Online Nursing Schools in Indiana: Inside Top Programs
Good nurses make all the difference. This EduMed guide explores nursing schools in Indiana to help you find the best online nursing program for your career goals. Learn about nursing salaries across the state and find resources and financial aid opportunities to help lower the cost of your nursing education.
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NursingHealth ScienceIndiana’s Nursing Programs Online: A Breakdown
Nursing schools in Indiana have a wide range of programs available, from six-week CNA courses through six-year doctoral programs. This variety gives current and aspiring nurses a great opportunity to find a school and program that works for them.
For students who need even more flexibility, online nursing programs can make the academic portions of programs more convenient than traditional models. Coursework and participation take place via email, chat, and online learning platforms — reducing the need to visit a campus.
However, students in nursing programs with online components still need hands-on training. To see how these hybrid/online nursing programs work in Indiana, let’s review each degree level and read how actual schools in the state approach them.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs – Online & Hybrid Models
Undergraduate nursing programs lead to entry-level nursing professions like that of a certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, or registered nurse. They can take anywhere from a few months to four years to complete and prepare students for licensure and registration in the state. These programs include CNA certificates, LPN diplomas, RN diplomas, LPN-RN or LPN to ADN degrees, RN to BSN degrees, and traditional BSN degrees and direct-entry BSN degrees.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you are hoping to start your career as a CNA, there are countless programs, both in-person and online, that can help. As respected members of a healthcare team, CNAs support registered and practical nurses by performing duties such as dressing, bathing, and transporting patients. They can also find solid positions in a wide range of healthcare facilities.
Example: State Fair Community College – Nurse Aide
- Cost: $314/credit
- Length: 16.5 – 31.5 credit hours (1-2 semesters), depending on certificate level
- Mode: Online or on-campus
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work with patients in a variety of routine care and emergency medical settings. Although they perform many of the same duties as CNAs, their scope of work goes beyond CNAs to include minor surgeries, injections, dressing wounds, and other more intense procedures. LPNs often work under the supervision of a registered nurse, and sometimes perform may of the same duties as RNs.
Example: Ivy Tech Community College – Licensed Practical Nurse
- Cost: $8,027 total
- Length: 45 credit hours (3 semesters)
- Mode: Blended or Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs are associate degrees in nursing and are designed for individuals with no prior nursing experience. They are typically two-year programs that provide the essential skills and experience for pursuing work as an RN. After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, professionals can work in clinics, home health, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, and a number of other healthcare settings.
Example: Purdue Global – Associate of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $315/credit
- Length: 1.5 years
- Mode: Online, with lab locations across Indiana for required lab/simulation work
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional bachelor’s nursing programs (BSNs) are for students wanting to get the highest undergraduate degree before they start work as a registered nurse. While you don’t need a BSN to work as an RN, a bachelor’s degree may allow you to take on more responsibility and earn a higher wage. BSN degrees usually take four years to complete.
Example: Chamberlain University – BSN
- Cost: $31,000 (average cost after receiving financial aid)
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN degrees are for students who do not have RN licenses but who want to earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These programs are typically structured for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in another area. Students can often finish accelerated BSNs in one year (three consecutive semesters).
Example: Anderson University – Accelerated BSN
- Cost: $670/credit
- Length: 60-62 credit hours (5 semesters)
- Mode: Hybrid
Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs
Graduate and post-graduate nursing degrees are for nurses looking for additional responsibility, higher salaries, and specialized learning. They can take anywhere from one semester (graduate certificate) to 3-4 years (DNP). These programs include graduate certificates, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree for registered nurses seeking to enhance their clinical, leadership, or educational skills, and often leads to increased responsibility. An MSN also provides nurses with the opportunity to specialize and become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse leaders. MSNs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
Example: Indiana University – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Cost: $500/credit (roughly $6,000)
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are for individuals who already possess MSNs. DNP and PhD doctoral programs lead toward different types of careers. A DNP prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings and is considered a nursing practice degree. The PhD in nursing is a research degree that helps students advance knowledge and theories in the field to inform nursing practice.
Example: University of Indianapolis – DNP
- Cost: $806/credit
- Length: 30-62 credits (2-4 years, depending on previous education level)
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Going a step beyond earning a master’s degree, graduate certificates help develop specialized knowledge in a particular area of the field without needing to earn an entire degree. Popular post-graduate certificates include adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, healthcare informatics, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Indianapolis – Nurse Leader Graduate Certificate
- Cost: $530/credit
- Length: 9 credits (one semester)
- Mode: Online
Nursing Bridge Programs
Bridge programs are designed to help students reach the next level of nursing faster than they would traditionally. These programs include LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and BSN to DNP. These programs give college credit for prior learning and experience and can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on the chosen path.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Designed for students who have licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) credentials, LVN-to-RN and LVN-to-BSN programs are for individuals who want to become registered nurses as quickly as possible. These online programs give students credit for prior learning and experience and provide the clinical skills and hands-on knowledge needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Indiana State University – LPN/LVN to BSN
- Cost: $9,900 – $11,600/year depending on number of credits taken
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
RN to BSN
For students who already possess a diploma or associate degree in nursing, the RN-to-BSN program helps students complete enough credits to earn their bachelor’s degrees in nursing. They are often available entirely online, and those who already have experience working as registered nurses can typically complete these programs in as few as 12 months.
Example: Indiana University – RN to BSN
- Cost: $350/credit
- Length: 18-24 months
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
If you’re looking to move right through both the BSN and MSN degrees in one program, look for RN-to-MSN programs. These programs usually take three years to complete and are for registered nurses who already have diplomas or associate degrees in nursing. Your credentials must come from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited school, and you’ll need an unencumbered RN license in Indiana to be accepted into the program.
Example: Ball State University – MSN
- Cost: $6,000/semester (based on a 12-credit semester class load)
- Length: 50-58 credit hours (about 2-3 years)
- Mode: Online
Expert Insight
After considering my long-term goals and my prior experience and education, I decided to take the RN-to-MSN route. It allowed me to obtain the graduate degree I needed to become a nursing educator in a much shorter timespan and with far less hassle than if it were split up into two separate programs.
BSN to DNP
The transition from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a crucial step for those seeking to influence healthcare at the most impactful level. The right BSN to DNP bridge program can set the stage for this ultimate career leap, blending advanced clinical expertise with leadership skills.
Example: Indiana State University – BSN-DNP Online
- Cost: $46-$601/credit, depending on residency status
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nursing majors who have a bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing experience. These programs provide a straight path to becoming a professional nurse while awarding an advanced degree at the same time.
Online direct-entry MSN programs offer an additional level of flexibility and convenience not usually available with traditional fully on-campus programs. Some clinical hours still required.
Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry
- Cost: $50,000 – $70,000 total, depending on the amount of credits transferred
- Length: 20-24 months
- Mode: Online
Nursing Requirements in Indiana
To become a registered nurse in Indiana, you’ll need to apply through the Indiana State Board of Nursing to be officially recognized. This governmental agency enforces all state laws related to nursing education, practice, and licensure in the state. The following step-by-step guide details the requirements for becoming a first-time RN in Indiana.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree (with Proper Accreditation)
The first step toward RN licensure is completing a state-approved nursing degree from an accredited institution. To become an RN, you’ll need to complete a diploma, ADN or BSN program.
Whichever you choose, you’ll need to ensure it’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring your program meets a high standard of quality. These programs often include online or in-person coursework along with hands-on clinical experiences.
2 – Initiate the State Licensure Process
At this point, states usually have students register for the NCLEX-RN exam, but in Indiana, you need to first visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) to submit an application for licensure and pay for a criminal background check.
Be prepared to pay the $50 fee and submit a high school diploma or equivalent and proof that you completed an approved nursing program. This application determines your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
3 – Complete the NCLEX Exam with Success
Note that the NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in Indiana and all other states in the U.S. The NCLEX-RN exam is a computerized, pass-fail test comprising four main subject areas: safe and effective care environments, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and physiological integrity. You’ll receive anywhere from 74-145 questions, including 15 pre-test questions.
When you pass the test, a copy of your license will be sent digitally to your registered email address.
4 – Ensure Ongoing Licensure
Indiana RN licenses expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years. Licenses that are expired for 18 months or less can be renewed online with a $50 fee. There are no continuing education requirements for RNs in Indiana, though students hoping to keep up on the latest developments in nursing may benefit from seeking out continuing education credits through the American Nurses Association.
5 – Obtain Certifications in Specific Disciplines (Optional)
Becoming licensed in Indiana as a registered nurse doesn’t have to be the end of the road. There are many nurses who decide to pursue graduate degrees or specialty certificates to learn more about specific healthcare areas. You can receive certifications in areas such as ambulatory care, nurse practitioner, gerontological nursing, pain management, pediatric nursing, and so many more. You can find these certifications on the American Nurses Credentialing Center website.
Expert Insight
Being certified is not only a big accomplishment which exemplifies a nurse’s knowledge and experience, it also opens up many job opportunities and often times is rewarded monetarily by healthcare employers.
Career & Salary Trends for Registered Nurses in Indiana
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $63,720 | $80,740 | $103,820 |
| Bloomington, IN | $63,060 | $78,320 | $100,360 |
| Columbus, IN | $60,620 | $76,160 | $95,390 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $62,580 | $81,450 | $136,300 |
| Evansville, IN | $59,490 | $79,040 | $100,080 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $63,780 | $77,690 | $97,740 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $66,340 | $81,310 | $105,480 |
| Kokomo, IN | $62,620 | $84,880 | $105,160 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $64,600 | $77,340 | $96,710 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $62,090 | $79,470 | $97,760 |
| Muncie, IN | $63,010 | $77,970 | $98,720 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $63,720 | $85,660 | $136,430 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $63,010 | $79,140 | $96,600 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online Nursing Programs in Indiana
Choosing the best nursing program for you can be difficult. To help, EduMed has researched and analyzed every nursing school in Indiana. We’ve ranked them based on a variety of factors, including accreditation, tuition cost, student-to-faculty ratios, and more. Click the About the Ranking pop-up for a more detailed look at how we ranked them, and then see which schools stand out below.
