Allen College: A Legacy in Nursing & Health Education
Founded in 1925 as the Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Allen College began as a hospital-based diploma program dedicated to training nurses in the Waterloo, Iowa region. allencollege.eduWikipedia Facing closure during the Great Depression, it reopened in 1942, evolving into a modern institution by 1989, when it became Allen College of Nursing—a degree-granting college. allencollege.edu A broader academic scope led to dropping “of Nursing” in 1997, emerging simply as Allen College, reflecting its expanding offerings in health sciences alongside nursing. allencollege.eduResearch.com,find more
Mission and Educational Excellence
Allen College dedicates itself to preparing exceptional healthcare professionals via “educational programs of excellence,” fostering diversity, community service, scholarship, and lifelong learning. allencollege.edu Small class sizes, excellent faculty, and high certification pass rates are pillars of its academic approach, giving graduates a strong reputation across the nation. allencollege.edu+1
Accreditation and Recognition
Allen College holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1995. allencollege.eduWikipedia Noteworthy program accreditations include:
- CCNE for BSN, MSN, DNP
- JRCERT for Radiography AS
- NAACLS for Medical Laboratory Science
- CAAHEP for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Iowa Board of Nursing approvals for BSN and advanced nursing programs Wikipedia
These credentials underscore its rigorous academic standards.
Programs Offered
School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — now offered in three flexible formats: traditional 2-year, accelerated 12-month, and hybrid (mostly online with some on-campus immersions) allencollege.edu+1.
- Graduate Pathways include:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with tracks in Leadership, Family NP, Acute Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Adult-Gerontology, and Pediatric NP—with tuition discounts for the LEAD track allencollege.edu+1.
- Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC)—specializations similar to MSN tracks allencollege.edu.
- RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate DNP programs with focus on systems leadership and evidence-based practice allencollege.edu+1.
School of Health Sciences
Allen College also offers a robust suite of allied health and health sciences programs:
- Associate and Bachelor of Health Sciences Degrees in:
- Radiography (AS)
- Sonography (DCS, DMS)
- Medical Imaging (CT, MRI)
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Public Health allencollege.edu+1
These prepare students for careers in diagnostics, laboratory work, imaging, and broader public health roles. allencollege.edu+1
Doctoral Education
- Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education (EdD-HPE)—a fully online program that equips graduates with the skills for leadership, teaching, and policy development in healthcare education. allencollee.edu
Strategic Growth & Community Integration
Allen College continues evolving through strategic planning (e.g., its 2020–2024 plan), expanding academic offerings like the fast-track Doctor of Physical Therapy and fostering service learning opportunities. allencollege.edu As an affiliate of UnityPoint Health, it offers deep clinical placements via hospital partnerships and over 200 healthcare organizations across Iowa and surrounding states. allencollege.edu Facilities like the state-of-the-art simulation lab and plastinated anatomical lab reflect its investment in hands-on, tech-enhanced learning. allencollege.edu
Outcomes & Student Recognition
Allen College excels in nursing outcomes, with a 98.15% average NCLEX-RN pass rate, ranking #1 in Iowa and #10 nationally among nursing schools. rncareers.org The college also fosters a supportive alumni network—through awards, reunions, scholarship opportunities, and an engaging Alumni Association. allencollege.edu
Conclusio
Spanning nearly a century, Allen College has steadfastly grown from a nursing diploma school to a respected private healthcare institution offering a variety of degree programs, from BSN to doctoral and EdD pathways. With a steadfast mission, strong accreditation, modern facilities, and remarkable student outcomes, Allen College stands as a leader in nursing and health education—prepared to train the next wave of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.internet