6 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Indiana – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for ADN-educated nurses in Indiana? Enrolling in one of the RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana will help you qualify for a range of exciting, fulfilling nursing positions that are currently closed to you. With an MSN, you can provide evidence-based care as a nurse practitioner, demonstrate decision-making skills as a nurse administrator, or design curricula as a nurse educator. Graduates of RN-to-MSN programs make good money in the Hoosier State, too: $118,010 a year on average. Isn’t it time to begin thinking about your future? Start today by reading this list of the 6 best RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN INDIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 6 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Indiana (Online & Campus).)1. Ball State University - Muncie
Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Family Nurse Practitioner
The RN to MSN in nursing education and nursing administration tracks require completion of 36 credits, whereas, the family health track comprises a total of 47 credits.
Regardless of the specialization you choose, you’ll first start with bridge courses, after which you’ll take the MSN core, followed by courses within your chosen specialization. Upon completion of this program, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Ball State University RN-to-MSN student, you must have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Also, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a copy of your RN license, and a resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Ball State University RN-to-MSN Students
• Ball State University’s RN-to-MSN program is nationally acclaimed. The program not only ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best programs but is also recognized for excellence in nursing education by the National League of Nursing Center of Excellence.• Ball State University’s RN-to-MSN program is committed to high-quality teaching and therefore implements the ‘Quality Matters’ plan to review the curriculum at every step.
• Ball State University RN-to-MSN students are taught by expert faculty members, comprising scholars and experienced practitioners.
2. Valparaiso University - Valparaiso
Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator
The program requires you to complete the graduate nursing courses after completing the undergraduate nursing courses in global health issues, public health nursing, and management & leadership strategies for professional nursing practice.
The graduate nursing courses cover topics such as advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, organizational & systems leadership, research methods, evaluation in nursing education, and leadership in nursing education.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Valparaiso University RN-to-MSN program, you must foremost have an active and unencumbered RN license in Indiana. Also, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Other admission requirements of this RN-to-MSN program in Indiana include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Valparaiso University RN-to-MSN Students
• Valparaiso University RN-to-MSN students can explore international learning opportunities in countries such as Costa Rica, Thailand, China, and Ireland.• Valparaiso University’s RN to MSN program reports an excellent placement rate. Almost all RN to MSN graduates find suitable placements soon after graduation.
• Valparaiso University’s RN-to-MSN program is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
3. University of Saint Francis - Fort Wayne
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
The RN to MSN-FNP program starts with foundational courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Further, the core MSN courses cover topics such as healthcare policy & advocacy, advanced nursing research, leadership in nursing, nursing informatics, quality & safety, and advanced health promotion & disease prevention. In addition, the FNP coursework prepares you for various areas of primary care, including pediatrics, women’s health, and geriatrics. This RN-to-MSN program in Indiana also includes clinical experiences in a real-world healthcare setting.
Admission Requirements: If you are interested to apply for the Saint Francis RN-to-MSN program, you must foremost be a registered nurse with an active RN license. Also, you must have an ADN or diploma in nursing from an accredited college. Besides, your GPA must be at least 3.0.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Saint Francis RN-to-MSN Students
• University of Saint Francis RN-to-MSN program takes pride in its 100% placement rate. Program graduates are placed at prominent healthcare centers, including St. Vincent Health, Parkview Health, Mercy Health Ohio, and Marion General Hospital.• University of Saint Francis RN-to-MSN students complete their training through flexible online coursework, visiting the campus only for intensives. The on-campus intensives allow for in-person interaction with faculty and peers while honing clinical skills in a state-of-art simulation lab.
• University of Saint Francis RN-to-MSN students can take elective courses from the school’s other popular programs, including the MBA degree, MHA, MOL, or Master of Art in Education. By taking these courses, RN to MSN students will be able to expand their nursing role in areas of healthcare leadership, administration, business, or education.
4. Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems Leadership, and Nursing Education
The RN to MSN program in family health, comprising 68 credits requires around 41 months to graduate. On the other hand, the health systems leadership track is 53-credit coursework that takes 36 months to complete. If you choose nursing education as your area of focus, you’ll complete 58 to 60 credits over 36 months.
Some of the common core courses in this RN-to-MSN program in Indiana include topics such as foundations for professional practice, transcultural healthcare, population health, ethics & health policy, evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and nursing research. The specialty-specific courses build on the graduate core and prepare you for the certification exam within your chosen specialization.
Admission Requirements: Admission into Indiana Wesleyan University’s RN-to-MSN program requires applicants to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Also, a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. In addition, applicants must have an active and unencumbered RN license in Indiana. Besides, to fulfill the admission requirements, submission of official transcripts and recommendation letters is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Indiana Wesleyan University RN-to-MSN Students
• Indiana Wesleyan University RN-to-MSN students complete the entire coursework online and clinical experiences can be completed within their geographical location.• Indiana Wesleyan University RN-to-MSN students can apply for financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, loans, grants, and veteran benefits.
• Indiana Wesleyan University RN-to-MSN students are taught by dedicated faculty who bring their real-world practice experience to the RN-to-MSN classroom.
• Indiana Wesleyan University’s RN-to-MSN program integrates biblical courses to provide students with a Christian perspective on patient care.
5. Western Governors University - Indianapolis
Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership & Management, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Education
Most students complete this RN to MSN program within 42 months. However, because the program is competency-based, allowing you to quickly move through what you already know, you may be able to graduate sooner than you think.
Regardless of the specialization, the program comprises BSN courses, MSN courses, and specialty-specific courses. Initially, students complete the BSN courses, after which a BSN is conferred. Thereafter students complete the graduate-level coursework. The graduate core courses cover topics such as the essentials of advanced nursing roles & interprofessional practice, advanced pathopharmacological foundations, and advanced health assessment. If you opt for the nursing leadership track, you’ll focus on leadership & management concepts, whereas nursing informatics trains you to use technological tools to improve health outcomes. On the other hand, nursing education prepares you for faculty roles where you will be prepared to influence the future nursing workforce.
Admission Requirements: Western Governors University’s RN to MSN program requires applicants to possess an active RN license in their state of employment. Also, to qualify, having an ADN or nursing diploma with a GPA of at least is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Western Governors University RN-to-MSN Students
• Western Governors University’s RN-to-MSN program is one of the most affordable online RN-to-MSN programs in Indiana. Aside from this, the school offers a flat tuition rate per six-month term.• Western Governors University RN-to-MSN students enjoy the utmost flexibility in terms of scheduling. Students can take classes from anywhere and at any time.
• Western Governors University RN-to-MSN graduates become part of the school’s large alumni network of healthcare professionals. The robust alumni network helps build professional connections across the globe.
6. American College of Education - Indianapolis
Specialties Offered: Nurse Administration and Nurse Educator
The RN to MSN program, regardless of the specialization, requires the completion of 55 credits. The program starts with 30 credits in BSN courses, covering topics such as health assessment, research methods, health promotion, nursing informatics, and community health & vulnerable populations.
Thereafter, the graduate courses must be completed in advanced nursing research, nursing leadership, quality improvement & safety, and patient-centered care.
The nursing administration track emphasizes the management of financial resources, leadership & management theory in nursing, and the knowledge of the healthcare environment. On the other hand, the nurse educator focus includes classes in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, curriculum development, and the foundations of teaching & learning.
Admission Requirements: American College of Education RN-to-MSN programs is open to registered nurses who have an ADN or a diploma in nursing. Further, to qualify for this RN-to-MSN program in Indiana, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. and an RN license which is active and unencumbered in the U.S.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential American College of Education RN-to-MSN Students
• American College of Education’s RN-to-MSN program is affordable and at the same time of high quality. In addition, employees of partner healthcare organizations may be eligible for a special tuition rate.• American College of Education RN-to-MSN program offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and study format. Students can log in at their convenient times and take classes from anywhere. Also, the program offers robust support 27/7 to help students achieve their goals.
• American College of Education RN-to-MSN students also earn a BSN, along with an MSN.
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