[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Through academic institutions, such as Purdue, Indiana, and Valparaiso, the Hoosier state is well-known for its excellence in education. With high NCLEX pass rates, a below-average cost of living, and a healthy job outlook, earning your nursing education in Indiana can be a great decision for anyone looking to begin or advance their career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores how to become a nurse in Indiana, expected salary and job outlook, and an examination of the best nursing programs in the state. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Indiana.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in Indiana and examine which programs in the state provide the best options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Indiana, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When deciding between nursing programs in Indiana, applicants should consider several factors. Researching the characteristics of each program can help determine if it is right for you and your professional or personal goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Exploring tuition, program length, and financial aid opportunities can help narrow options. Reviewing the institution’s success in preparing its students, as determined by NCLEX pass rates and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation[/hen-ui-link], can also provide insight into program quality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nursing students can appreciate Indiana’s low cost of living coupled with its lower-than-average tuition costs when compared to the surrounding states. Indiana’s academic institutions also effectively prepare nursing students for the field, as 87.7% of test-takers pass the NCLEX-RN in their first attempt.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”] nursing compact state[/hen-ui-link], Indiana, along with 36 other states, has agreed to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. As part of the compact, it is easier for nurses to qualify for a license in Indiana with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license also do not have to pay license renewal fees and can provide telehealth care to patients across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Indiana registered nurses (RNs) earn an average salary of $67,490, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Indiana fare better, bringing in an average salary of $109,940.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]The BLS[/hen-ui-link] also projects that employment for RNs in Indiana could increase by 12.4% from 2018-2028, while the projected growth for nurse practitioners (NPs) is 29.4%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest paying cities in Indiana are often located in the more densely populated areas of the state. Outside of the capital, Indianapolis, cities in the north and west provide the highest salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Indiana[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Michigan City-La Porte[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,840[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Kokomo[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lafayette-West Lafayette[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,180[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]South Bend-Mishawaka[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$65,100[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS, 2020[hen-ui-article-card title=”Salary in Indiana” href=”/state/indiana/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After deciding to become a nurse in Indiana, prospective students can choose a nursing specialty to further determine the right program for their needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether deciding to become an RN or an APRN, students must graduate from a program approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for a state license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning their license, APRNs must satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their status and continue working as a nurse in the state. Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Indiana RN BSN Programs + Online Options” href=”/state/indiana/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Indiana RN to MSN Programs” href=”/state/indiana/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Indiana?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed RN in Indiana, nurses must either earn an ADN or a BSN. ADN programs for full-time students typically take two years to complete, whereas a full-time BSN program takes four years. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who wish to earn a nursing degree can enroll in an accelerated program, which typically takes less than two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the top employment settings for nurses in Indiana?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the[hen-ui-link href=”https://ic4n.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Infographic-2019-Bowen-Center-Nurse-Licensure-data.pdf” target=”_blank”] Indiana Center for Nursing[/hen-ui-link], the top three workplace settings for RNs include hospitals (55.9%), outpatient clinics (14.6%), and long-term care facilities (7%); the top settings for APRNs include outpatient clinics (47.9%), hospitals (28.9%), and long-term care facilities (5%).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How often do you have to renew your nursing license in Indiana?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs need to renew their license on 10/31 of every odd-numbered year regardless of when it was acquired. Currently, APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education, with eight of those hours focusing on pharmacology. RNs are not required to complete continuing education hours at this time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the hourly salary for nurses in Indiana?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2020, the median hourly salary for RNs in Indiana was $31.25, whereas NPs earned $52.62 per hour, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]