Nursing Programs in South Bend, IN

Last Updated On Feb 13, 2026

Expert Verified: Mallory Connor, MSN, RN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in South Bend

Rankings help students evaluate nursing programs by providing objective data comparisons. Registerednursing.org is creating the rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in South Bend, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria to ensure transparency and reliability. For more details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in South Bend have shown improvement over recent years, with fluctuations in student numbers.

2024: 94.87% average pass rate with 117 students
2023: 92.02% average pass rate with 113 students
2022: 76.15% average pass rate with 147 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs demonstrate higher pass rates compared to Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in this region.

BSN: 98.06% average pass rate with 103 students
ADN: 71.43% average pass rate with 14 students

Top Performing Schools

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

Bethel University: 94.43% average pass rate with 126 students over 3 years
Saint Mary's College: 91.65% average pass rate with 144 students over 3 years
Goshen College: 86.13% average pass rate with 65 students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size correlates with pass rate performance, with medium-sized programs showing particularly strong results.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 90.91% average pass rate with 66 students
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 100% average pass rate with 51 students

Consistently High Performing Schools

These schools have maintained excellence with average pass rates above 90% across multiple years of data.

Bethel University: 94.43% average pass rate with 126 students over 3 years
Saint Mary's College: 91.65% average pass rate with 144 students over 3 years

Bethel University

Mishawaka, IN - Private 4-year - betheluniversity.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethel University's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year campus-based program designed to prepare students for careers as registered nurses. It combines classroom learning with clinical experiences, featuring high-fidelity simulation labs and a cadaver lab for anatomy and physiology. With a focus on holistic care and spiritual formation, the program has maintained a 100% NCLEX pass rate for ADN graduates in 2023 and 2024. Accredited by ACEN, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam and provides financial aid and scholarships to support students.

2-year program
High-fidelity simulation labs
Cadaver lab included
100% NCLEX pass rate
ACEN accredited
Clinical experiences
Spiritual formation focus
Financial aid available
Scholarships for nurses
Holistic care approach

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethel University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a four-year campus-based curriculum that integrates classroom instruction with clinical experiences beginning in the sophomore year. The program emphasizes hands-on training through high-fidelity simulation labs and a cadaver lab, alongside spiritual formation for holistic, faith-based care. It has achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates in both 2023 and 2024. Accredited by ACEN, the program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission and offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students.

Four-year BSN program
Starts clinicals sophomore year
100% NCLEX pass rate
High-fidelity simulation labs
Cadaver lab available
Faith-based holistic care
Accredited by ACEN
Financial aid options
Scholarships available
Campus-based program

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN - Private 4-year - saintmarys.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that requires ACT or SAT scores for admission. This Roman Catholic institution provides a liberal arts education with a focus on compassionate, relationship-centered care. Students train in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility with ultra-realistic clinical environments and small clinical groups. The program is accredited by CCNE and includes study abroad opportunities to enhance global perspectives. NCLEX-RN pass rates have shown significant improvement, reaching 100% in 2024, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles in hospitals, community organizations, and advanced studies.

Campus-based BSN program
High NCLEX-RN pass rate
State-of-the-art training facility
Study abroad opportunities
Small clinical groups
Liberal arts education
Accredited by CCNE
Hands-on clinical experience
Compassionate care focus
Prepares for diverse healthcare roles

Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN - Public 4-Year - southbend.iu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana University-South Bend's campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires two years of prerequisite courses and two years of clinical nursing training, with competitive fall and spring admissions. Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and science GPA of 2.70, and the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 97.7% of 45 students passing in 2024, up from 93.1% in 2023 and 79.6% in 2022. The 120-credit-hour curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experience for aspiring registered nurses.

Campus-based program
Two years prerequisites
Two years clinical
Fall and spring admission
Minimum 2.50 GPA
Minimum 2.70 science GPA
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Competitive admission
Hands-on clinical experience
120 credit hours total

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana University-South Bend's online RN-BSN program offers flexibility for registered nurses seeking career advancement, focusing on critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication in healthcare settings. Admission requires an RN license, and the curriculum emphasizes health, wellness, and patient care coordination while aligning with professional nursing standards. This program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare environments without requiring entrance exams, making it ideal for working professionals looking to enhance their qualifications and impact in modern nursing practice.

Online program flexibility.
For registered nurses.
Focuses on critical thinking.
Cultural sensitivity training.
Effective communication skills.
Health and wellness emphasis.
Patient care coordination.
Prepares for diverse environments.
Aligns with nursing standards.
Requires RN license for admission.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Goshen College

Goshen, IN - Private 4-year - goshen.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Goshen College offers Indiana's oldest BSN program, distinguished by its holistic approach and emphasis on cultural diversity in nursing care. This campus-based program prepares students through rigorous academics and clinical experiences at top healthcare facilities, with a focus on compassionate, culturally sensitive patient services. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates has shown strong performance, reaching 91.3% in 2023 and maintaining 90% in 2024, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure. The Mennonite-affiliated institution's commitment to cross-cultural awareness and high graduate employment rates makes it a notable choice for aspiring nurses.

Oldest BSN program in Indiana.
Focus on holistic care.
Emphasis on cultural diversity.
High graduate employment rate.
Clinical experiences at top facilities.
Compassionate, culturally sensitive care.
Rigorous curriculum.
Experienced faculty.
Prepares for various nursing careers.

*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in South Bend, IN

To start out as an RN, students in South Bend 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 a dynamic LPN-to-ASN bridge program, facilitating Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in their transition to becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the expertise LPNs bring and offers an accelerated path 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. Indiana University South Bend features an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program designed to equip students with fundamental nursing knowledge and skills. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their nursing careers.

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 from the very start. Saint Mary's College provides an Accelerated BSN program tailored for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. This program offers an expedited route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and focuses on comprehensive nursing training, clinical proficiency, and leadership development.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in South Bend, 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 South Bend offers a flexible RN-to-BSN program designed to accommodate the schedules of working Registered Nurses (RNs). This program acknowledges the experience of RNs and enhances their skills 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. Bethel University features an RN-to-MSN bridge program tailored for RNs aspiring to advanced practice roles. This program streamlines the transition from RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), preparing nurses for specialized positions 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 you advance your nursing career. This table shows schools by city and state, highlights key program features, and includes links to each school's program page. Explore these options to find the right fit for your education and professional goals.