuition, fees, and length of program is: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Iowa Code 152 is the statute for nursing and references the laws for licensure qualifications, reference 152.7
The administrative rules can be found in 655 and chapter 6 is the practice act. Iowa Administrative Code 655
You may contact our accrediting bodies at the following addresses:
HLC: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800-621-7440.
CCNE: 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
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