Nursing Programs in Fort Wayne, IN

Last Updated On Feb 13, 2026

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Fort Wayne

Rankings help nursing students identify quality programs by comparing key metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Fort Wayne" rankings, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates to evaluate program effectiveness. For methodology details, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in Fort Wayne have shown consistent improvement over recent years.

2024: 91.25% pass rate with 1,583 students
2023: 90.38% pass rate with 1,490 students
2022: 86.11% pass rate with 1,439 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs demonstrate higher pass rates than Associate Degree in Nursing programs in the region.

BSN programs: 97.46% average pass rate with 159 students
ADN programs: 88.30% average pass rate with 94 students

Top Performing Schools

These institutions have maintained the highest average pass rates across multiple years with significant student populations.

Taylor University: 97.78% average pass rate with 92 students over 3 years
Indiana Wesleyan University: 92.74% average pass rate with 333 students over 3 years
Ivy Tech Community College-Marion: 88.87% average pass rate with 3,996 students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Smaller nursing programs tend to achieve higher pass rates compared to medium-sized programs in Fort Wayne.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 95.38% average pass rate with 65 students
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 93.60% average pass rate with 188 students

Biggest Improvements

Several schools have shown significant year-over-year improvement in their NCLEX pass rates.

Huntington University: 17.5% improvement (75% to 92.5%)
Indiana Wesleyan University: 10.6% improvement (88.3% to 98.9%)
Ivy Tech Community College-Marion: 4.7% improvement (85.85% to 90.55%)

Taylor University

Upland, IN - Private 4-year - taylor.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Taylor University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates Christian values with comprehensive nursing education, preparing students for high-demand healthcare roles. The campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning through state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences starting in 2025. With a strong foundation in sciences and liberal arts, students develop skills for compassionate care across various specialties. The curriculum includes dedicated NCLEX preparation, and admissions require a strong science background and commitment to service. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Taylor University has demonstrated strong NCLEX performance, with a 100% pass rate in 2024 among 25 students, following 97% in 2023 and 96.9% in 2022, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure.

BSN in Nursing
Campus program
Clinical cohort starts 2025
NCLEX preparation included
State-of-the-art simulation labs
Christian values integration
Hands-on learning approach
Diverse clinical experiences
Compassionate care focus
Science and faith combined

Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive, Christ-centered education that prepares students for diverse healthcare careers. This CCNE-accredited program combines rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology with hands-on clinical practice in a state-of-the-art simulation lab. With locked tuition rates and a holistic approach to patient care, the program requires a nursing GPA of 2.75 or higher for admission. The university's NCLEX pass rates have shown impressive improvement, reaching 98.9% in 2024 with 94 students, demonstrating strong preparation for licensure. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's program.

Accredited by CCNE.
Locked tuition rates.
Christ-centered learning environment.
Combines coursework and clinical practice.
Focus on holistic patient care.
Prepares for diverse nursing careers.
Requires nursing GPA of 2.75.
State-of-the-art simulation lab.
Expert faculty mentorship.
Comprehensive student support services.

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Fast Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Fast Track Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion offers an accelerated three-year pathway into nursing. This program combines intensive coursework in anatomy and pharmacology with clinical practice, all within a Christian learning environment. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75 and no entrance exam needed, students benefit from dedicated faculty mentorship and community-building events. The program's effectiveness is reflected in the university's strong NCLEX performance, including a 98.9% pass rate in 2024. This accelerated option provides efficient preparation for the growing nursing field while maintaining the university's faith-integrated approach to healthcare education.

Accelerated three-year program.
Combines coursework and clinical practice.
Prepares for NCLEX exam.
Christian university setting.
Minimum GPA of 2.75 required.
Focus on anatomy and pharmacology.
Dedicated faculty support.
Community-building events.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
Faith-integrated curriculum.

Bachelor's - BSN Transition to Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion's BSN Transition to Nursing program offers an accelerated 64-credit hour pathway for bachelor's degree holders seeking a nursing career. Priced at $822 per credit hour with financial aid available, this faith-integrated curriculum combines pharmacology and nutrition coursework with clinical experience and real-world simulations. No entrance exam is required, though applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree. The program's comprehensive preparation is evidenced by the university's excellent NCLEX outcomes, including a 98.9% pass rate in 2024. This transition program emphasizes spiritual growth alongside professional development, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles with experienced faculty support.

Accelerated BSN program.
64 credit hours required.
Faith-integrated curriculum.
$822 per credit hour.
Clinical experience included.
For bachelor's degree holders.
Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
Financial aid available.
Real-world simulations.
Experienced faculty.

Show 2 More Programs ˅

University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN - Private 4-year - sf.edu

Associate - Nursing (ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne's ADN program is a two-year, campus-based associate degree that does not require an entrance exam for admission. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN with a focus on hands-on learning in advanced facilities. NCLEX pass rates for the ADN program have shown improvement, reaching 96.7% in 2023. Accredited by ACEN, the program requires a grade of C or better in prerequisite courses like Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology. Rooted in Franciscan values, it offers small classes and expert faculty support, leading to a 100% career success rate for recent graduates and opportunities in diverse clinical settings.

Direct-admit Nursing ADN program
2-year associate degree
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
100% career success rate
Small classes, expert faculty
Hands-on learning facilities
C or better in Chemistry required
C or better in Anatomy & Physiology required
Median RN salary $86,070
ACEN accredited

Bachelor's - Nursing (BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne offers a campus-based BSN program that requires no entrance exam for admission. This direct-admit program spans four years and provides over 900 clinical hours, preparing students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN. Recent NCLEX pass rates for the BSN program are strong, with 97.9% in 2023 and 91.8% in 2024. Accredited by CCNE, the curriculum emphasizes holistic health and patient-centered care, supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and faculty who are active healthcare practitioners. Graduates benefit from high employment rates, often securing positions before completing their degree.

Direct-admit program
4 years duration
Over 900 clinical hours
High employment rate
Accredited by CCNE
State-of-the-art facilities
Expert faculty mentors
Prepares for RN licensure
Holistic health foundation
Patient-centered care focus

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Huntington University

Huntington, IN - Private 4-year - huntington.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Huntington University offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training. The curriculum emphasizes human anatomy, physiology, and chemistry to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates showing strong performance (100% in 2023, 92.5% in 2024). Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, completion of pre-nursing courses with a 'C' or better, and a satisfactory TEAS entrance exam score. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate and incorporates a Christ-centered approach to nursing education, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

100% job placement rate.
Rigorous NCLEX preparation.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
3.0 GPA requirement.
Satisfactory TEAS score needed.
Pre-nursing courses required.
Campus-based program.
Focus on human anatomy.
Physiology and chemistry courses.
Competitive admission process.

Manchester University

North Manchester, IN - Private 4-year - manchester.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Manchester University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive campus-based education at both North Manchester and Fort Wayne locations. This CCNE-accredited program begins nursing-specific coursework in the sophomore year, integrating hands-on clinical experiences and inter-professional healthcare training. Admission is competitive and requires meeting university entrance standards, which may include ACT or SAT exams. The program's structured approach prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles through rigorous academic and practical components.

Campus-based program
Starts nursing courses sophomore year
Hands-on clinical experience
Accredited by CCNE
Competitive admission
Access to two campuses
Inter-professional health care experiences
High-quality education

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Manchester University's Accelerated BSN program offers a 16-month full-time pathway for students with existing bachelor's degrees. This campus-based program achieves exceptional outcomes with 100% first-time NCLEX pass rates and 100% employment within two months of graduation. While no specific entrance exam is mentioned, the program's intensive curriculum and clinical training prepare graduates for immediate nursing practice. The Church of Brethren-affiliated institution provides a supportive environment for career-changers seeking efficient entry into the nursing profession.

16-month duration
Full-time program
100% NCLEX pass rate
100% employment rate
Campus-based learning
For degree holders
Comprehensive curriculum
High success rates

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2024.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Fort Wayne, IN

To start out as an RN, students in Fort Wayne have the option of entry-level programs including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs are designed for those who don't already hold a nursing license.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses are already experienced in providing patients with basic care and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. For LPNs who want to expand on these skills and become licensed as RNs, some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs that provide an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Ivy Tech Community College offers an LPN-to-ASN program that enables Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition smoothly to becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). This bridge program acknowledges the practical skills and knowledge LPNs bring and provides an accelerated pathway to RN licensure.

ADN Programs

The ADN program is the basic, entry-level route to becoming an RN. These programs take about two years to complete and are regularly offered at community and technical colleges in the city. Purdue University Fort Wayne offers a comprehensive Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The program's curriculum equips students with fundamental nursing skills and theoretical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the nursing workforce.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The 4-year baccalaureate nursing program has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years. With many employers requiring this type of nursing degree, some students choose to earn it as a "one and done" degree. The University of Saint Francis provides an Accelerated BSN program designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This program offers an expedited pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and instills essential nursing skills, clinical expertise, and leadership abilities.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Fort Wayne, IN

Those RNs who are licensed and have previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma can opt to further their careers with an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. These bridge programs offer the benefits of earning a higher degree in a shortened time span, taking into account the nursing education the RN has already completed.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. Many of these programs have the option to be completed online in order to accommodate working RNs. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne offers a flexible RN-to-BSN program tailored for working RNs. This program acknowledges the experience of Registered Nurses (RNs) and focuses on enhancing their knowledge base while earning a BSN degree.

Learn more about Indiana RN to BSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses wanting a more advanced option may decide to pursue an RN to MSN program. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically allow students to specialize in a niche area, such as pediatrics or women's health. Ball State University features an RN-to-MSN bridge program designed for RNs aspiring to advanced practice roles. This program streamlines the transition from RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), paving the way for roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Learn more about Indiana RN to MSN programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We provide a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help nurses advance their careers. The table below shows schools by city and state, with program highlights and links to each school's program page. You can easily compare options and find details that fit your goals. This resource supports your journey to higher education in nursing.

Angola, IN

Trine University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- $250 per credit hour
- Complete in 12 months
- CCNE Accredited Program
- No NCLEX requirement for admission
- Unrestricted RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA prerequisite
- 11 core nursing courses

Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN
- $250 per credit hour
- 12-month typical completion
- No NCLEX prerequisite
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- 11 core nursing courses
- Unrestricted RN license needed