Best Nursing Schools in Indiana

Taylor University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program blends rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training at Parkview Health facilities. Students build skills in pediatrics, mental health, critical care, and community health, preparing for diverse nursing roles. The curriculum integrates NCLEX preparation and includes courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing leadership. Clinical experiences start early, with direct patient care in hospitals and community settings. International missions trips to Ecuador and Costa Rica offer cross-cultural healthcare exposure. Distinctively faith-based, the program emphasizes compassionate, Christ-centered care. State-of-the-art simulation labs provide safe practice environments. Graduates are equipped for careers as registered nurses in medical-surgical, pediatric, trauma, and missionary nursing.

• Indiana State Board of Nursing accredited
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Clinical partnership with Parkview Health
• International nursing missions opportunities
• Faith-based Christ-centered program
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• NCLEX prep integrated throughout
• Hands-on training in modern facilities
• Direct patient care during BSN

The University of Evansville's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a blend of natural, behavioral, and social sciences. Students gain hands-on clinical experience guided by dedicated faculty mentors, developing real-world skills and confidence. The program is direct-entry for qualified high school students and also welcomes transfer students. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enjoy a 100% employment or graduate school placement rate within six months. The curriculum emphasizes immersive learning, with opportunities like studying abroad at Harlaxton in England. Accreditation by ACEN and the Indiana State Board of Nursing ensures high standards. Whether you're a high school senior or a transfer student, this BSN program offers a supportive community and a clear path to becoming a registered nurse.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Indiana State Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: ACT, SAT, TEAS
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Direct entry for qualified students
• 100% employed or in grad school
• ATI TEAS test alternative
• Study abroad at Harlaxton England
• Transfer students with 2.75 GPA

Embark on a transformative nursing journey at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, a premier institution offering a comprehensive Diploma-BSN Cooperative Nursing Program. Designed to equip aspiring nurses with exceptional skills, this program boasts an impressive 94% first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate. Students benefit from a concept-based curriculum that develops critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and professional accountability. With flexible study plans ranging from 2-4 years, the program accommodates diverse student needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

• 120 semester credit program
• Cooperative with University of Saint Francis
• Multiple curriculum plan options
• Concept-based learning approach
• 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Small class sizes
• Christian Franciscan learning environment
• Online general education courses
• Nursing courses in Lafayette, IN

Bethel University's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year, on-campus program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences. Students train in updated high-fidelity simulation labs and a cadaver lab, applying their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. Bethel's nursing program is accredited by ACEN and boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate, ranking #1 in Indiana and the U.S. Graduates are equipped for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health, with job placements at top organizations like Mayo Clinic. The program emphasizes holistic, faith-based care and offers unique opportunities for medical mission trips. With a strong support system, including dedicated faculty and nursing scholarships, Bethel's ADN program provides a solid foundation for a thriving nursing career.

• ACEN accredited
• 2-Year program
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Updated high-fidelity simulation labs
• Cadaver lab for A&P classes
• Top NCLEX pass rates in Indiana
• Top NCLEX pass rates in the U.S.

Bethel University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year, campus-based program designed to prepare students for registered nursing careers. The curriculum blends classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences that begin sophomore year—three full years of clinicals. High-fidelity simulation labs and a cadaver lab provide realistic practice. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate (2023-2024) and ACEN accreditation, graduates are well-prepared for roles as RNs, travel nurses, or pediatric nurses. Bethel's faith-based approach emphasizes holistic, compassionate care, and students can participate in medical mission trips. Scholarships are available.

• ACEN accredited
• 4-Year program
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Three years of clinicals
• High-fidelity simulation labs
• Cadaver lab available
• Medical mission trip opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Southern Indiana prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. The program covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and leadership. You'll learn from expert faculty in small classes, with a focus on clinical competency. Graduates are ready for roles in hospitals, community health, and advanced practice. The curriculum integrates current standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. USI's BSN is accredited by the CCNE and the Indiana State Board of Nursing, ensuring a high-quality education. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing from an RN, the program offers a supportive path to becoming a healthcare leader.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Accredited by Indiana State Board of Nursing
• Smaller class sizes
• Mentoring with expert faculty

Purdue's four-year, direct-admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing program immerses you in hands-on learning from day one. You'll train in the Nursing Center for Education and Simulation with advanced manikins that respond to treatments, then apply skills in real-world clinical settings at over 200 partner agencies, including hospitals, clinics, and the on-campus Family Health Clinic. The curriculum blends science, critical thinking, and compassionate care, preparing you for roles in emergency rooms, community health, global health, and more. Learn from award-winning faculty with diverse specialties. Graduates achieve a 96% NCLEX pass rate, an average starting salary of $64,851, and a 98.3% successful career outcome rate.

• 4-Year program
• 96% licensure pass rate
• 98% job placement rate
• $64,851 average starting salary
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Direct-admit from high school
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Clinical partnerships with 200+ agencies
• Family Health Clinic on campus
• Award-winning faculty

Indiana Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a pre-licensure program on the Marion campus. The curriculum blends coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology with hands-on clinical practice. You'll train in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and gain real-world experience through site visits. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX and RN licensure, with career paths in hospitals, private practices, and eldercare. IWU's Christ-centered environment integrates faith into learning, while locked-in tuition and scholarship support ease financial worries. Experienced faculty mentor you through every step, including a Plan for Academic Student Success to keep you on track.

• Locked tuition rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• State-of-the-art simulation lab
• Real clinical settings through site visits
• Experienced faculty mentors
• Lower than average student debt

Indiana Wesleyan University's Fast Track Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an accelerated on-campus program designed to prepare you for a rewarding nursing career in just three years. The curriculum blends rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology with hands-on clinical practice, including virtual reality and SIM lab experiences. You'll learn to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care from faculty who prioritize your spiritual, academic, and personal growth. With a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate among recent graduates, the program equips you for roles in hospitals, outpatient settings, community health, and eldercare. Immerse yourself in a supportive Christian community that offers transcultural experiences abroad and lifelong connections.

• 3-Year program
• Complete in as little as three years
• 30 total credit hours
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prepares for NCLEX
• 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate
• Accelerated three-year program
• Faith-integrated Christian curriculum
• Virtual reality and SIM Lab

Indiana Wesleyan University's BSN Transition to Nursing is an accelerated, on-campus program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. This pre-licensure track builds on your previous education to prepare you for a nursing career quickly. You'll take 64 credit hours of coursework covering pharmacology, nutrition, adult health, leadership, and more. Clinical experiences in real healthcare settings give you hands-on practice. The curriculum integrates Christian faith, equipping you to serve with compassion. Graduates are ready to pursue RN licensure and work in diverse areas like emergency care, pediatrics, ICU, and public health. With expert faculty, a supportive campus community, and financial aid options, IWU helps you transition into nursing with confidence.

• Designed for second-degree students
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• Experienced nursing faculty
• Center for Student Success support
• Wide range of nursing careers
• Pre-licensure BSN program
• Clinical experience included
• Practice-oriented coursework

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Saint Mary's College prepares students to become compassionate, skilled nurses grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The curriculum emphasizes relationship-centered care, combining rigorous nursing classes with clinical instruction in state-of-the-art simulation labs at the Center for Healthcare Education. Students gain hands-on experience in small clinical groups of eight at local hospitals and community sites. Unique opportunities include studying abroad in Cyprus, Puerto Rico, Uganda, or New Zealand without delaying graduation. A dedicated communication course enhances patient interaction skills. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, schools, and beyond. Many alumnae work at top institutions like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, or advance to graduate programs including Saint Mary's own DNP. With a 95.2% NCLEX pass rate and top rankings in Indiana, the program offers a strong foundation for lifelong nursing success.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 91% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• New state-of-the-art simulation labs
• 95.2% NCLEX pass rate
• Study abroad opportunities
• Top 3 nursing program in Indiana
• Small clinical groups of 8
• Community clinical placements

Ball State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares you for a rewarding career in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community clinics. The curriculum blends rigorous lecture material with practical clinical experience, including work in state-of-the-art simulation labs and real-world rotations across east-central Indiana. You'll gain skills in medical-surgical, psychiatric, pediatric, and community health nursing, culminating in a unique critical care course. The program offers four concentrations to fit your timeline: a traditional four-year track, a three-year accelerated option, a 19-month second-degree pathway, and an LPN-to-BSN bridge. With a strong NCLEX-RN pass rate and faculty who are active practitioners, you'll be well-prepared for licensure and graduate study. On-campus learning provides hands-on training in a supportive, student-focused environment.

• 4 concentration options
• 94% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Faculty active in nursing practice
• Clinical placements across east-central Indiana
• Specialty classes in psychiatric, pediatric, community health
• Unique critical care course in final semester

Ball State University's LPN to BS concentration offers licensed practical nurses a streamlined pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program accepts previously earned science and general studies credits, reducing time to degree. Individualized academic advising helps you design a plan that fits your background. The curriculum blends lecture with hands-on clinical experience, including specialty courses in psychiatric, pediatric, and community health nursing. You'll capstone your studies with a unique critical care course. State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical placements across east-central Indiana prepare you for real-world practice. Graduates consistently achieve high NCLEX-RN pass rates, with 94% in 2024. Career options include hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and graduate study. Experienced faculty and ROTC scholarship opportunities further support your success.

• 4 concentration options
• 94% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Military benefits accepted
• Scholarships available
• Use previously earned credits
• Individualized academic advising
• High-fidelity simulation labs
• Clinical experiences across east-central Indiana
• Critical care course in final semester

The Entry-Level BSN at Indiana University-South Bend is a four-year, campus-based program. The first two years cover prerequisite general education and basic science courses. The following two years focus on clinical nursing curriculum. Students must meet competitive admission requirements, including a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a science GPA of 2.7. The program starts in fall and spring, totaling 120 credit hours. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Coursework emphasizes patient care, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making. Transfer students can apply through a clinical transfer process. The program also offers a pre-nursing track for incoming students. With a combination of academic rigor and hands-on training, this BSN provides a solid foundation for nursing practice.

• 4-Year program
• 120 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Competitive admission process
• Clinical transfer application available
• One-time readmission option

The RN-BSN program at Indiana University South Bend is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career. The curriculum builds on your existing nursing knowledge, focusing on health and wellness, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. You'll develop skills in care coordination, leadership, and health policy, preparing you for roles in diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and the use of technology in patient care. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this BSN pathway serves as a foundation for graduate study. Whether you aim to move into management, community health, or specialized clinical roles, the RN-BSN offers a flexible, career-enhancing opportunity.

• CCNE accredited
• Designed for returning RNs
• Serves as basis for graduate study
• Curriculum focuses on health and wellness
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Develops accountable leaders and managers
• Innovations in information management and technology
• Culturally, ethically, and legally competent graduates