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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Indiana's top nursing schools offer comprehensive training, from undergraduate programs like ADN and BSN to advanced graduate degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), preparing students for roles as a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist. These programs equip nurses with hands-on experience to address Indiana's healthcare needs across urban and rural settings.
Explore our guide to the best nursing programs in Indiana, offering insights into career opportunities, accreditation, and choosing the right path for your nursing career.
Best Nursing Schools in Indiana - Online & On-Campus
The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.
*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.
Why Become a Nurse in Indiana?
Choosing a nursing career in Indiana offers rewarding opportunities, job security, and the chance to make a significant impact on public health. Here's why Indiana is a compelling choice for aspiring nurses:
- High Demand for Nurses: Indiana is currently facing a significant nursing shortage, expected to widen as healthcare demands grow, especially in rural areas. Legislation like House Enrolled Act 1003 is helping nursing schools increase enrollment to meet this rising need, ensuring strong job prospects for nursing professionals statewide.
- Job Security: With many Indiana nurses nearing retirement, the need for new professionals is critical. Flexible licensure options and expanding educational pathways are securing long-term job stability for new nurses, particularly in underserved communities.
- Diverse Clinical Settings: Indiana offers a variety of clinical environments, ranging from major healthcare institutions in urban centers like Indianapolis to smaller, community-focused facilities in rural areas. Key hospitals like Indiana University Health and Ascension St. Vincent provide advanced care in specialties such as oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics. These large teaching hospitals offer opportunities for nurses to gain experience in cutting-edge medical research and specialized care, while rural hospitals and clinics provide a more intimate setting, allowing nurses to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by underserved populations. This variety of clinical settings ensures that Indiana nurses can find environments suited to their professional interests and lifestyle preferences.
- Public Health and Community Impact: Indiana nurses play a crucial role in addressing public health challenges, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. They are essential for managing chronic diseases, improving maternal health, and responding to public health emergencies. Indiana's healthcare professionals work to reduce disparities in access to care and ensure healthier outcomes across the state.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Indiana offers strong career advancement opportunities through graduate nursing programs at institutions like Indiana University and Purdue University. These programs prepare nurses for advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), and Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), equipping them with the skills to take on leadership roles and make a broader impact on healthcare in Indiana.
- Financial Advantage: While nursing salaries in Indiana may be slightly lower than the national average, the state's lower cost of living significantly offsets this difference, making it a financially sound choice for nurses. Affordable housing, utilities, and general expenses allow nurses to maximize their income, particularly when compared to higher-cost regions. Additionally, Indiana offers financial support programs, including loan forgiveness and scholarships, especially for nurses working in underserved areas, making advanced nursing degrees more accessible and improving long-term earning potential.
With its high demand for healthcare professionals, varied clinical settings, and robust educational pathways, Indiana is an excellent state for those looking to start or advance their nursing careers.
Steps to Become a Nurse in Indiana
Becoming a nurse in Indiana involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that you are well-prepared to provide high-quality care to patients. Whether you aim to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or advance your career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), following the right educational and licensure pathways is crucial.
RN Requirements in Indiana
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure.
- Apply for RN Licensure: Submit an application for RN licensure to the Indiana Board of Nursing (BON). This process typically involves providing your transcripts, proof of passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a background check. For details specific to Indiana, be sure to check the IN BON website.
- Obtain a Nursing License: Once your application is approved, you will be issued an RN license, allowing you to practice as a Registered Nurse in Indiana
- Pursue Continuing Education: While many U.S. states require RNs to complete continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal, Indiana does not have such requirements for RNs. However, it's essential to stay updated with any changes by visiting the Indiana Board of Nursing (BON) website for details on license renewal and professional development opportunities.
APRN Requirements in Indiana
- Obtain and Maintain an RN License: Before pursuing APRN certification, you must be a licensed RN in Indiana.
- Earn a Graduate Degree: Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role — e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife.
- Gain Clinical Experience: APRN programs require specific clinical hours based on your specialty and degree. All graduate-level nursing programs mandate a minimum of 500 clinical hours post-graduate. The National Task Force Standards for NP Education requires at least 750 hands-on clinical hours for NP graduates, while DNP programs require a minimum of 1,000 hours. These hands-on experiences are crucial for developing advanced nursing skills.
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Pass a National Certification Exam: After completing your graduate program, you must pass a national certification exam specific to your APRN role and specialization.
- CNMs via the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
- CNSs via the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- NPs via the American Association of Nurse Practitioners American Nurses(AANP) or the Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- CRNA's via the National Board of Certification CRNA (NBCRNA).
- Apply for APRN Licensure: Submit an application for APRN licensure to the Indiana Board of Nursing. This may require documentation of your active RN license, advanced nursing degree, APRN certification exam results, and clinical experience.
- Maintain Certification and Licensure: APRNs in Indiana must keep both their national certification and state licensure current. National certification is tied to your specific APRN specialty and must be maintained according to the requirements set by the national certifying body. For state licensure renewal with prescriptive authority, Indiana requires APRNs to complete at least 30 continuing education (CE) credits, including 8 hours focused on pharmacology. For more details on acceptable CE programs and specific renewal requirements, review the Indiana Board of Nursing (BON) website.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Indiana
Salary expectations in 2025 are based on geography, experience level, education, type of nursing specialties, and the types of industry that the nurse works in.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national mean annual wage for an RN is $94,480, with the lowest 10th percentile making $63,720 and the 90th percentile making $132,680 annually. The highest employment levels were nurses in general medicine and surgical hospitals, making an annual $96,830.
Registered Nurses salary in Indiana is lower than the national average at a mean annual salary of $82,700 or $39.76 an hour.
The highest salary states for RNs include:
- California: $137,690.00
- Hawaii: $119,710.00
- Massachusetts: $113,440.00
- Oregon: $111,030.00
- Alaska: $109,210.00
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish between nursing degree levels in its data, most nurses who pursue advanced degrees, such as an MSN or DNP, aim to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) — which includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Nurse Anesthetists (DNAP/CRNAs).
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for APRNs is $129,480, with employment in these roles expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting strong demand for advanced practice nurses.
In Indiana, APRNs earn the following mean annual salaries:
- Nurse Practitioners: $123,320.00
- Certified Nurse Midwives: $120,090.00
- Nurse Anesthetists: $207,180.00
Note: Although Clinical Nurse Specialists are also APRNs BLS does not provide information on CNS salary.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Indiana
Selecting the right nursing program depends on various personal preferences. Some students emphasize tuition costs, while others prioritize pass rates, academic reputation, or other considerations. Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Course
For prospective doctorate and master's degree nursing students, additional considerations include:
- Specialization: Ensure the program offers the right focus for your chosen specialty concentration.
- Certification and Licensure: Meets APRN certification and state licensure requirements.
- Certification Pass Rates: Check program national certification success rates.
- Clinical Training: Diverse, high-quality clinical placements and/or clinical placement support.
- Faculty Expertise: Qualified and experienced faculty.
- Support Services: Mentoring, career services, and academic support.
- Technology and Resources: Access to advanced technology and resources.
- Alumni Network: Strong network for job placement and growth.
- Interprofessional Education: Collaborative learning with other healthcare professionals.
- State Regulations: Ensure your program is approved by the state Board of Nursing in the state where you want to work.
Choosing the right program should be based on your personal preferences and learning style. If you prefer a more flexible schedule and a longer duration for coursework and clinical practice, consider a traditional nursing program. Conversely, if you are eager to complete your education quickly and thrive in an intensive, fast-paced learning environment, an accelerated nursing program might be the better choice.
Importance of Picking an Accredited Nursing School in Indiana
Choosing to attend an accredited nursing school in Indiana is important for several reasons:
- Assurance of Educational Quality: Accredited nursing schools undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and clinical training meet high standards. This guarantees that students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education, equipping them with the skills needed for successful nursing careers.
- Licensing Requirements: Graduation from an accredited program is often necessary to meet state licensure requirements. Without attending an accredited school, students may find it challenging or even impossible to obtain the necessary credentials to practice as a registered nurse.
- Enhanced Career Opportunities: Employers prioritize hiring graduates from accredited nursing programs because these programs are recognized for maintaining high educational standards. This preference can lead to better job prospects and career advancement opportunities in the nursing field.
- Ease of Credit Transfer: Credits earned at an accredited nursing school are more likely to be recognized and accepted by other institutions. This is particularly important for students who may wish to transfer schools or pursue further education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing.
- Professional Credibility: Completing a program at an accredited nursing school adds to a nurse's professional credibility. It demonstrates that their education aligns with national standards, which is essential for advancing in the nursing profession.
- Eligibility for Financial Aid: Accreditation is often a prerequisite for accessing federal financial aid, including grants and loans. Attending an accredited school ensures that students can receive the financial support they need to complete their education.
Given these points, it's important prospective students research whether their choice of nursing school is accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
More Top Nursing Programs in Indiana
If you're interested in a specific nursing degree or specialty, we've got you covered. Explore our comprehensive guides to nursing programs across Indiana, tailored to various career paths and levels. Find the best program for you, whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or specialize in a specific area. Check out these resources:
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Graduate Nursing Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Indiana
Is it possible to enroll in a BSN program in Indiana without patient care experience?
Patient care experience is not always required for direct-entry BSN programs, but it can enhance your application. Some undergraduate nursing programs, particularly RN to BSN and accelerated and second-degree BSN (ABSN) tracks, may prioritize applicants with healthcare experience.
For master's programs and other graduate-level programs in nursing, patient care experience is a standard prerequisite.
Can out-of-state students enroll in Indiana nursing programs?
Yes, out-of-state students can enroll in Indiana nursing programs, though they may encounter higher tuition rates compared to in-state residents. Indiana's residency requirements for in-state tuition generally involve living in the state for at least 12 months prior to enrollment.
It is important for prospective students to verify licensure eligibility in the state where they plan to work after graduation, as not all nursing programs automatically qualify graduates for RN or APRN licensure in certain states. This information can typically be confirmed on both the school's website and the state Board of Nursing.
Are there online options for completing a bachelor's degree or master's degree in Indiana?
Many Indiana nursing programs offer online or hybrid formats, especially at the MSN level. Online nursing programs typically combine online coursework with in-person clinical requirements, offering flexibility for students who may not be able to attend on-campus classes full-time.
How much does it cost to attend a nursing program in Indiana?
Nursing program costs in Indiana vary widely. For example, undergraduate programs like RN to BSN options can cost as little as $10,500 at Indiana University, while accelerated and entry-level BSN programs range from $25,856 to $41,000 at institutions like Ball State University. On the higher end, graduate programs such as BSN to DNP can exceed $80,000 at Saint Mary's College. Community college programs, like the ADN at Ivy Tech, offer more affordable options, around $12,000.
Nursing program costs in Indiana vary significantly, making financial planning essential when evaluating which nursing school is best for you.
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