Indiana RN to BSN Programs

The majority of registered nurses (RNs) in Indiana have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), and the ones who don't are increasingly opting to go back to school to complete this versatile degree. Those wanting more varied nursing career options and higher pay are finding a BSN degree to be a must in the industry, and because of this, many schools are offering an RN to BSN bridge program designed specifically for busy working RNs.

Admissions Requirements for Indiana RN to BSN Programs

Due to its popularity, admission into an RN to BSN program can be competitive. It's critical to know your school of choice's requirements and be sure you meet (or better yet, exceed) them. Requirements may include:

• An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an ACEN accredited school
• Must have active, unrestricted RN licensure
• Must have CPR certification and all required immunizations

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Along with some general education requirements, students in an RN to BSN program will take nursing courses as well as electives. Indiana State University's program offers the following nursing courses:

• NURS 300: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
• NURS 304: Comprehensive Health Assessment for Nursing Practice
• NURS 322: Research/Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice
• NURS 444: Community Health Nursing
• NURS 486: Professional Nursing Synthesis

Online RN to BSN Programs in Indiana

For students in need of maximum learning flexibility, an online RN to BSN program is the preferred route. These programs offer the same accredited nursing education as their in-person counterparts, but allows students to complete courses from home in their own time. Busy, employed RNs tend to appreciate this option as it allows them to complete their degree while continuing to work.

Featured Online School

Indiana University offers an RN to BSN online degree completion option out of all 8 of their statewide campuses. This program uses web-based and video technologies to make distance education accessible to all enrolled students, while allowing Indiana residents to pay in-state tuition. The program aims to match students' experience and career goals with tailored practicums.

Admissions and Program Length

The flexible nature of most RN to BSN programs means that the length of time it takes to earn the degree is highly dependent on how quickly a student gets through the coursework. Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 months once general education requirements are out of the way. However, some students like to stretch this out to 18 or 24 months, depending on how busy their schedules are. Many programs are offered year-round, with Fall, Spring, and even Summer semester start times available.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

There are many affordable options in the state for both online and in-person RN to BSN programs. For example, tuition for the program at Indiana Wesleyan University is estimated to be approximately $443 per credit hour. This does not include additional fees or extras like textbooks and other course materials. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans' benefits, and even employer reimbursement.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

As the healthcare industry pushes for higher nursing education for nurses in the workforce, most RNs will be happy to learn that completing an RN to BSN program will lead to a higher salary. Beyond this, it can lead to specialty nursing jobs in hospice care, pediatrics, and more, and it can result in more leadership opportunities.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Indiana

Registered nursing wages can vary dramatically. What type of facility you provide nursing care in, what your specialty is, and what city you practice in can all make a difference in salary. As an example, Payscale states that RNs in Indianapolis, IN make between $45,107 and $74,977 annually. Nurses who want to earn toward the top of that range will undoubtedly need to hold a BSN or higher to get there.

RN to BSN Programs

Indiana BSN nurses can earn around about $30,000 - $35,000 per year more than their ADN counterparts. The degree of a BSN gives candidates more career advancement opportunities that include management/leadership roles, educator positions, specialty specific opportunities, etc. The advantages of having a degree are worth the time and money spent when you look at the infinite opportunities that can come. There are about 20 programs offered in the state that are looking to provide the opportunity to reach your potential of earning your BSN.