Online Nursing Schools in IN: Learning About Top Programs

Indiana’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 chance to find and choose the right program for them. Students can also select programs with online learning components, which make the academic portions of the programs more convenient than traditional models. However, most online programs require students to complete hands-on clinical training at an approved facility – the exception being bridge programs and some advanced nursing programs where students are already fully licensed.

With so many options for nurses in Indiana, it can be difficult to weed through the noise. Let’s review each nursing degree level and look at 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.

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.

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.

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 31^st 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 as of February 2025, 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.

Overview of Career & Salary Trends for Registered Nurses in Indiana

In Indiana, registered nurses (RNs) have a promising career outlook, with 67,390 current jobs projected to grow to 71,020 by the next cycle, adding 3,630 new positions—a 5.4% increase. Each year, Indiana anticipates around 4,090 job openings for RNs, reflecting solid demand within the state. Salaries vary by region, with the median statewide income for RNs at $78,530. For those starting out, salaries begin around the 10th percentile, earning $61,710, while experienced nurses in the 90th percentile can make up to $103,710.

Regionally, earnings differ, with South Bend-Mishawaka RNs earning a median salary of $90,140 and Indianapolis RNs at $80,290. Locations like Elkhart-Goshen also offer higher earning potential, with top earners reaching $131,210. This salary and growth outlook makes Indiana a viable choice for nurses, offering good compensation and opportunities across both urban and rural settings.

Today’s Best Online Nursing Programs in Indiana

Choosing the best nursing program for you can be difficult, which is why we researched, analyzed, and evaluated 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 methodology pop-up above for a more detailed look at how we ranked them, and see which schools stand out below.