In 2013 RNs with bachelor’s degrees became more numerous than RNs with diplomas and associate degrees for the first time in the state. Correspondingly, the number of advanced practice nurses in the state has increased — between 2005 and 2013, the number of APNs went up over 50 percent. The future of nursing is changing in Indiana, as a younger, more educated generation prepares to take over. Read on to get details on salary, school and licensure information, and see if you want to be a part of the transition.
Top 10 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Indiana
| #1 | Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN |
| #2 | University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN |
| #3 | Bethel College-Indiana Mishawaka, IN |
| #4 | Ball State University Muncie, IN |
| #5 | Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN |
| #6 | Goshen College Goshen, IN |
| #7 | Indiana Wesleyan University Marion, IN |
| #8 | Anderson University Anderson, SC |
| #9 | Huntington University Huntington, IN |
| #10 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN |
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Top Nursing Schools in Indiana
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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
Salary
| Year | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $47,660 | $57,770 | $69,660 | $0 | $54,620 | $66,640 | $81,080 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $47,640 | $81,990 | $98,880 | $0 | $82,580 | $96,970 | $114,090 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $140,420 | $172,460 | $0 | $0 | $132,380 | $153,780 | $181,860 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $82,230 | $90,670 | $100,520 | $0 | $82,720 | $95,350 | $113,470 |
| Type | Indiana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 59,610 | 2,687,310 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 80 | 5,110 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 360 | 36,590 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 3,410 | 122,050 |
2022 occupational outlook 050,000100,00069,7507105203,7407,70043,900
| Type | Indiana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 69,750 | 3,238,400 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 710 | 7,700 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 520 | 43,900 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 3,740 | 147,300 |
Avg. annual openings (2012 – 2022) 050,000100,0002,20020201402901,5605,850
| Type | Indiana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 2,200 | 105,260 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 20 | 290 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 20 | 1,560 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 140 | 5,850 |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central
Organizations for Indiana Nurses
Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis
The Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis supports African-American nurses in the capital. It is a chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.
Emergency Nurses Association of Indiana
The Emergency Nurses Association of Indiana provides mentoring, education and advocacy for ER nurses. It has nine local chapters in the state.
Indiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists
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.
Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives
Leaders in the nursing profession are supported through IONE. The organization provides scholarships to aspiring nurse executives and hosts biannual conferences.
Indiana State Board of Nursing
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.
Indiana State Department of Health
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.
Indiana State Nurses Association
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.