Nursing Programs in South Bend, IN
South Bend, Indiana, stands as a nucleus of healthcare education, offering a myriad of nursing programs that cater to a diverse range of educational goals and professional ambitions. From aspiring nurses embarking on their journey to seasoned practitioners looking to advance their careers, the city provides an array of programs to meet various needs. Here, we explore the spectrum of nursing programs available in South Bend, categorized for clarity.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
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
South Bend RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| South Bend | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 261 | 3,895 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 218 | 3,410 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 83.5% | 87.5% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in South Bend
Listed below are the top nursing schools in South Bend based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Indiana out of 48 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Bethel University - #5
- Goshen College - #18
- Indiana University - South Bend - #4
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Ancilla College
| 9601 Union Rd Plymouth, IN 46563 (574) 936-8898 |
Bethel University
| 1001 Bethel Cir Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 807-7000 |
Goshen College
| 1700 S Main St Goshen, IN 46526 (800) 348-7422 |
Indiana University - South Bend
| 1700 W Mishawaka Ave South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 520-4872 |
Ivy Tech Community College - South Bend
| 220 Dean Johnson Blvd South Bend, IN 46601 (888) 489-5463 |
St. Mary's College
| Le Mans Hall, 149 Notre Dame , IN 46556 (574) 284-4000 |
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.
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Bethel University
| 1001 Bethel Circle Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 807-7000 |
Goshen College
| 1700 South Main Street Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 535-7375 |
Indiana University (South Bend)
| 1700 Mishawaka Avenue South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 520-5511 |
Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis | 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr Indianapolis, IN (888) 489-5463 |
Ivy Tech Community College - Terre Haute | 8000 Education Dr Terre Haute, IN (812) 299-1121 |
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Bend, IN
For nurses looking to enter advanced practice as nurse practitioners, South Bend schools have a number of options. From MSN degrees to post-graduate certificates to doctoral nursing programs, RNs have a variety of available pathways depending on their goals.
MSN Programs
The traditional graduate pathway can be found at most universities in the area. In around two years of study, students are well-equipped to work in a number of nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. The University of Notre Dame offers an MSN program with specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner. This program equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills, preparing them for specialized roles within the healthcare landscape.
Learn more about Indiana Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates are designed for RNs who have completed a master's program and don't want to complete an additional master's or DNP program to change specialties. These certificates take just one to two years to finish. Goshen College offers post-master's nursing certificates for experienced nurses seeking to further specialize their expertise. These certificates enhance professional skills and provide avenues to explore new facets of nursing practice.
Learn more about Indiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP and Ph.D. Programs
The terminal degree options for nurses are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees. While the DNP degree is mainly focused on clinical practice, the Ph.D. degree is geared toward academia and research. Purdue University Northwest offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurses seeking the pinnacle of clinical mastery and leadership. DNP programs emphasize advanced practice skills and innovative healthcare approaches.
Learn more about Indiana DNP Programs.
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Saint Mary's CollegeDNP Programs | Le Mans Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 284-4000 |