2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a four-year public higher education institution in Evansville. It was founded in 1965 and started as a regional campus for Indiana State University. Currently, the university holds a ten-year accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for its baccalaureate and master’s levels programs. Moreover, its baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing, as well as its DNP and post-APRN certificate programs under the College of Nursing and Health Professions are CCNE-accredited. The said college provides extensive clinical nursing attention with personalized attention taught by award-winning nursing faculty.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Designed to produce generalist nurses, this program provides foundation for graduate nursing studies and professional practice. It received an accreditation from the Indiana State Board of Nursing. In terms of the curriculum, students are immersed in simulation and clinical learning activities in addition to classroom instruction. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

RN to BSN Program - Nurses who possess a nursing diploma or an associate degree can obtain a BSN degree through this CCNE-accredited RN to BSN Program. Classes are in 8-week duration delivered through distance education. Moreover, the program has multiple start dates. Earned credits at a 4-year university or accredited community college may also be transferred into USI with no limitation for the number of the said credits.

Master of Science in Nursing - With 42-44 credit hours, this MSN Program has no required on-campus visits. The program offers three annual admissions for a timely graduation. Moreover, graduates in the MSN program may apply for admission in the post master’s certificate program offered by USI.

Post MSN Certificate Program - Master’s-prepared students can enroll in the post master’s certificate program and choose from any of the four tracks. The said tracks are: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Acute (AGNP - Acute), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Doctor of Nursing Practice  - With completely online coursework delivery, there are two entry options for students seeking a DNP degree at USI-the Post BSN and Post MSN. The former can be completed in four or five years for full-time and part-time study, respectively. Meanwhile, for the Post MSN entry track, completion can be as fast as two years for a full-time study and three years for part time. Both tracks in this practice-focused doctorate culminates in an evidence-based project.

Located in Gary, Indiana University-Northwest (IUN) is a public educational institution with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1. Its School of Nursing, housed by the College of Health and Human Services, places emphasis on student-centered and hands-on learning. This is made possible by the school’s state-of-the-art learning laboratory which has high-level and mid-level technology simulation equipment. Moreover, aside from clinical experiences, students are also immersed in an Inter-Professional Education project which provides opportunities to work in a combined, patient-focused project. Its baccalaureate and master’s in nursing programs are ACEN accredited.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This BSN program aims to produce competent and responsible nurses. Several program options are offered in obtaining the said program. Students in the traditional BSN option can choose between a four-year or five-year plan of study. Meanwhile, those with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees interested in obtaining a BSN degree can do so through the Second Degree to BSN option. This allows for program completion in as few as 18 months, inclusive of summer. Lastly, an RN to BSN option is also offered for registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. This allows completion in as little as 12 months, with available study plans also for 18- and 24-month completion.

Masters of Science Degree Program - With three tracks, this Masters of Science Degree Program provides eligibility to sit in some states and US territories with a few exceptions. The said tracks are: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education tracks have a rolling admission.

Purdue University is a four-year public educational institution in West Lafayette. This land-grant research university is Purdue University's flagship campus. Its School of Nursing works alongside various healthcare agencies and facilities in north central Indiana and Indianapolis to provide hands-on and evidence-based nursing experiences to students. These healthcare centers include Roudebush VA Medical Center, Lafayette Transitional Housing, Riley Children's Hospital, and M.D. Steer Speech and Language Clinic.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Purdue University offers two options in obtaining a BSN degree—the Bachelor of Science and the Second Degree Bachelor of Science (NRSA). The former is designed for high school graduates while the latter is for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees. Moreover, the NRSA is a 59-credit accelerated program which can be completed in as few as 16 months (4 months). It is designed for full-time study. Graduates of both options are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Master of Science in Nursing - Students seeking an MSN degree at Purdue University can choose from any of the four specialization programs. The specialization programs are: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The AGNP and the PNP require 47-credit hours while the FNP and PMHNP require 49.

Post- Master’s Certificate Programs - Master’s-prepared individuals who got their MSN degree from an accredited institution can enroll at Purdue University’s Post-Master’s Certificate Programs. The specialization tracks offered are similar to that of the MSN program—AGNP, PNP, FNP, and PMHNP.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This DNP program has two pathways available—the post BSN-DNP and the Master’s Degree-DNP. The former pathway is a 38-credit option requiring at least 1000 residency hours post BSN. Meanwhile, the latter allows transfer of up to 40 credits from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited master’s program. Both pathways have an innovative curriculum and practice opportunities.

PhD in Nursing - This campus-based PhD program is one of only two Nursing PhD programs in Indiana. It is designed for full-time study with three-year completion. The first year focuses on nursing core courses completion. The second year includes coursework completion, comprehensive exams, and proposal defense. Final defense of the dissertation takes place in the last year of the program.

Bethel University is a private liberal arts educational institution in Mishawaka. This Christian university was founded in 1947 and presently holds an accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. It also received an authorization from the State of Indiana to operate as a postsecondary institution. Its School of Nursing is taught by faculty with decades of nursing experience. Hands-on experiences are also given emphasis in the curriculum made possible through the simulation lab’s latest technology.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - With 66 hours of coursework inclusive of 37 and 29 hours of nursing courses and general studies courses, respectively, this ADN program can be completed in two years for a full-time study. Graduates are fully-equipped for a holistic patient-centered care provision.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This 120-credit program is designed for a four-year completion. The curriculum includes general education and nursing courses. Graduates are fully-equipped to provide evidence-based nursing care, applying the nursing process throughout the lifespan. An RN completion track is also available, designed for registered nurses. Two options are available—the accelerated 12-month option and the 20-month plan. Coursework delivery can be either online or hybrid format.

Master of Science in Nursing - With two-year completion, this MSN program is delivered online with one class meeting per week. It has two tracks available: Nursing Education and Nursing Administration, providing a foundation for doctoral studies in nursing. The Nursing Education Track provides hands-on classroom experiences. Meanwhile, the Nurse Administrator Track places emphasis on developing management decision-making skills, and leadership.

Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) is a four-year public educational institution, and is a regional campus of Indiana University. In terms of accreditation, IUK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its School of Nursing also received approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Meanwhile, its baccalaureate and master’s degree program are accredited by CCNE and ACEN, respectively. IUK’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions puts emphasis on experiential learning through clinical experiences and simulations at the campus’ state-of-the-art center.

BSN Traditional - Different options for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are available at IUK to cater to student’s various academic credentials. The BSN is a four-year pre-licensure degree. It provides a strong foundation in sciences, liberal arts, and nursing. Moreover, students are required to provide more than 900-hours of practicum providing nursing care provision to diverse clients, since the program is grounded on experiential-learning.

RN to BSN - Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking a BSN degree can do so in as few as one to two years. Students can even work-full time while enrolled in the program because it is offered in either through online or hybrid (in-person and online) format. Graduates are fully-equipped for safe, culturally-competent and informed nursing care provision.

BSN Second Degree - Individuals with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an accredited university can earn their BSN degree at IUK in as few as 17 months. This four-semester program is designed to cater to those seeking a career change.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - This Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program is designed for bachelor’s-prepared nurses. Two tracks are available—Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. Each of these tracks requires 15 credit hours which can be transferred toward an MSN degree.

Master of Science in Nursing - This Master of Science in Nursing program has three tracks which students can choose from: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Nursing Administration and Nursing Education Tracks both required 36 credit hours which can be completed in a span of six semesters. Meanwhile, the Family Nurse Practitioner Track requires 42 credit hours designed for a 7-semester (2 ½ years) completion.

Ball State University (BSU) is a four-year public university in Muncie with a student to faculty ratio of 16:1. It was founded in 1918, and presently holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its School of Nursing students gain hands-on learning and medical experiences through the university’s simulation skills and laboratories. In terms of accreditation, the said school has accreditations and approval from CCNE and the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing - With a recognition from the NLN as a center of excellence in Nursing Education, the BSN program at BSU has several concentrations. High school graduates can choose between the regular concentration and the Degree in 3 Concentration. The former is a traditional option which can be completed in four-years. The latter on the other hand is an accelerated on-campus which allows a three-year completion. Both are delivered on-campus. Meanwhile, students with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees can enroll in the accelerated baccalaureate concentration. This allows them completion in as few as 19 months. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNS) and Registered Nurses (RNs) also have concentrations tailored for them: the LPN to BS and the RN to BS, respectively.

Master's Degree in Nursing - Students seeking an MSN degree at BSU can choose from these three concentrations: Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator concentrations both require 36 credits and can be completed in seven semesters. Meanwhile, the FNP concentration requires 47 credits with six to eight semesters to complete. This MSN program is CCNE-accredited.

Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner - Designed for master’s-prepared nurses, this certificate program equips students for healthcare provision in a family practice setting. A completely online option is available. Upon program completion, graduates can apply for the FNP certification exam (ANCC and/or AANP).

Purdue University Northwest (PNW), formerly known as Purdue University-Calumet Campus is a premier metropolitan educational institution with two campuses- Hammond Campus and Westville Campus. This HLC-accredited public university places emphasis on research and applied learning opportunities. Its College of Nursing is designated as an NLN Center of Nursing Excellence and received an accreditation from ACEN for its baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing as well as its post-master’s certificate programs. In terms of student engagement, PWN also has a College of Nursing Undergraduate Nursing Club and the Sigma Theta Tau International- International Honor Society of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Students can obtain a BSN degree at PNW through several options depending on their current educational credentials. Aside from the four-year plan, an accelerated program is also offered for individuals with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing. Designed for full-time study, this can be completed in four semesters. Lastly, in as few as 16 months, Registered Nurses (RNs) can earn their BSN degree through the online RN to BSN program. Up to 86 credits or 70% of the degree is available for transfer. Courses are offered completely online in a flexible format of 5-week duration.

Master of Science in Nursing - This MSN program has four available tracks to cater to student’s various goals and interests. The Nursing Educator and Nurse Executive Tracks are offered 100% online with as few as 12 months completion for full-time study. A part-time study plan is also available. Meanwhile, a track on Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is also available. The tracks, except for the Nurse Executive, is also offered as a post-master’s certificate program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This DNP program builds on a student's prior coursework from his/her master’s level. Aside from the DNP core courses, other courses might be required to take prior to progression in the translation science course sequence. Coursework is offered online with a three-year completion plan for part-time students.

Named after its location, Anderson University is a private Christian educational institution. It has been providing educational service to the area for more than 100 years. Its School of Nursing offers state-of-the art equipment and facilities to its students. For instance, the School purchased the SimMan®3G, an advanced patient simulator which can show neurological and physiological symptoms. Aside from the SimMan®3G, it also has a PYXIS MedStation® which is a dispensing system for automated medication. Students can also practice life support skills through the Sim Baby® and Sim Child. A giving-birth mannequin called “Noelle” is also available. In terms of student engagement, students can join the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This CCNE-accredited program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and for their roles as registered nurses. There are several options to obtain a BSN degree at Anderson University—through the Pre-licensure Program, Accelerated BSN and the RN to BSN Completion Program. The Pre-licensure program is designed for undergraduate, transfer or adult students. Meanwhile, the Accelerated option is a second-degree program designed for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees. Lastly, the RN to BSN option is a completion program tailored for those with an associate's degree in nursing. The BSN curriculum places emphasis on evidence-based nursing care delivered through a Christ-centered learning community. Due to the program’s limited class size, admission is competitive with priority given to Anderson University students.

Founded in 1920, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christian comprehensive university in Marion. It was originally named Marion College, after its location. With more than 100 years of educational service to the area, IWU is accredited as a whole by the HLC. Its School of Nursing’s curriculum focuses on a blend between evidence-based facts and hands-on learning made possible through the university’s Fortune Simulation Lab. In terms of accreditation, its bachelor's, master's, and DNP programs in nursing are CCNE-accredited.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Students seeking a BSN degree at IWU can enroll in the traditional or the transition option, depending on their current educational credentials. The traditional option requires four years to complete. Meanwhile, the Transition to Nursing or second-degree option is for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees from an accredited college or university. It is an accelerated program requiring 64 credit hours which can be completed in as few as 14 months. An RN BSN program under the division of post-licensure nursing, is also offered for registered nurses who possess an associate degree and are interested to obtain a BSN degree.

Master of Science in Nursing - Several options are available for students seeking an MSN degree at IWU. Dual degrees both in Health Systems Leadership/Business Administration (Master's - MSN/MBA) and Nursing/Public Health (Master's - MSN/MPH) are offered. Students wanting to obtain non-dual MSN degrees can enroll in the Nursing Education, Health Systems Leadership, Primary Care Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, and Primary Care Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks instead.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - With minimal onsite requirements, this DNP Program is offered online. This advanced level of nursing program equips students for both personal and professional development. Available program tracks are Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Valparaiso University is a private independent Lutheran school located in Valparaiso. It received a university-wide accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and an approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing for its nursing programs. Moreover, its baccalaureate, master’s and DNP nursing programs are CCNE-accredited. The curriculum in its School of Nursing under the College of Nursing and Health Professions includes foundation in the liberal arts. In terms of student engagement, in-service travel opportunities are available in various countries abroad. The campus also has a chapter of the Student Nursing Association.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree - Several plans of study are offered at Valparaiso University for students seeking a BSN degree. Aside from the traditional four-year plan, an Accelerated BSN Program (ABSN) is also offered for transfer students or those with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. This ABSN can be completed in as few as 15 months, with a required 67 or more credit hours of study. Lastly, registered nurses wanting to obtain a BSN degree can do so through the online RN to BSN program. With 16-month completion, it is offered fully online, with no required on-campus visit.

Master of Science in Nursing - This MSN program is accredited by CCNE. Students can choose among these plans: MSN, RN to MSN, and DUAL MSN / MHA. The MSN plan is a 30-credit program. Meanwhile, the RN to MSN Plan is designed for registered nurses who possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing. This allows RNs to obtain both baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing. Lastly, the MSN/MHA is a 57-credit dual degree program. This allows the student to obtain both degrees in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA). Degree completion is approximately 18-24 months.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This terminal degree in nursing practice is accredited by CCNE. Baccalaureate- and master’s-prepared nurses can enter the program. The BSN to DNP program is offered in an asynchronous online format. Meanwhile, the Post-Master’s DNP is a hybrid program with classes conducted in evening hours mid-week.

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is located in Indianapolis.  They offer a BSN Traditional Track, an RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Option and a BSN Accelerated Second Degree Option.  Their programs are unique because they offer a welcoming ceremony to their new nursing students where friends and family can celebrate your achievement.