Top Nursing Schools in Indiana
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition | Student/Teacher ratio | Program count | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | 92.75 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 8 | 73% |
| 2 | University of Indianapolis | 91.00 | $$$$$ | 11:1 | 4 | 52% |
| 3 | Bethel College-Indiana | 90.50 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 11 | 70% |
| 4 | Ball State University | 90.25 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 2 | 59% |
| 5 | Valparaiso University | 90.25 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 4 | 67% |
| 6 | Goshen College | 89.75 | $$$$$ | 10:1 | 14 | 72% |
| 7 | Indiana Wesleyan University | 89.50 | $$$$$ | 16:1 | 1 | 63% |
| 8 | Anderson University | 89.25 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 11 | 63% |
| 9 | Huntington University | 89.00 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 14 | 59% |
| 10 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | 88.75 | $$$$$ | 12:1 | 8 | 50% |
| 11 | Purdue University Northwest-Calumet Campus | 87.75 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 4 | 31% |
| 12 | Saint Mary’s College | 87.75 | $$$$$ | 10:1 | 21 | 81% |
| 13 | Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | 86.75 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 2 | 43% |
| 14 | Indiana University-East | 86.50 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 14 | 27% |
| 15 | Indiana University-South Bend | 86.25 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 14 | 26% |
| 16 | University of Southern Indiana | 86.00 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 11 | 41% |
| 17 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 85.75 | $$$$$ | 16:1 | 14 | 28% |
| 18 | Indiana University-Southeast | 85.75 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 21 | 32% |
| 19 | Saint Josephs College | 85.25 | $$$$$ | 11:1 | 21 | 46% |
| 20 | Indiana State University | 84.75 | $$$$$ | 20:1 | 7 | 40% |
| 21 | Indiana University-Northwest | 84.50 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 21 | 28% |
| 22 | Vincennes University | 84.50 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 14 | 23% |
| 23 | Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne | 84.50 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 8 | 26% |
| 24 | Purdue University-North Central Campus | 84.25 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 14 | 24% |
| 25 | University of Evansville | 84.00 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 21 | 64% |
| 26 | Marian University | 83.75 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 21 | 54% |
Comparing Indiana’s Nursing Schools
Both nursing schools in Indiana and state lawmakers are working together to encourage students to enter the field of nursing. Thanks in part to Indiana’s large public higher education system, nurses have suitable choices at all levels. The state has multiple recognized associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in nursing, as well as RN to BSN, RN to MSN and accelerated BSN programs. Take a closer look at these programs and use the following search tool to sift through options based on your specific criteria.
The Path to a Nursing License in Indiana
Indiana issues nursing licenses through the Indiana State Board of Nursing, which is a division of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurse midwives and nursing schools all fall under the jurisdiction of the board.
Eligibility Requirements
- Complete a state-approved nursing program at the associate level or above
- Apply for licensure by examination with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency by completing the application form, paying $50 and providing a recent 2½ x 3½ photo that has the school seal, applicant’s signature and nursing program director’s signature on its lower front
- Ask your nursing program’s director to fill out and send the certificate of completion form, which is included in the application packet, to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
- Register to take the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay $200
- After receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT), schedule to take the exam within 90 days
- Pass the exam
RNs licensed in another state can apply for an Indiana license by endorsement (meaning they do not need to register for and re-take the NCLEX) by submitting an application for licensure by endorsement and also submitting proof of a current license in another state and doing a criminal background check. Since exact requirements depend on the state of original licensure, applicants should consult the state’s website for more information.
Licensure Renewal in IN
Nursing licenses must be renewed on October 31 of every odd-numbered year. The state sends out renewal notifications via email and regular mail. Applicants can then renew online for $50. Indiana RNs do not need to complete continuing education credits to renew their license unless they have let it lapse for more than three years. It is important to keep in mind, however, that certain Indiana healthcare employers may require RNs to complete CE hours on a regular basis.
Steps for Advanced Practice Nurses in Indiana
The state of Indiana does not have licenses for advanced practice nurses, except for nurse midwives. Nurse midwives must first have a midwifery degree from an accredited program and also be certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives. After they have done so, they submit an application and a copy of their Indiana RN license along with $50 to the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
Nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners who wish to do so can submit an application for prescription authority, which includes a $50 fee. Certified registered nurse anesthetists are not legally allowed to prescribe medications.
For more information on advanced practice nursing in Indiana, visit the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
Nursing Numbers in Indiana: RNs and Beyond
Nationally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of nursing jobs in the United States to increase by 16 percent between 2014 and 2024. An Indiana Center for Nursing report revealed that Indiana will need 18 percent more registered nurses by 2022 to meet state demands. The center proposes that Indiana train more specialty nurses, attract a more diverse population of workers to the field, and distribute nurses efficiently. For salary and employment statistics throughout the state, take a look at the charts below:
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Indiana
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Gary IN Metropolitan Division | $30.75 | $63,960 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | $30.37 | $63,170 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel | $29.64 | $61,650 |
| Columbus | $28.49 | $59,250 |
| Terre Haute | $28.48 | $59,230 |
| Anderson | $27.82 | $57,870 |
| Bloomington | $27.65 | $57,510 |
| Lafayette | $27.65 | $57,500 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka IN-MI | $27.58 | $57,370 |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $27.56 | $57,320 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Indiana vs. National Numbers
- Indiana
- National
- Annual Salary (25th percentile)
- Annual Salary (median)
- Annual Salary (75th percentile)
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central
Organizations for Indiana Nurses
The Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis supports African-American nurses in the capital. It is a chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.
The Emergency Nurses Association of Indiana provides mentoring, education and advocacy for ER nurses. It has nine local chapters in the state.
INANA is dedicated to securing better visibility of nurse anesthetists in Indiana and promoting the importance of the profession. It is a state affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Leaders in the nursing profession are supported through IONE. The organization provides scholarships to aspiring nurse executives and hosts biannual conferences.
The Indiana State Board of Nursing issues licenses to RN and APNs in the state. It is the best source for up-to-date information on fees, education requirements and licensure steps.
The Indiana State Department of Health’s mission is to provide residents of the state with essential public health services, resources, and education. Indiana RNs can find helpful information on health promotion and disease prevention, vaccines, evidence-based best practices, and state data collection and analysis.
The Indiana State Nurses Association is the state affiliate of the American Nurses Association. A highly active advocacy organization, ISNA also runs continuing education courses.