ACNP Programs in Indiana (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
What does it take to be a top-notch acute care nurse practitioner in Indiana? You'll need the type of personality that can stay calm and focused in fast-paced situations where every second counts. You'll also need the proper training that one of the excellent ACNP programs in Indiana can provide. There are many rewarding aspects to an ACNP career in the Hoosier State. Acute care nurse practitioners make $134,010 annually, and their employment prospects are set to increase by 46 percent in the coming decade. Learn more by reading the list below of the best ACNP programs in Indiana.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN INDIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Indiana.)
1. Indiana University - Indianapolis
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN-to-DNP ACNP program in Indiana features a hybrid learning format that blends online learning with hands-on lab experiences on campus and precepted clinical hours. The program requires the completion of 66 credits. Clinical practicum experiences are coordinated by program faculty in collaboration with clinical partners throughout the state. Students complete a minimum of 1,005 clinical hours in high-acuity settings, including Level I trauma centers, critical care medicine, neurology, and internal medicine.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To apply for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and possess an active, unencumbered Indiana or Compact RN license.
Candidates must complete an IU graduate application and submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of their RN license, two professional references, and transcripts from each college or university they previously attended. A grade point average of at least 3.0 for your BSN degree is required. Additionally, candidates are required to have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as an RN in an Adult ICU, Emergency Department, or PCU.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program is an excellent option for nurses who have already completed a master’s degree or higher in nursing and wish to become certified in an additional specialty. At Indiana University, there is one post-graduate certificate option in acute care: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Admission to the program is once per year in the fall.
The number of credits required and the time to complete the certificate program vary based on the coursework completed in your previous degrees. Some students complete the program in as few as 16 months. After reviewing your previous transcripts, an individualized plan of study will be developed to ensure you meet the criteria for national certification.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, candidates must have a master’s or doctorate in nursing from an accredited nursing school and an active, unrestricted Indiana State or Compact State RN license. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their current RN license, contact information for two professional references, a resume, and transcripts reflecting a cumulative graduate nursing grade point average of 3.0 or higher. A minimum of 1,800 hours (one year) of work experience as a Registered Nurse in a relevant setting.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The Indiana University Training School for Nurses was established in 1914, marking a history of over 100 years in nursing education. Whether you want to earn a nursing certificate or a doctoral degree, the ACNP programs in Indiana at IU are excellent options!• The Indiana University School of Nursing was the first in the United States to be designated a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in two categories.
• Campus visits during your ACNP program will consist of hands-on learning experiences in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The labs feature cutting-edge technology, including high-fidelity mannequins and medical equipment designed to mimic real patient care settings and scenarios.
2. University of Southern Indiana - Evansville
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post MSN APRN Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post MSN APRN Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN program is available to students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and now seek to earn a master’s degree in nursing, specializing as an AGACNP. The program admits students three times each year. With 100% online coursework, you have the freedom to study and work on your degree as you are available.
The MSN Adult Gerontology ACNP program is a 42-credit pathway. The curriculum comprises general education courses, combined with clinical core and clinical specialty courses. The curriculum consists of classes, including Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology, and Management of the Acutely Ill Adult & Geriatric Patient. The program includes a total of 675 specialty clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program and a regionally accredited institution. Candidates must hold an unrestricted RN license and have a minimum of one year of full-time (2,000 hours) work experience as a registered nurse within the last five years. Applicants are required to submit an online application and provide transcripts from the institution where they earned their highest degree. A minimum cumulative baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 and completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better are required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program prepares students as experts in advanced nursing with a terminal practice degree and specialization in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. Students can choose to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis, graduating in either four or five years.
The program features course content that is offered exclusively online. The 78-credit curriculum is built upon the AACN Essentials. Students in the DNP program are required to complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. Clinical hours are completed through direct patient care and the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project (indirect clinical hours).
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program requires candidates to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned from an accredited institution and an active, unrestricted RN license. Applicants must complete an online application and submit a current professional resume or curriculum vitae, along with official transcripts from each educational institution previously attended. A minimum cumulative baccalaureate grade point average of 3.0 is required. Additionally, candidates must have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. One year of full-time (or 2,000 hours) work experience as an RN within the previous five years is recommended.
Post MSN APRN Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree and you wish to add the Adult Gerontology ACNP specialty, the Post MSN APRN Certificate program is an excellent option. This ACNP program in Indiana admits students once each year in the fall. Coursework is delivered exclusively online with no campus visits required.
To earn the Certificate, students must complete a total of 24 credits, including clinical core courses. If you have completed clinical core courses previously, you may be eligible to receive up to nine transfer credits, which could reduce the total number of credits required. The program includes 675 clinical hours. Program faculty collaborate with you to identify preceptors and clinical sites in or near your home, when possible.
Post MSN APRN Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post MSN APRN Certificate program, applicants must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from a regionally and nationally accredited college/university. Candidates must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Applicants with 2,000 hours or one year of full-time clinical work experience as a registered nurse are preferred. In addition to submitting an online application and application fee, prospective students are required to submit official transcripts and a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The ACNP program at the University of Indiana is led by award-winning faculty with advanced nursing degrees and extensive clinical backgrounds.• According to Student and Program Outcome records, graduates of the University of Southern Indiana Adult Gerontology ACNP program perform exceptionally well on national certification exams. Published results on the school’s page reflect a 100% pass rate for the past nine years on both ANCC and AACN certification exams!
• At the University of Southern Indiana, student support is a priority. When you pursue your degree through one of the ACNP programs, you will have a personal academic advisor as well as access to counseling, tutoring, professional mentoring, and career readiness coaching.
• The ACNP program at the University of Southern Indiana features low faculty-to-student ratios, which foster supportive relationships between faculty and students, ultimately improving student outcomes.
3. Saint Mary’s College - Notre Dame
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program is designed in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with campus-based clinical immersions once per term. Face-to-face clinical practicums provide students with valuable experience in adult and gerontology acute care.
The Adult Gerontology ACNP program features an 84-credit curriculum. Some classes in the plan of study include Nursing Informatics & Data-Driven Decision Making, Advanced Clinical Care for Adults & Older Adults, Advanced Clinical Studies: Population-Based Mental Healthcare Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning. The program also includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum.
MSN Admission Requirements:BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Saint Mary’s must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Applicants are required to complete an online application and submit a Personal Statement, three letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all previous collegiate work. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate coursework and completion of a recent statistics course are required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Graduates of the ACNP program at Saint Mary’s College consistently have high pass rates on national certification exams. The pass rate on certification exams is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a school, as it reflects the program’s effectiveness and the level of preparation students receive for their chosen roles.• The faculty of the Saint Mary’s ACNP program comprises experienced clinicians and educators. With decades of combined experience, they bring unique insights into nursing and patient care. Their dedication to the program and the nursing profession is instrumental in promoting student success.
• As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to seek schools and programs with a good reputation and high rankings. Finding reputable sources of information is important. For example, Saint Mary’s College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top school in several categories, including Best Value Schools, Best Nursing School (Doctor of Nursing Practice), and Top Performers on Social Mobility.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN INDIANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN INDIANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.68 |
| Weekly | $1,787 |
| Monthly | $7,740 |
| Annual | $92,930 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN INDIANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.68 | $1,787 | $7,740 | $92,930 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.55 | $2,022 | $8,760 | $105,150 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.68 | $2,387 | $10,340 | $124,130 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.46 | $2,658 | $11,520 | $138,240 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.42 | $3,177 | $13,770 | $165,190 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA?
| Hourly | $60.73 |
| Weekly | $2,429 |
| Monthly | $10,530 |
| Annual | $126,320 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF INDIANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bloomington | $60.78 | $2,431 | $10,540 | $126,420 |
| Elkhart-Goshen | $59.33 | $2,373 | $10,280 | $123,410 |
| Evansville | $56.52 | $2,261 | $9,800 | $117,570 |
| Fort Wayne | $61.93 | $2,477 | $10,730 | $128,810 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson | $61.54 | $2,462 | $10,670 | $128,000 |
| Kokomo | $57.42 | $2,297 | $9,950 | $119,440 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | $57.85 | $2,314 | $10,030 | $120,320 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | $59.63 | $2,385 | $10,340 | $124,040 |
| Muncie | $61.58 | $2,463 | $10,670 | $128,090 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | $60.13 | $2,405 | $10,420 | $125,080 |
| Terre Haute | $58.41 | $2,336 | $10,120 | $121,490 |
ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Indiana ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $126,320 | $131,620 | -$5,300 | -4.03% |
ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$39,160 | -23.66% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$25,970 | -17.05% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$22,620 | -15.19% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$22,240 | -14.97% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$22,160 | -14.92% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$21,200 | -14.37% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$19,990 | -13.66% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$14,000 | -9.98% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$13,780 | -9.84% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$11,980 | -8.66% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$11,810 | -8.55% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$10,390 | -7.60% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$9,520 | -7.01% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$9,470 | -6.97% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$7,980 | -5.94% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$7,690 | -5.74% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$7,600 | -5.68% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$6,860 | -5.15% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$5,140 | -3.91% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$4,790 | -3.65% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$4,610 | -3.52% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$4,550 | -3.48% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$4,230 | -3.24% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$3,670 | -2.82% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$2,920 | -2.26% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$2,850 | -2.21% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$1,360 | -1.07% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$1,260 | -0.99% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$1,040 | -0.82% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$250 | -0.20% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$390 | +0.31% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$460 | +0.37% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$1,360 | +1.09% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$1,680 | +1.35% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$1,770 | +1.42% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$2,220 | +1.79% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$2,390 | +1.93% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$2,510 | +2.03% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$2,700 | +2.18% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$3,690 | +3.01% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$4,140 | +3.39% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$4,760 | +3.92% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$5,970 | +4.96% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$6,530 | +5.45% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$6,800 | +5.69% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$10,110 | +8.70% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$10,150 | +8.74% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$13,260 | +11.73% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$13,620 | +12.09% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$20,070 | +18.89% |
ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN INDIANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $207,180 | -$80,860 | -39.03% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $126,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $120,090 | +$6,230 | +5.19% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,700 | +$43,620 | +52.74% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $79,620 | +$46,700 | +58.65% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $59,460 | +$66,860 | +112.45% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,660 | +$88,660 | +235.42% |
ACNP SALARY IN INDIANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN INDIANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $200,000 | -$73,680 | -36.84% |
| Podiatrist | $163,400 | -$37,080 | -22.69% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,120 | -$4,800 | -3.66% |
| Pharmacist | $130,600 | -$4,280 | -3.28% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $126,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $124,120 | +$2,200 | +1.77% |
| Optometrist | $117,600 | +$8,720 | +7.41% |
| Physical Therapist | $96,760 | +$29,560 | +30.55% |
| Chiropractor | $90,610 | +$35,710 | +39.41% |
| Audiologist | $89,950 | +$36,370 | +40.43% |
| Radiation Therapist | $89,680 | +$36,640 | +40.86% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,700 | +$37,620 | +42.41% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $85,700 | +$40,620 | +47.40% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,800 | +$43,520 | +52.56% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Indiana?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Indiana?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Indiana?
| $60.73 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Indiana?
| $2,429 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Indiana?
| $10,530 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Indiana?
| $126,320 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Indiana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.80% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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