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 47 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Bethel University - #5
- Goshen College - #17
- 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.
Mishawaka, IN
Bethel University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- Ranked #7 nationally
- 120 total credit hours
- $250 per credit hour
- Up to 90 transfer credits
- Accelerated 7-week classes
- 100% nursing student placement
- ACEN accredited program
South Bend, IN
Indiana University-South Bend
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-BSN Consortium program
- 120 total credit hours required
- 53 credit hours general education
- 33 credit hours nursing courses
- 35 special credits for prior nursing
- Prepares for advanced nursing careers
- Flexible learning format
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.
Mishawaka, IN
Bethel University
- Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN Nurse Educator track
- 33-34 total credit hours
- 2-year completion time
- $510 per credit hour
- ACEN accredited program
- Prepare for CNE certification
- 186-hour teaching practicum
- Up to 6 transfer credits
- Master's - MSN
Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN with Nurse Administrator track
- 33-34 total credit hours
- $510 per credit hour
- 2-year completion time
- Up to 6 transfer credits
- ACEN accredited program
- Practicum in administration
- 100% job placement rate
Notre Dame, IN
Saint Mary's College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Specialized acute care training
- Flexible learning options
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and campus program
- 780 clinical practice hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Optional geriatric neuropsychiatry focus
- Career growth potential
- Cutting-edge simulation labs
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Geriatric Neuropsychiatry - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/in-person program
- Geriatric neuropsychiatry concentration
- 780 clinical training hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Nationwide career opportunities
- Quarterly campus immersion
- Career services for life
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Primarily online DNP program
- 2-3 classes per term
- CCNE accredited program
- Two dynamic track options
- Social entrepreneurship emphasis
- Data analytics curriculum
- Flexible course scheduling
- Professional licensure preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/campus program
- 780 clinical training hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Optional geriatric neuropsychiatry focus
- 38% job growth projection
- Campus lab simulation experiences
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
South Bend, IN
Indiana University-South Bend
- Master's - Nursing Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/in-person format
- 300 practicum hours
- Advanced nursing management
- Flexible learning options
- Multiple healthcare employment paths
- CCNE accredited program
- Six-semester completion timeline
- BSN with 2.8 GPA required
- Master's - Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 75% online coursework
- 300 practicum hours
- Six semester completion
- Nursing faculty preparation
- BSN 2.8 GPA requirement
- Rolling admissions
- Fall/Spring start options
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four program track options
- Over 80% online curriculum
- 600 clinical hours for FNP
- CCNE accredited program
- BSN GPA requirement 2.8
- 6-7 semester completion
- Nationally recognized certification
- Flexible learning format
- Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester completion.
- 600 clinical hours included.
- Year-round graduate program.
- MSN degree required.
- Flexible credit hour requirements.
- Diverse family practice settings.
- Faculty and preceptor guidance.
- Enhances career prospects.