Accelerated Nursing Programs in Indiana

What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

Accelerated nursing programs in Indiana are a shortcut to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. An accelerated BSN program differs from other Practical Nursing Diploma (PN) and Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) programs because it leads to a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing rather than an Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN).

The accelerated BSN program is a pre-licensure program that prepares students who do not yet have a registered nursing (RN) license to get their Bachelor’s degree and then pursue a career in nursing. This is a degree program for individuals seeking to obtain BSN status as soon as they enter the nursing profession. If they already have a Bachelor

Accelerated BSN programs are those that demand a student to complete more credits in a quarter than a “normal” program. This sort of program runs throughout the year and may also need a student to attain a higher test score for entrance. She emphasizes that students considering an accelerated BSN program should consider the amount of time they will have to work outside.

ABSNs are typically 11 to 18 months long, leaving ABSN students with a difficult time keeping up with their courses as well as clinical rotations. The need to maintain a high academic level while also obtaining practical experience may be stressful for ABSN students who want to accomplish both academically and succeed during clinical rotations. As a result, it is often advised for ABSN students not to work while attending school.

Entrance Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Indiana

• Bachelor’s degree: You need to have your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for accelerated nursing programs, but it can be in any subject!  
• GPA: You do not need to take a test for eligibility but most schools will require that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0. These can vary by school so check before applying!
• Complete pre-requisites: While your bachelor’s degree can be in anything, you may need to complete certain courses before you can apply to an accelerated nursing program. Usually these will be science courses such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and more.
• Letters of recommendation: Like any application you need letters of recommendation. Make sure to reach out ahead of time to the people you want to write your letters so that you are not scrambling at the last minute. 
• Submit applications: You should look over the applications in advance so you know how much time you will need to complete them. In addition to demographics and basic questions, you may have essays to write. You will also need to collect past transcripts, submit and updated resume, and possibly additional paperwork.
• Interview: Most schools will not require an interview but it always helps to check!

List of 9 Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Indiana

How Long Does it Take to Complete Accelerated Nursing Programs in Indiana?

This all depends on the school of course so take some time to shop around. In general you will be able to earn your BSN through an accelerated nursing program in 18 months or less. Some of these programs will be non-stop year round, while others may factor in a break. You will complete not only course work but also required hands on clinical experiences during this time so that you can master your new nursing skills. 

What Will I Study in My Indiana Accelerated Nursing Program?

Curricula will vary a little but they are all designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.  Most schools will have course lists available online of what you will take during your program. In general you can expect to take courses similar to the following curriculum:

• Transitions into the Nursing Profession
• Foundations of Health Assessment
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology 1 and 2
• Introduction to Perioperative Nursing
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 1: Adult and Aging Acute and Chronic Illness
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 2: Advanced Adult Medical-Surgical
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 3: Psychiatric Mental Health
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 4: Maternity/Women Health
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 5: Children and Families
• Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning 6: Epidemiology and Community Health
• Patient Safety and Health Care Quality
• Health Information and Technology
• Evidence-Based Practice for Health Care Researchers
• Global Health for Healthcare Professionals
• Health Policy, Quality, Political

What Are the Clinical Requirements for an ABSN in Indiana

The number of supervised clinical hours you will be required to complete for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Indiana will depend on the state you live in. In general however, most states require about 500 clinical hours for you to earn your BSN and sit for the NCLEX RN exam. Clinical hours are experiences where you are paired with an experienced nurse (called your preceptor) and get to practice your clinical skills on real patients. Having someone to supervise you as you master these skills helps you be prepared to be a safe new nurse when you become licensed. 

Guide to ABSN and MSN Accelerated Nursing Programs

• Accelerated BSN Nursing Programs – ABSN
• Accelerated MSN Nursing Programs or Direct Entry MSN

4 Steps To Register for the NCLEX

Be sure to talk to your school about the requirements for signing up for the NCLEX. They can help you with timing and steps. The process can take some time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some important steps you need to take to register for the big day:

1. Check out your state’s Board of Nursing (BON) website to sign up so that you are eligible to take the NCLEX. The NCBSN website has information you need on your state’s BON.
2. Your NCLEX eligibility requirements can be found through your BON.
3. After this you should register for the test through Pearson VUE. Don’t forget to find your program code when doing this! If you’re not sure where to find it, contact your school.
4. The last step is to use our NCLEX tips and practice exams to study!

List of Accelerated BSN Nursing Programs in Indiana

University	Offered as	City/State
Purdue University	Campus, Hybrid	West Lafayette, IN
Valparaiso University	Campus, Hybrid	Valparaiso, IN
Saint Mary’s College	Campus, Online	Notre Dame, IN
Marian University	Campus, Online	Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Wesleyan University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Marion, IN
Indiana University-South Bend	Campus, Online	South Bend, IN
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Indianapolis, IN
Anderson University	Campus	Anderson, IN
Ball State University	Campus, Online	Muncie, IN