10 Best RN to BSN Programs in Indiana (Online & Campus) – 2024 Rankings

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

An RN to BSN program in Indiana is perfect for you if you are currently working as or licensed as an RN but want to improve your salary and career prospects. Numerous employers across the state have turned to hiring more baccalaureate-educated RNs due to several studies demonstrating better overall patient outcomes. You can earn your BSN degree online, on campus, or with a combination of both options. Here, we have reviewed 23 of these programs being offered throughout the state. We have provided you with a list of the 10 best CCNE or ACEN accredited programs that will help you make better decisions regarding your RN to BSN education.

Online RN to BSN Programs in Indiana: What You Need to Know?

There are several things to consider when choosing an online RN to BSN degree in IN. The program should be flexible enough to fit your schedule, offer you the courses that will help you achieve your career goals, and give you credit for previous coursework as well as your experience.

ACEN/CCNE Accredited & Approved by Indiana State Board of Nursing: The program you choose should be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and it should also be approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing. This accreditation and approval help to ensure a quality education, and more employers than ever before require it for this reason.

Coursework: The courses you will take vary based upon the credits you still need to earn, the school you choose, and even the electives you choose. In Indiana, certain core nursing RN to BSN courses are considered requirements. Among these are courses that focus on advanced nursing, leadership and management, community and population care, informatics and more.

Sample Courses

Health Assessment for Registered Nurses, Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice, Care Coordination in Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Informatics, Population Health and Professional Nursing Practice, Application of Evidence-Based Practice, Population-Focused Care for Registered Nurses, Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Organizations, and Clinical Synthesis

Clinical Training: Clinical training requires hands-on experience in a medical facility under direct supervision of a licensed RN or doctor. Some schools in Indiana may require you to participate in unpaid clinicals, but others may allow you to fulfill these requirements through your current employer or through online simulations.

Program Length: Online RN to BSN education in IN can vary a great deal in terms of length. If you enroll full-time, you can often complete it in about a year. If you enroll part-time, you may be given three years or more to complete it at your own pace.

Common Admission Requirements: Admission requirements will vary, but you will need to show proof that you have an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. Aside from this, it may help to look at the University of Southern Indiana, which offers one of the best programs in the state. Here, you will need:

• Completion of diploma or associate degree nursing program accredited both nationally and regionally with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3;
• An RN license without any restrictions;
• Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities; and
• Proof of employment in or access to a healthcare facility that allows for the completion of course projects designed to provide clinical experience.

What are the 10 Best Accredited RN to BSN Programs in Indiana for 2024?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 10 best RN-to-BSN programs in Indiana (Online & Campus).)

1) University of Southern Indiana, Evansville

Type: Online

Program Overview: University of Southern Indiana focuses on evidence based nursing education, preparing nurse leaders that either go on to pursue this fulfilling profession or take on further studies. Its RN to BSN program offers all its courses online. If you are a working nurse or someone with family responsibilities, the flexibility this course offers can greatly work for you. With multiple start dates, you can enter the program whenever you are ready. Classes are offered in eight-week terms, so you can choose to take one or two courses per term and complete the program at a pace comfortable to you.

Key Highlights

• If you are currently not employed, you must complete a clinical practicum at a healthcare facility within your own community. For those employed as a nurse, you can complete the practicum at your own workplace.
• There is no upper limit to the number of courses you can transfer from your past education. You can work closely with your academic counselor and transfer maximum number of credits, thereby cutting short on study time and tuition costs.

2) Ball State University, Muncie

Type: Online

Program Overview: Ball State University has earned the reputation of being a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, which goes to indicate the high quality of nursing education it provides. It offers one of the most affordable and employment ready nursing programs. The RN to BSN, is a 100% online program that can be completed in either one or two years, depending on the schedule you choose. You will expand on the knowledge acquired during your ADN, by completing a coursework that mainly focuses on critical thinking and decision-making skills by integrating nursing science with liberal arts and humanities.

Key Highlights

• Full-time students can complete this program in three semesters, by taking two nursing courses each semester. Part-time students can take one course per semester and complete this program in six semesters.
• You will complete a clinical practicum of 180 hours and gain extensive hands-on experience. This can be done at your current workplace as well, in case you are already employed.

3) Valparaiso University, Valparaiso

Type: Hybrid

Program Overview: Valparaiso University’s nursing school celebrates 50 years of student-centric nursing education. One of the most comprehensive RN to BSN courses in Indiana; it offers the best of online and on-campus learning with its hybrid program. It is offered in a cohort format, so you move through it with the support of peers, eventually helping you build connections and a professional network. You will complete 30 nursing credits to earn your BSN. The curriculum includes courses in transition to professional nursing, global health issues, nursing leadership and management, nursing research and public health nursing.

Key Highlights

• With the hybrid program, you can access on-campus facilities and resources such as tutoring, group study opportunities and access to books, all this while you enjoy the flexibility of taking some courses online.
• Participation in Student Nursing Association can be an added advantage that you can benefit from and develop leadership and professional skills.

4) Purdue University Northwest, Hammond

Type: Online

Program Overview: Ranked amongst the top colleges in the nation by U.S. News, Purdue continues to offer a personalized education plan that suits the specific needs of working students. This online RN to BSN is ideally designed for those with a nursing associate degree and currently working as a registered nurse. By completing this program, you will greatly enhance professional knowledge and skills by developing critical thinking, evidence-based nursing practice and a patient centric approach. This helps you to provide holistic patient care in a dynamic healthcare environment. There are 12 BSN courses to be completed, each being five weeks in length. Towards completion of the program you will complete a five-week capstone in professional nursing, at the end of which an evidence-based project must be presented to peers and faculty.

Key Highlights

• You will take only one BSN course per five-week term, except for two courses in professional ethics and nursing leadership and management, which you will complete concurrently. This means during this particular five-week term you will require allotting a little more time as you will complete two courses instead of one.
• Upon graduation, a wide array of employment opportunities open up such as nurse case manger, nursing informatics specialist, school nurse, geriatric nurse and a research nurse, to name a few.

5) Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

Type: Online, Hybrid & Campus

Program Overview: Indiana Wesleyan University is private, non-profit Christian university founded in 1920. One of the most flexible paths to enhance career prospects in nursing, this RN to BSN education in Indiana can suit the academic needs of almost every student. With seven entry dates and three options to choose from (100% online, hybrid and 100% on-campus), you can start and complete this program as per your convenience. What’s more, hybrid and on-campus classes are offered at various locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. By completing one course at a time you can complete this program in 15 months. While online students are not required to visit the campus, they are welcome to use the resources of the school whenever they want.

Key Highlights

• The college may provide a global travel course option as part of this program. This one of a kind opportunity will greatly help in developing culture relevance and nursing care for a diverse population.
• All three options require completing a capstone in nursing leadership and management.

6) Marian University- Indiana, Indianapolis

Type: Online

Program Overview: Located just ten minutes from the vibrant downtown of Indianapolis, the Marian campus can be a lure to visit even for an online student. Its RN to BSN program is a collaborative effort between Leighton School of Nursing and Marian Adult Programs. Marian brings together the best faculty from both these institutions to provide an enriching learning experience. As an RN, this program will help broaden your nursing skills in just 12 months. You can enter whenever you are ready as this program has multiple start dates. Being 100% online you can carry on with personal as well as work commitments, while you work towards advancing your education. Communication skills, critical thinking, leadership and management and evidence-based patient care are some of the areas you will gain expertise in with this integrated curriculum.

Key Highlights

• Out of the total 128 hours required for graduation, at least 30 credits must be completed in BSN courses through Marian University.
• Being a Catholic university, you will be trained in holistic nursing, rooted in ethics and values.

7) Indiana University Northwest, Gary

Type: Online

Program Overview: IU Northwest School of Nursing, armed with a highly qualified faculty and collaborative partnerships provide for a solid grounding in nursing. If you are looking at strengthening your foothold in nursing or even considering further studies, pursuing a BSN degree can add significant value to your profile as a vital member of the healthcare team. This online RN to BSN program in the Hoosier State takes your nursing associate or diploma to the next level by broadening knowledge base in nursing, humanities and sciences and making you competent in providing care for individuals across all ages. The core nursing coursework is offered in a six-week format and mainly focuses on health promotion and restoration, disease prevention, and management of chronically and acutely ill patients. You can choose to complete this program in 12 months or slower the pace and take two years to accommodate a busy life.

Key Highlights

• The college allows you to design your own capstone experience.
• You can access online classes 24/7 and even complete assignments at your convenient time. This works well for busy individuals who are unable to adhere to academic deadlines.

8) Indiana State University, Terre Haute

Type: Online

Program Overview: Indiana State University has been around since 1865. It strives to transform lives with its excellent healthcare education. A placement rate of 94% is reflective of the employment ready training it provides. Preparing you with professional nursing skills, healthcare informatics, nursing research, nursing leadership and community health, this RN to BSN is a 100% online program that requires completion of 27 core nursing credits. To graduate you must earn a minimum of ‘C’ in all the eight BSN courses.

Key Highlights

• You can hone your professional and leadership skills by actively participating in associations and organizations such as Student Nurses Association and Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.
• The college recommends, that you consult an academic counselor to develop an individualized study plan best suited for your curriculum needs.

9) Indiana University Kokomo, Kokomo

Type: Online & Hybrid

Program Overview: Indiana University, with small sized classes, a dedicated faculty and state-of-art facilities prepares students to take the big leap towards professional nursing. You can build on your RN degree by pursuing this RN to BSN program that is offered in an online as well as a hybrid format. For those working full-time, an online format works better as no campus visits are required. Moreover, you can complete the core courses in a convenient eight-week terms, taking either, one or two classes each term. The hybrid program on the other hand, requires weekly campus visits and completion of some courses online. You can complete this program in as little as 12 months.

Key Highlights

• You can plan the mandatory clinical practice experience as per your needs, based on your past work experience and future career goals. This way you get the most out of this experience.
• Out of the total 120 credits required, up to 84 can be transferred towards your BSN, substantially cutting short on study time and costs.
• You must earn a minimum of 36 core BSN credits in order to graduate.

10) University of Saint Francis- Indiana, Fort Wayne

Type: Online

Program Overview: University of Saint Francis-Indiana offers nursing education that creates a workforce of dedicated, caring and compassionate nurses. Its 100% online RN to BSN program facilitates distance education with innovative technology, a dedicated success coach, tutoring service and one-on-one mentoring, all this done from the comfort of your home. With three entry dates and eight-week sessions, you can start and complete the program as per your convenience. The 39-credit core BSN curriculum includes courses in application of nursing concepts, community nursing, evidence-based nursing practice, nursing informatics and professional communication.

Key Highlights

• After you successfully complete the program, you will be prepared to work as an emergency room nurse, school surgical nurse, psychiatric nurse or a nurse in a leadership position.
• You will complete a practicum in nursing leadership and culminate it with an evidence-based project within a reputed healthcare organization. This hands-on experience will give you a deeper understanding of newly acquired nursing concepts.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT RN TO BSN PROGRAMS IN INDIANA

Latest on Indiana’s Push for 80 Percent BSN

Indiana has taken great strides in its effort to educate 80% of its RNs at the BSN level by 2020. This is in direct response to a challenge from the Institute of Medicine, which urges nurses in all 50 states to pursue this higher level of education. Doing so results in better patient outcomes overall, and it also gives IN nurses access to new career opportunities in leadership, management, research, and even education.

As of 2017, 46.2% of all licensed RNs in Indiana had a BSN education as compared to 37.2% with associate degrees and 3.7% with diplomas. Indiana still has a long way to go, but this information from the 2017 Indiana Nursing Licensure Survey Data Report shows that the state is moving in the right direction. Schools across the state have received grants to make RN to BSN programs more affordable, and thanks to the addition of online programs that RNs can complete on their own time, these programs are also more accessible than ever before.

Options to Fund Your RN to BSN in Indiana

Although the state government has worked hard to reduce the cost associated with earning a bachelor’s degree in the nursing field, the costs can still be overwhelming for many working nurses. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.

Grants: You may be able to obtain grants at both the federal and state level by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicating the schools of your choice. The Federal Pell Grant, for example, is awarded based on financial need, and depending on your specific needs, you may also qualify for others.

Loans: The FAFSA may also help you qualify for federal student loans, but unlike grants, these must be repaid over time. To learn more about loans, including those that are federally-backed, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website. You may also choose to take out private loans from your bank or credit union to pay for your education.

Scholarships: Thousands of scholarship opportunities exist for nursing students in Indiana, and many of these are offered by the individual colleges themselves. They may range from a small amount of money to a full year’s tuition, and you can apply for more than one to cover your costs. For example, the Indiana Nursing Scholarship Fund is available to students who demonstrate financial need, and the Indiana Legion Auxiliary Past Presidents Parley Nursing Scholarship is also available to those who qualify.

Employer Assistance Programs: Finally, many employers across IN offer different types of assistance for employees who are interested in furthering their education. You may be able to get tuition reimbursement assistance as a benefit, or in some cases, your employer may for your degree in exchange for your agreement to work for them for a specific period of time. You may be asked to work in a location with an underserved population in IN or in rural areas that need access to better healthcare.

6 Advantages of Pursuing an RN to BSN in Indiana

Furthering your education can provide you with a sense of satisfaction and pride, but there are other advantages for you to consider, as well.

1. Expand Your Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : The courses you will take as you earn your RN to BSN degree will provide you with a new set of skills and abilities that will allow you to provide better patient care. You will be able to help more people, and you will also be able to take on more tasks and responsibilities. This additional knowledge and skillset can lead to many other career advantages throughout the state of Indiana, as well.

2. Salary Bump: Now that you have new skills and abilities, you will be able to take on more responsibility. This is often rewarded with a handsome bump in your salary. In fact, RNs in Indiana who have not yet earned BSN degrees earn an average of $67,800 each year. After completing their degrees, however, they earn $77,800 a year – a difference of $10,000. This is a significant salary bump and one that can make a huge difference throughout your working life.

Indiana
Before RN To BSN	After RN to BSN	How Much More Will I Earn
$67,800	$77,800	+$10,000
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

3. More Job Openings: Because BSN-educated RNs are in such high demand, you will find that there are far more job openings in a variety of settings after completing your RN to BSN degree in IN. Across the state, there are roughly 1,210 new jobs available to RNs with ADN degrees each year. However, once those RNs earn their BSN degrees, that number climbs to 2,180 job openings a year – often in lucrative settings, too.

Indiana Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement)
Annual Openings for BSN Graduates	2,180
Annual Openings for ADN Graduates	1,210
(Source: Compiled using data from careeronestop.org)

4. The Outlook is Brighter for a BSN Graduate: Earning your BSN degree in Indiana gives you a significant advantage in terms of your overall job outlook, too. Between 2020 and 2030, it is estimated that the employment of ADN-educated RNs will grow by 5.96%. However, the employment of BSN-educated RNs will climb 8.84% throughout Indiana, representing a tremendous improvement in your overall job outlook. This increase is driven by data that shows how RNs with BSN degrees help to provide far better patient outcomes, and it is expected to continue well into the future.

10 Year (2020-2030) Job Outlook
	Employment		New Job Growth
	2020	2030	Number	%
BSN	34,970	38,060	3,090	8.84%
ADN	19,960	21,150	1,190	5.96%
(Source: Compiled using data from careeronestop.org)

5. Career Advancement: If you are interested in furthering your career, a BSN degree is a great way to do so. Once you complete this level of education, you can become a charge nurse, director of nursing, or nurse supervisor, and you can be considered for numerous other leadership opportunities. You may also go into research, or you might choose to teach in one of the numerous community colleges across Indiana that provides RNs with associate degrees. These opportunities may even come with a bigger boost to your salary.

Advancement Opportunities
Charge Nurse	Director of Nursing
Chief Nursing Officer	Nurse Educator
Clinical Nurse Specialist	Nurse Manager
Clinical Research Nurse	Nurse Supervisor

6. Post-RN to BSN Study Options: A BSN degree also opens the door to other study opportunities, including a master’s or doctoral degree. You can earn your MSN in roughly two years, become a certified nurse midwife or nurse practitioner, and earn a salary ranging from $92,340 to $131,120 a year. If you go back to school for another four to six years, you could earn your DNP or PhD and work as a nursing professor, an advanced practice registered nurse, a researcher, and more. With this degree, your salary would climb to anywhere from $92,340 to $153,080 a year.





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