Nursing Schools in Indiana
Indiana offers a variety of pathways for aspiring nurses, with 65 nursing schools offering programs ranging from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to doctoral-level degrees. While Indiana is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, the state provides ample educational opportunities for those seeking to enter the nursing profession. Prospective students can choose from 25 LPN programs, 34 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and 30 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Additionally, there are numerous bridge and advanced practice programs, including LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and Family Nurse Practitioner programs.
While program costs vary between institutions, students can expect to invest significant resources in their nursing education. Based on national averages, LPN programs typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000, ADN programs range from $10,000 to $30,000, and BSN programs generally fall between $40,000 and $100,000.
The state reports a significant need for nurses across all levels of practice. Registered Nurses in Indiana earn a median annual salary of $82,700, while LPNs earn around $59,460 per year. These salaries, while competitive, reflect the high demand and critical role nurses play in the healthcare system.
Some of the top-rated nursing programs in Indiana are offered by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Purdue University, and Ball State University, among others. However, it's important to research and compare various institutions and programs based on individual career goals, learning preferences, and financial considerations.
To learn more about specific nursing programs and institutions in Indiana, we invite you to explore the comprehensive list available on our website.
Top RN Programs in Indiana
Indiana University-South Bend is a public institution in South Bend, Indiana, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. The South Bend campus is part of Indiana University, which first began offering classes in South Bend in 1922. Students can enjoy the beautiful campus, which is located on a pedestrian mall on the St. Joseph River. The main campus is connected to the athletic fields, which are across the river, by a pedestrian bridge bearing the name of the campus. The university is organized into several schools and colleges, including the School of Nursing. IU-South Bend also has a large library, with over 600,000 volumes and over 30,000 eBooks.
The available nursing programs at Indiana University-South Bend School of Nursing include a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN program, which is currently accredited by the CCNE. The university also offers an Associate Degree in Nursing, which is a two-year program that prepares students for a career in nursing. After obtaining the ADN, students may work toward their BSN and their NCLEX-RN exam. Before enrolling in the traditional BSN program, incoming freshmen must enroll at Indiana University as degree-seeking students. Upon completion of the prerequisite courses, students will begin their BSN coursework, which includes clinical experience at nearby healthcare facilities.
Indiana University-Northwest is located in Gary, Indiana. It is a public institution with both undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs and it is a regional campus of the Indiana University system, along with five other campuses. The campus was established in 1963 in the northwest corner of the state. Located in Gary, Indiana, students are just 25 miles from downtown Chicago and a short drive from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Students can enjoy a variety of flexible programs, with full-time and part-time programs offered during the day, nights, and weekends. The Indiana University-Northwest campus is organized into two colleges and two schools.
Indiana University-Northwest School of Nursing offers two different options for those seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students may enroll in a traditional BSN program or an accelerated BSN program, both of which are accredited by the ACEN. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Services, which gives students the chance to collaborate with other students that are currently enrolled in other healthcare fields. Through the Inter-Professional Education Project, nursing students work with other medical students on a combined project. Additional experience is provided by training at a state-of-the-art learning laboratory and doing clinical work at clinics throughout the region, including in the Chicago area.