Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Indianapolis, IN

A career helping patients heal is its own reward. Due to rising demand, there’s never been a better time to enter the expanding field of nursing. Indianapolis, IN is home to several colleges that offer LPN to RN, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs geared toward entry-level workers.

LPN to RN Programs

Take control over your career and attract more employers when you complete a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) program in Indianapolis, Indiana. RNs can take on more impactful roles while earning higher wages and becoming more sought after by employers. By crediting them for approved coursework, FORTIS offers LPNs clearly delineated roadmaps to becoming Registered Nurses in less time.

ADN Programs

For individuals looking to get their feet wet in the area of nursing, the Associate Degree in Nursing can be a smart place to begin. Introducing students to both real world and theoretical aspects of nursing, the ADN is typically completed in less than 2 years. With small class sizes and a focus on individual learning, Tech Ivy Community College in Indianapolis, IN offers a disciplined ASN program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. It also offers direct educational pathways to BSN and even MSN options.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

By beginning your nursing vocation with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can command a higher salary from the start and earn more over the duration of your career. Hospitals generally prefer to hire registered nurses with BSNs, so they have an advantage when applying for jobs. Marian University in Indianapolis, IN offers an intensive, 16-month BSN program where students complete general education courses online and labs and clinical rotations in hands-on settings. The program prepared graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam and boasts an 89% pass rate.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

Indianapolis RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 IndianapolisIndiana
NCLEX-RN Students Total6943,895
NCLEX-RN Students Passed6153,410
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate88.6%87.5%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Indianapolis

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Indianapolis based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Indiana out of 47 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Chamberlain College of Nursing - Indianapolis - #6
  • Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis - #20
SchoolContact Information

Chamberlain College of Nursing - Indianapolis

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Indiana Program: #6 of 47
9100 Keystone Crossing
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 816-7335

Fortis College - Indianapolis

9001 N. Wesleyan Rd., Suite 101
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 808-4800

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

600 Barnhill Dr, NU 122
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 278-6148

Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis

50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 921-4800

Marian University

3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222
(317) 955-6159

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Indianapolis, IN

Bridge or accelerated programs were designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses. RN to BSN/MSN programs enable nurses to earn either a bachelor’s or master’s degree without having to take time away from work. This way, nurses can apply what they learn in the classroom right away and have an immediate impact at work.

RN to BSN Programs

An RN with an active license can add a proverbial feather to her nursing cap by completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With a focus on expediency, many RN to BSN pathways allow nurses to apply approved coursework toward the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Accredited Indiana Wesleyan University offers a blended online and hands-on program so working nurses can earn their degrees in a flexible format.

Find out more about Indiana RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Professional registered nurses can elevate their careers and take on greater patient duties by earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Chamberlain University in Indianapolis, IN offers a unique RN-BSN to MSN online option that allows qualified students to complete their BSN while earning their MSN. Students must choose one of five specialties early in the program. Upon completing the structured pathways, RNs can earn their MSN in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Find out more about Indiana RN to MSN Programs

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Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Degree Completion Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • Flexible online program
    • For working RNs
    • Indiana statewide accessibility
    • Distance-accessible learning
    • Career advancement opportunity
*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Indianapolis, IN

Experienced nurses seeking to take their career to the next level as nurse practitioners, administrators, or educators must enroll in advanced practice nursing degree programs. From specialized post-master’s certificate programs to master’s and even doctorate programs, Indianapolis, Indiana has several attractive options for seasoned nurses.

MSN Programs

Registered nurses who wish to move into leadership or advanced practice nursing roles can do so by completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in Indianapolis, IN. MSN programs can require students to select a specific career path though while others offer more traditional, supervisory-focused paths. The faith-based University of Indianapolis has five, career-focused areas including the state's only Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. Students study in a blended, online and on-campus format so they benefit from flexible study options.

Find out more about Indiana Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Designed for RNs who already hold a master’s degree, certificate programs allow nurses to specialize or advance their career in less time. These advanced practice nursing certificates are generally offered via a mix of online learning with hands-on clinical practice. Ball State University in Indiana offers the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate in a blended format so working nurses can move ahead more quickly in their nurse practitioner role.

Find out more about Indiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Upon entering doctoral programs, nurses in Indianapolis, IN are opting to take their careers to the highest possible levels. Nurses with a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can have an impact on patient care in the broadest terms. IUPUI offers a distance learning format for its Ph.D. program where graduates can become leaders, educators or researchers in their field.

Find out more about Indiana DNP Programs

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Indianapolis, IN

Butler University

  • Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • For master's/doctoral trained nurses
    • Requires active state nursing license
    • Flexible online learning format
    • No GRE required for admission
    • Personal statement required
    • English proficiency mandatory
    • TOEFL scores may be needed

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 credit hour hybrid program
    • 525 direct patient contact hours
    • Multiple certification exam options
    • Interprofessional clinical experiences
    • Post-master's certificate available
    • Advanced practice provider preparation
    • Diverse clinical setting training
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Adult-Gerontology specialization
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • One year RN experience needed
    • Multiple semester admission options
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Advanced pediatric clinical skills
    • 150-225 clinical hours
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • National certification eligible
    • Multiple practice setting opportunities
    • Evidence-based pediatric curriculum
  • Master's - Nursing Leadership in Health Systems

    Online Learning - Website

    • Ranked #11 in U.S. News & World Report 2024.
    • Offers part-time and full-time study plans.
    • Eligible for Nurse Executive certification.
    • Includes administrative practicum experience.
    • Tailored elective courses available.
    • Clinical experiences arranged in Indiana.
    • Covers leadership and organizational theory.
    • Focus on economics and decision-making.
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 credit hours.
    • 525 clinical hours.
    • Hybrid learning format.
    • Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification.
    • Interprofessional education approach.
    • Diverse clinical settings.
    • Post-master’s certificate available.
    • Focus on adult and geriatric care.
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Post-MSN Graduate Certificate
    • Offered by School of Nursing
    • Family Nurse Practitioner Focus
    • Located at IU Indianapolis
    • Advanced Nursing Specialization
  • Graduate Certificate - Teaching in Nursing Graduate Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • 17 credit-hour online certificate
    • Prepares for nurse educator roles
    • Fulfills CNE exam eligibility
    • Flexible for practicing nurses
    • Develops advanced teaching skills
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • State-of-the-art simulation training
    • Expert faculty-led instruction
    • High-acuity clinical experiences
    • National certification preparation
    • Small cohort learning environment
    • Advanced clinical skills training
    • Multiple clinical practice settings
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year full-time program
    • 1,035 total clinical hours
    • 750 direct patient care hours
    • Ages 13+ patient population
    • National certification eligible
    • Hybrid program format
    • Multiple healthcare settings
    • Advanced nursing practice
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year full-time hybrid program
    • 66 credit hours total
    • 1,005 clinical hours required
    • Five specialized NP tracks
    • State-of-the-art simulation training
    • Competitive tuition rates
    • Collaborative healthcare preparation
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year full-time program
    • 1,035 total clinical hours
    • 750 direct patient care hours
    • Nationally certifiable track
    • Multiple employment settings
    • Collaborative clinical learning
    • Evidence-based DNP project
    • Narrative-centered curriculum
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year full-time program
    • 1,035 total clinical hours
    • 750 direct patient care hours
    • ANCC certification eligible
    • Multiple healthcare setting options
    • Lifespan mental health focus
    • Interdisciplinary collaboration training
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year BSN-DNP program
    • 1,035 total clinical hours
    • 750 direct patient care hours
    • Multiple healthcare settings
    • Certification eligibility
    • Prescriptive authority qualification
    • Comprehensive pediatric focus
  • Doctorate - Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Advanced Clinical - Online Learning - Website

    • Distance-accessible learning format
    • Two and three-year plans
    • Advanced Clinical track focus
    • 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Professional leadership development
    • Flexible professional pathways
  • Doctorate - Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Distance-accessible format
    • Two- and three-year plans
    • Executive Leadership track
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • National accreditation standards
    • Annual August cohort start

Marian University

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 71 total credit hours
    • Hybrid learning format
    • 100% certification exam pass-rate
    • State-of-art simulation center
    • Accredited by HLC and CCNE
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
    • Expert faculty practitioners
    • Clinical immersion experience
*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.