Overview of Nursing Schools in Indiana
- There are 34 nursing schools in Indiana. The CCNE accredits 21 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 18 schools in Indiana.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Indiana is between 44.60% and 96.43%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Indiana is between 76.75% and 97.73%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Indiana can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Indiana
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Indiana
Each of the Indiana University School of nursing campuses have joined to create an RN and BSN Degree Completion Option. This makes nursing courses distance accessible using web-based and video technologies, which require nursing students to attend class on campus. In a full-time program, nursing students can complete a program in 12 months and part-time students can complete a program in 18-24 months. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of adult-learners of working nurses. Semesters are split in two learning modules, which can be completed in 7-8 weeks. Electives are meaningful to RN’s today because they are designed to relevant to your experience and work goals. Current topics include: Informatics, Complementary Therapies, and Genetics.
In our Indiana RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Indiana RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Indiana, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Indiana RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 8 | 26 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 77.83% | 89.30% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 44.60% to 96.43% | 76.75% to 97.73% |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Indiana
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Indiana and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 8 ADN degree programs and 24 BSN degree programs in Indiana. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Indiana to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools in Indiana
- University of Southern Indiana
- Indiana University-Northwest
- Purdue University
- Bethel College-Indiana
- Chamberlain College
- Indiana University-Kokomo
- Ball State University
- Purdue University-Calumet Campus
- Anderson University
- University of Evansville
- Goshen College
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Valparaiso University
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
University of Southern Indiana
College of Nursing & Health Professions
Pass Rate
- 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN - 47712
- (812) 464-8600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.80%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 349
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,424
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,668
Percent Admitted: 94%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Indiana University-Northwest
Pass Rate
- 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN - 46408-1197
- (888) 968-7486
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 140
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,827
Book and Supplies: $980
Percent Received Aid: 87%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,058
Percent Admitted: 82%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Purdue University
Pass Rate
- Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, IN - 47907-2040
- (765) 494-4600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2821
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,992
Book and Supplies: $1,010
Percent Received Aid: 61%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,213
Percent Admitted: 67%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Bethel College-Indiana
Pass Rate
- 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, IN - 46545-5591
- (574) 807-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 61
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,350
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $19,022
Percent Admitted: 93%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Chamberlain College
Pass Rate
- 9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN - 46240
- (317) 816-7335
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.57%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,373
Percent Admitted: 53%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 67%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Indiana University-Kokomo
Pass Rate
- 2300 S Washington St, Kokomo, IN - 46902-9003
- (765) 453-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 125
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,827
Book and Supplies: $980
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,534
Percent Admitted: 83%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Ball State University
Pass Rate
- 2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN - 47306
- (765) 289-1241
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.57%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1047
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,290
Book and Supplies: $1,364
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,559
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Purdue University-Calumet Campus
Pass Rate
- 2200 169th St, Hammond, IN - 46323-2094
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.53%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Anderson University
Pass Rate
- 1100 E 5th St, Anderson, IN - 46012-3495
- (765) 649-9071
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 104
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,151
Percent Admitted: 67%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
Graduation Rate: 64%
University of Evansville
Dunigan Family School of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN - 47722
- (812) 488-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 165
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $27,320
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Goshen College
Pass Rate
- 1700 S Main St, Goshen, IN - 46526-4794
- (574) 535-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.87%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 63
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,631
Percent Admitted: 92%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Indiana Wesleyan University
Pass Rate
- 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, IN - 46953-4974
- (765) 674-6901
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
- Programs: Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 283
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,384
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,520
Percent Admitted: 91%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Valparaiso University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Pass Rate
- US Highway 30 and Sturdy Road, Valparaiso, IN - 46383
- (219) 464-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.23%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 242
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,933
Percent Admitted: 87%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Pass Rate
- 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN - 46202-5143
- (317) 274-5555
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 3216
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,044
Book and Supplies: $1,050
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,412
Percent Admitted: 79%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Additional List of Top Indiana Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Indiana Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
86.20 | Vincennes University | 2 | ADN |
86.10 | University of St Francis | 3 | ADN |
67.80 | Fortis College | 4 | ADN |
54.00 | Ancilla Domini College | 5 | ADN |
87.97 | Marian University | 17 | BSN |
87.77 | Indiana State University | 18 | BSN |
85.70 | Indiana University East | 19 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Indiana
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Indiana
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Indiana offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Indiana Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Indiana RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
Each candidate who wishes to obtain licensure by examination must submit an application to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). The licensure application and the NCLEX registration process must be completed before candidates are eligible to take the exam. The application must include:
- Passport-type photo with the school seal and signature of the candidate and Dean on the lower front
- Check or money or for $50.00 (non-refundable) may payable to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
- NCLEX Application and Registration which costs $200 and must be made payable to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order
- Certificate of Completion form completed by the Dean/Director/Designee of the nursing program
- Verification of Licensure from every state in which the candidate held licensure. Nurses who hold licensure in a non-compact state are required to submit Verification of State Licensure Form.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who are licensed in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure through endorsement. Along with the application, candidates must submit the following:
- Proof of current, active licensure from another state
- Completed background check
- Verification of licensure from every state or country the candidate has obtained licensure in
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Along with the items that are needed for licensure by examination, foreign nurse graduates must also submit the following:
- Official nursing transcripts provided through a evaluation services such as CGFNS
- Official copy of high school diploma or official transcripts
- If not written in English, all documents must be accompanied by an official
Indiana State Board of Nursing
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2960
RN Salaries in Indiana
Ample job opportunities for registered nurses are available in the state of Indiana. Nursing employment is expected to grow rapidly, and the nursing industry is rather large, and new jobs are continuously created. Many of the jobs created are due to nurses who are leaving the occupation due to retirement. Technological advances also drive job growth in patient care. Last, but not least, rapid growth is expected in outpatient facilities such as rehabilitation and chemotherapy.
Indiana Registered Nursing Salaries
Although the Indianapolis metropolitan area has the largest number of registered nurses, it is the Gary Metropolitan area that has the highest annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.