Becoming an RN in Indiana

An Indiana resident becomes a nurse by completing an Indiana State Board of Nursing approved education program and taking NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The program may be approved by either Indiana State Board of Nursing or the board of nursing in another state. Some accredited Indiana programs are at the ADN, or associate’s level, others at the BSN, or baccalaureate level.

The foundation is a solid background in academics and particularly in the sciences. Students generally take prerequisite courses before admission to the clinical program. Often, strong performance in these classes is a requirement for admission. The clinical program progresses from theory to practice and includes mental health, pediatrics, and obstetrics as well as basic medical/ surgical nursing. Baccalaureate programs include coursework in more advanced nursing concepts like community health and offer preparation for leadership roles.

After program completion, a candidate will need to pass the NCLEX examination. Although states set their own policies, this exam is standard around the nation. If someone has already held an RN license in another state, they may apply for licensing by endorsement instead. Any nursing license that has been held in any state must be listed on the application.

Registered Nursing Education Pathways

Those who already have a degree in another field can fast track their nursing education. The accelerated BSN program can often be completed in a year to a year-and-a-half of intensive year-round study, though some programs do take longer. Actual program length depends on which prerequisites a student completed while earning the first baccalaureate. Advanced placement may offer a chance to get some prerequisites out of the way. Indiana State University, for example, accepts some CLEP and Dantes credits. Students with a military background often opt for the Dantes exam.

Licensed practical nurses are also on a fast track for RN completion. If you have the aptitude and the dedication, Indiana will make the process convenient. You may choose to complete either an ADN or a BSN degree program. Some options are available online. Indiana State University, in fact, draws degree completion students from around the nation to complete the online LPN to BSN program they offer.

Registered Nursing Career Outlook in Indiana

There is good news on the horizon for Indiana’s prospective nurses. At a 2011 summit, the following figures were shared. The years 2008 to 2018 were expected to see 48% increase in demand for RNs in physician’s office settings and 33% increase in home health. Hospitals meanwhile were expected to see 17% growth.

Hiring in the years 2008 to 2011 has been somewhat reduced due to recession. Even though nursing care is a need not a luxury, hiring is subject to short term economic conditions. Often this occurs when a nurse’s spouse is laid off or earns less than the needed amount; nurses choose to return to the workforce, increase the number of shifts that they work, and sometimes delay retirement. Even so, hiring has been good for well-educated nursing graduates. In 2010, the AACN released a research brief detailing how graduates of BSN and entry-level MN programs were doing with securing employment. College deans were surveyed about the students who had graduated during the previous two years. 70% of Indiana’s new BSN and master’s nurses had job offers at graduation. The figure rose to 96% four to six months later.

The Pre-Licensure Nursing Application Process

Nationwide, nursing schools are having a difficult time finding enough qualified faculty or expanding quickly enough to meet demand. According to a 2010 report, Indiana’s nursing schools are operating at above their stated capacity. Still, some candidates who meet basic requirements are being turned away. How can one improve their chances?

Recognize that even associate’s level programs can be competitive. The Harrison College ADN program considers essay, recommendations, and TEAS test scores. ACT or SAT scores are optional, but can improve a person’s chances.

Advisors around the nation share that general academics are important. Communication skills, personal attributes, and health care experience may also make a person more competitive.

Indiana State Board of Nursing Accredited BSN Programs

Nursing Associate’s Degree Programs Accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing