Top 15 Best Nursing Schools In Indiana 2024| Accreditations, Rankings & Pass Rates (2024)

The state of Indiana is home to over 66,800 registered nurses who provide quality nursing care across the state. With registered nurses earning an average annual salary of $68,890, the nursing profession continues to see growth. In fact, it will need over 71,950 new registered nurses by 2030 to meet demand.

When searching for the best nursing schools and top nursing programs in the state, pay close attention to NCLEX exam pass rates, admissions data, tuition fees, and reviews of current students and alumni. With over 4,120 new nurses needing to graduate annually, Indiana needs to rapidly expand nursing school slots and retention efforts to ensure high-quality nursing care for its residents into the next decade. By selecting a top Indiana nursing school, students can feel confident they will receive the training and experience needed to excel in the nursing profession.

• There are 38 nursing schools in Indiana.
• The CCNE accredits 24 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 21 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Indiana is between 76.47% and 94.82%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Indiana is between 44.60% and 96.43%.
• RNs currentlyemployedin Indiana are66,800.
• RNs in Indiana earn an average of$68,890per year or$33.12per hour.
• Indiana needs71,950new RNs by2030or4,120new nursesper year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Indiana

Indiana offers a wide variety of accredited nursing programs across the state to prepare students for this meaningful career. When considering your options, it’s important to understand the different types of nursing degrees available.

Common nursing programs in Indiana include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)– Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered atcommunity collegesstatewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)– Traditional 4-yeardegreefor RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered atuniversitiesandcolleges.
• RN to BSN programs– For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN)– Intensive 12-18 monthbachelor’s degreefor those who already have abachelorsin another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)– Graduate-leveldegreefor advanced specialtynursingcareers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)– Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing– Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When comparing programs, be sure to check important factors like proper accreditation, NCLEX exam pass rates, and clinical opportunity. Reach out to current students and faculty to get a feel for the student experience as well.

TheIndiana State Board of Nursingoversees licensure requirements to practice as an RN within the state. They provide key resources for soon-to-be nurses.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana?

Online Nursing Programs for Indiana Students

Many Indiana nursing programs offer online components to increase flexibility for working nurses. However, clinical hours are still required in-person to build essential hands-on skills at healthcare facilities.

Be sure to check that youronline nursing program accepts students from Indianaand prepares you for local licensing requirements. When researching schools, give priority to those with proper CCNE or ACEN accreditation, which ensures quality standards are met.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) programs allow those with a prior bachelor’s degree to transition into nursing through an intensive 12-18 month curriculum.

Best ABSN Schools in Indiana

• Best ABSN Programs in Indiana

These programs move quickly, so be prepared for a heavy course load. Required weekly clinical hours may also present a scheduling challenge for some when paired with labs and lectures. Evaluate your commitments to make sure you can dedicate yourself appropriately.

Due to the accelerated pace, admission is competitive with limited seats. Nursing students are accepted based heavily on:

• Undergraduate GPA requirements (often 3.0+)
• Pre-requisite coursework
• Personal essay

When researching schools, look into NCLEX pass rates and student supports offered. An accredited ABSN program will set you up well for licensing exams and beyond.

RN to BSN Programs

Licensed RNs can advance their nursing degree through convenientRN to BSN completion programs. This is also ideal for those with an associate in nursing degree also known as an associate degree in nursing.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Indiana

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Indiana

Benefits of earning a BSN include:

• Higher pay: RN salaries are over 5% higher for BSN nurses on average nationally.
• Leadership skills: Expanded coursework equips nurses for supervisory roles.
• Career advancement: A BSN meets requirements for graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP).

Many RN to BSN programs are offered through flexible online formats, so nurses can continue working. The curriculum bridges gaps between prior nursing knowledge, science, and general education.

When researching schools, ask about credit for work experience and existing coursework to maximize transfers. Also confirm scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those with a BSN can specialize further in high demand nursing roles through an MSN program. Common MSN specializations include:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Become an advanced clinician able to diagnose patients and prescribe medications. NPs work relatively autonomously.
• Nursing Administration: Gain leadership skills to manage nursing units or entire healthcare facility operations.
• Nursing Informatics: Blend healthcare and information technology to manage systems/data.
• Nursing Education: Train future nurses by teaching in academic settings.

Many MSN programs are offered online with blended practicum learning, allowing working nurses to complete school part-time. Expect 2-3 years to complete an MSN.

Competitive admission is based heavily on:

• Undergraduate GPA
• Nursing experience
• Completed prerequisite courses
• Relevant test scores

Scholarships and loan repayment assistance can aid with MSN tuition costs as well.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Nurse practitioners complete specialized MSN tracks to provide skilled primary or specialty care in settings like clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practice.

Best NP Schools in Indiana

• Best NP Programs in Indiana

Full-time NP programs take 2-3 years, integrating classroom study with 500+ hours of supervised clinical experience. Students also collaborate with physicians to hone expertise.

NPs boast an array of benefits:

• Higher salary: According to Indeed, the average NP salary in Indiana exceeds $111K/year.
• Leadership opportunity: Take charge of coordinating patient care plans.
• Flexibility: NPs are licensed in all 50 states with autonomous or semi-autonomous practice authority depending on state regulations.
• In demand: NP job openings are expected to rise 25% from 2020-2030.

To practice clinically, NPs must pass national certification exams such as those offered by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For those committed to the highest level of nursing practice or research, a doctorate in nursing degree is essential. Here are the differences between DNP and PhD program so that you’ll know which is the right nursing program for you.

TheDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)is considered a terminal practice-focused degree, applying coursework to specialized patient care. DNP nurses enjoy versatile, leadership roles driving healthcare improvements. Through in-depth clinical residencies, they complete rigorous capstone projects solving complex medical issues.

Meanwhile, thePhD in Nursingfocuses intensely on academic research. These programs prepare nurse scientists with expertise in both clinical knowledge and research methodology to pioneer discoveries that enhance nursing practice. The end goal is to disseminate findings through published journals and train future nursing scholars.

Both DNP and PhD nursing pathways demand strong commitment. While the programs equip nurses for senior roles, they also require top grades from bachelor’s programs, high entrance exam scores, essays and letters of recommendations. Significant nursing experience is weighted strongly as well.

However, the career prospects upon graduation are expansive. Both degrees lead to practice as advanced specialty clinicians, executives guiding healthcare organizations or professors developing the next generation of nurses.

Financial assistance is available through school scholarships, private foundations, and federally funded programs like theNurse Corps.

Outside of academia, nurses can continue building expertise through specialized facilities offering unique residencies and nursing programs, such as the Indiana UniversityVirtual Nursing Learning Center.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Indiana

There are many advantages to embarking on a nursing career within the state:

• High Demand: Nursing job growth is expected to rise over 15% in Indiana through 2030, much faster than average. New roles will open across settings – from large hospitals to private practices.
• Competitive Pay: As of 2022, average annual salaries for Indiana RNs reach nearly $75,000 on average, significantly higher than median wages statewide. Nurse practitioners earn over $111,000 per year.
• Variety: Nurses can specialize and transition between fast-paced hospital departments, long-term care, community clinics, flight medicine, school nursing and more to find their best fit while advancing pay.
• Make an Impact: Few careers offer such profound opportunities to heal, educate, and comfort people in times of need. The immense nursing shortage ensures new graduates readily secure employment with competitive salaries and benefits.

How to Earn Your Indiana Nursing License

To practice as an RN within Indiana, candidates must:

• Graduate from a State Board of Nursing approved Associate’s or Bachelor’s level program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for state RN licensure, including a criminal background check
• Renew their nursing license every two years through continuing education

Many schools also assist recent graduates with exam prep, licensing documentation, and career placement. Additionally, Indiana offers temporary permits allowing students to begin supervised nursing practice for up to six months before taking NCLEX exams.

Several licensing paths recognizing former military or out-of-state RN experience exist as well.

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Finding the Right Nursing School in Indiana

With nursing roles in such high demand across the state, how can prospective students identify programs that best fit their needs?

Here are key indicators of quality schools worth strong consideration:

Accreditation

Confirm nursing programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission forEducationin Nursing(ACEN)demonstrating adherence to strict educational standards. The State Board requires approval as well. Ideally, the school offering the program must also be a member of the Association of Colleges and Schools.

NCLEX Pass Rates

TheNCLEX exam pass ratefor the prior year should exceed 85%, indicating strong preparation. Overall historical rates should be comparable as well.

Variety of Clinical Rotation Sites

Look for partnerships allowing students to train across diverse medical settings including major healthcare systems, community clinics, specialized practices and more. This variety builds versatile, competitive nursing skills.

Seek schools offering robust patient interaction through simulation lab opportunities prior to clinical work too.

Generous Credit Transfer Options

Nursing students may transition from ADN or diploma programs into higher degree paths, so maximizing credits for existing knowledge is key. Ask schools about their credit review process.

Student-to-Faculty Ratios

A lower ratio allows for valuable student-teacher engagement over learning concepts, clinical training, and career mentorship. Many nursing courses also have separately capped lab sizes allowing personalized skill development.

Curriculum

Aside from on-campus nursing classes, clinical nursing must also be given emphasis. This can be done through simulation activities. Whatever program in nursing you choose, the curriculum must be holistic to prepare students for various nursing positions. There should be an opportunity for application where nursing students learn how to interact with patients.

Career Guidance Resources

Quality nursing programs take a vested interest in seeing students transition successfully into the workforce. They often provide job search tools, resume reviews, interview prep and stability.

Evaluate alumni satisfaction surveys and career placement data as well to ascertain how well nursing graduates fare finding employment. Select schools hosting career fairs with major regional health systems demonstrate robust connections.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Indiana

Once you graduate from an approved nursing program in Indiana, you’ll be eligible to attain licensure allowing you to begin practicing as a registered nurse.

Licensure Steps

The key steps to earn your nursing license in Indiana include:

• Finish an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree nursing program approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam at the required cut score
• Submit an application to the State Board with paperwork including:
  • Transcripts
  • Criminal background check
  • Registration for the NCLEX
  • Licensure fee
• Upon approval, your nursing license will be issued within 24 hours up to 30 days

Newly licensed RNs can only practice under supervision of an experienced nurse for at least six months per Indiana regulations.

In-Demand Specializations

Nursing is one of the in-demand professions in Indiana. From nursing leadership to entry-level roles, there’s a range of opportunities available. While nursing shortages span departments statewide, some specialties in highest demand right now include:

• ICU/Critical Care
• Emergency Room
• Labor & Delivery /OB-GYN
• Oncology/Cancer Care

These units allow new nurses to build in-demand tech-forward skills. Nurses can also further specialize later on through added certifications and training programs.

Job Outlook and Salaries

The job outlook for nursing in the state remains very strong. According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, openings for registered nurses in Indiana will grow 15% from 2020-2030. This translates to over 7,100 annual openings.

These plentiful jobs span settings from hospital ICUs to clinics, with competitive salaries. Currently, average RN pay exceeds $74,000 yearly statewide, significantly above overall median wages.

Indiana offers high-demand nursing career paths with strong salaries after attaining RN licensure. Nurses continue adding value across diverse healthcare environments.

By earning an accredited nursing degree (whether from an undergraduate and graduate nursing program) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you’ll be prepared to secure a rewarding, stable nursing role. The Indiana State Board of Nursing supports license applications for new nursing graduates seeking to fill these vital community roles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Indiana

What are the top nursing schools in Indiana in 2024 rankings?

When exploring nursing programs for 2024 enrollment, prospective students should start by confirming proper accreditation through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These seals demonstrate adherence to the highest educational standards.

Beyond foundational approvals, top-ranked nursing schools in Indiana are also measured by indicators like:

• NCLEX Exam Pass Rates: Scores exceeding 85% indicate strong preparation.
• Variety of Quality Clinical Sites: Opportunity across hospital departments, community clinics and specialized practices builds versatile skills.
• Generous Transfer Credit Policies: For nurses transitioning to Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
• Robust Career Support Resources: Helping students successfully move into the workforce.

Why is Indiana home to such a variety of unique, accredited nursing programs?

Indiana offers a variety of nursing programs, with nearly 20 accredited nursing schools statewide. With this, the state is primed as a leader in building the next generation of skilled nurses.

This variety serves the nearly 20% of Hoosiers requiring vital healthcare services daily. Nursing shortages persist, fueling demand for credentialed registered nurses and advanced practitioners. Graduates readily find employment.

The breadth of program options allows prospective students to find their best fit to launch or advance specialized nursing careers. Degree pathways are offered through large public and private universities to small liberal arts and technical colleges statewide.

Accreditation through either the National League of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ensures all approved Indiana nursing schools adhere to strict national educational standards as well.

What nursing licensure is required to begin practicing as an RN in Indiana?

To secure an entry-level registered nursing license allowing you to begin practicing patient care in Indiana, candidates must:

• Graduate from a nursing degree program approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Submit a licensure application with transcripts, background check and registration fee
• New RNs must undergo 6+ months of supervision before independent practice

Additionally, the Indiana State Board of Nursing facilitates endorsem*nts allowing experienced out-of-state nurses to transfer their licensure.

By meeting these requirements through accredited nursing programs and testing, qualified graduates enter a field with high demand for skilled nurses across diverse healthcare settings. Diverse learning environments prepare nurses for licensure and beyond.

Why is nursing considered one of the most unique positions that allows immense learning and growth opportunities?

Of the many rewarding healthcare careers, nursing is uniquely positioned to offer immense professional development across manifold specializations while making a hands-on difference for patients.

Licensed nurses have flexible options to transition between diverse healthcare settings gaining exposure to various conditions, innovations, and mentors. Exposure builds unmatched clinical skills.

According to projections from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, over 200,000 additional nurses with Bachelor’s degrees are needed nationwide by 2025 to fulfill growing medical demands. These needs ensure nursing remains a stable, lucrative profession for years to come.

How is the nursing curriculum designed and improved for Indiana nursing programs?

Indiana nursing schools develop well-rounded curricula adherent to strict accreditation standards in both didactic course-based and clinical experiential learning to prepare graduates for nursing licensure and impactful practice.

The Indiana Center for Nursing coordinates these efforts with the faculty or various universities. By balancing nursing theory with extensive applied skills mastery, nursing graduates gain competence to pass licensure exams and address cases spanning common conditions to complex comorbidities.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Indiana State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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