Best 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.

2020 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Indiana

With many healthcare employers requiring BSN degrees these days, many RNs are looking to upgrade their education. Schools are increasingly offering online RN to BSN bridge program options to meet this growing demand. Choosing the right program can make all the difference in a student's success. That's why we have ranked Indiana's top online RN to BSN programs. Take a look at our list below to find the perfect online bridge program, and you'll be on your way to a bachelor's degree in no time.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest offers an affordable online RN to BSN program that costs under $10,000. The program, designed for ADN-educated nurses, can be completed in just 16 months of flexible online study. The curriculum includes interactive core courses in Professional Ethics, Pathophysiology, Nursing Research, and much more. Graduates are well prepared to meet the increasing demand for BSN-educated nurses.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• A few grad programs offered online
• RNs can transfer in up to 86 credits

^#2

Indiana University (Kokomo)

Kokomo, IN

Indiana University's Kokomo location is part of a consortium of campuses throughout the state that offers RN to BSN completion through two tracks: online and hybrid. Both paths are designed to offer experiential learning from experienced faculty. The online degree track requires students to complete general education coursework prior to beginning the program. Courses can be completed in 12 - 24 months. The hybrid track requires students to complete all nursing specific coursework in 12 months. Students attend class one night a week for half of the program and every other week for the remaining half of the program.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Students can earn up to 15 credits for prior learning through portfolio review
• Rolling admission for the online pathway

^#3

Indiana University (East)

Richmond, IN

Indiana University's East campus is part of a consortium of campuses throughout the state offering RN to BSN completion programs. The RN to BSN Mobility Option can be completed online in 12, 18, or 24 months (depending on full-time or part-time study). This flexible program allows enrollees to complete their coursework anytime, anywhere, and is sensitive to the needs of working students and their employers. The clinical practicum portion of the program is matched to the student's goals and interests for a truly tailored experience.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Program has a 93% average retention rate
• Program entry in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters

^#4

Goshen College

Goshen, IN

Goshen College offers a distinctive online RN to BSN program catered to busy ADN-educated RNs. The flexible programs allow nurses to stay employed full-time if they wish, with clinical hours often arranged in the student's place of employment. This 18-month program requires 38 credits to complete, and over 50% of students receive job promotions or offers before the culmination of the RN to BSN program.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Some grad programs offered online
• Fall and Spring online program start dates
• Online program is asynchronous, with no mandatory log-in times

^#5

Indiana University (South Bend)

South Bend, IN

The online RN to BSN program at Indiana University's South Bend campus is part of a consortium of RN to BSN completion programs across the state. The program offers a creative curriculum geared towards meeting the current and future healthcare needs of society. The program is available for students who wish to complete the BSN degree requirements in one year by studying full-time online. Students who take the part-time route will complete the program in two years. New cohorts begin three times a year: January, May, and August. Graduates leave with the ability to become accountable leaders and managers who work to promote quality care.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Students can apply anytime for entry in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
• Applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA from their ADN or diploma program

Indiana University RN to BSN Degree Completion Consortium

The Indiana University RN to BSN Degree Completion Consortium is comprised of 9 schools throughout the state of Indiana that offer the same online RN to BSN Completion program. The program can be completed fully online in 12, 18, or 24 months (depending on full-time or part-time study), and allows enrollees to complete their coursework anytime, anywhere, and is sensitive to the needs of working students and their employers. The clinical practicum portion of the program is matched to the student's goals and interests for a truly tailored experience. Students apply through a central location at Indiana University's Office of Online Education and are then assigned to one of the 9 campuses (as a home campus), which is closest to their residence for customized academic advising. These campuses include:

• Bloomington
• Columbus
• East
• Fort Wayne
• Kokomo
• Indianapolis
• Northwest
• South Bend
• Southeast

Tuition/fees, general education requirements, and a streamlined admissions process provide a seamless experience for students wishing to obtain a BSN degree from the prestigious Indiana University, which is known for its outstanding nursing programs. The BSN sets the stage for leadership in nursing practice and a solid background for graduate degrees in health care.

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 $47,494 and $76,860 annually. Nurses who want to earn toward the top of that range will undoubtedly need to hold a BSN or higher to get there.

2021 List of RN to BSN Programs in Indiana

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Indianapolis RN to BSN Programs

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