Online Nursing Programs in Indiana

Becoming a Nurse in Indiana

Many nursing schools offer a range of online nursing programs, some of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Community colleges and vocational schools often offer diploma and associate degree programs in nursing, while universities typically offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral nursing programs. In general, for each increasing level of education, nursing students need to earn a greater number of credit hours, master more advanced coursework, and complete a higher number of clinical hours.

All levels of nursing skill are needed at healthcare facilities across Indiana. Nursing professionals can find work at the state's top hospitals in some of the most populous cities — particularly Indianapolis, Evansville, and South Bend — as well as doctor's offices and nursing facilities in smaller towns, like Terre Haute and New Albany. Continue reading to learn some of the important details about common nursing occupations in Indiana.

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

CNAs, also called nursing assistants, typically work as principal caregivers in long-term healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Working under the supervision of LPNs or RNs, CNAs measure patients' vital signs, record patients' health concerns, and assist patients with common activities, such as bathing and eating. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the national median annual salary for a nursing assistant is $30,830, and it projects an 8% job growth through 2030.

Educational Requirements

To become a nursing assistant, a college education isn't required, but in Indiana, it's important to finish a state-approved education program and pass a state competency exam. Students enrolled in state-approved CNA programs typically must complete 105 training hours and 75 clinical hours to earn a diploma. The curriculum introduces the principles of nursing, including the correct procedures for bathing and feeding patients, the use of medical equipment to check blood pressure and other vital signs, and the appropriate steps for handling an emergency.

How to Get CNA Certification in Indiana

Those with an Indiana CNA certificate work under the direct supervision of an LPN or RN in the state. To register as a CNA in Indiana, applicants should include the following in their applications:

• A $75.00 nonrefundable testing fee
• A headshot
• Proof of completing the state-approved CNA training
• Proof of passing the nurse aide competency evaluation, which includes a written and skills test
• Documentation of a legal name change (if applicable)

An Indiana CNA registry is valid for two years. Once it expires, CNA certification must be renewed in a timely manner. If it's been expired for less than six months, CNAs can renew their application by visiting the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency's (PLA) website. If it has been longer than six months, CNAs must contact the licensing agency directly.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs provide patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices, and even patients' homes. Their duties can vary depending on state regulations, but in general, they are responsible for listening to patients' health concerns and monitoring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate. According to the BLS, the median annual salary is $48,820 for LPNs and licensed vocational nurses, and 9% is the projected job growth through the end of the decade.

Educational Requirements

To earn the nursing diploma or certificate required to become an LPN, students must complete one to two years of classes, a process that includes gaining a certain amount of clinical experience. Coursework covers fundamental topics, such as anatomy and pharmacology, while helping students develop essential skills in exam room procedures, from checking vital signs to updating patient records.

How to Get an LPN License in Indiana

To apply to be an LPN in Indiana, applicants must submit the following:

• A $50 nonrefundable application fee
• A headshot
• Proof of nursing diploma or certificate
• Proof of active licensure in another state (if applicable)
• Criminal background check
• Documentation of a legal name change (if applicable)

After the application is approved, an applicant may take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination). If an applicant passes the NCLEX, the LPN license is awarded.

Those with an Indiana LPN license do not have to complete continuing education hours in order to renew their license. An Indiana nursing license is valid for two years. Once it expires, it must be renewed by visiting the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website or contacting the licensing agency directly.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Most RNs work in hospitals, but they may also find employment in other healthcare facilities. In addition to assessing patients' conditions and recording their symptoms, RNs may help perform and analyze diagnostic tests, administer medications, contribute to treatment plans, and teach patients how to manage their health at home. The median annual salary for RNs is $75,330, and the need for RNs is expected to grow by 9% through 2030.

Educational Requirements

Aspiring RNs have a couple of educational paths to choose from in Indiana. They can earn an associate degree by completing 60-70 credit hours, or they can earn a baccalaureate degree by completing 120 credit hours. Some RNs who've earned associate degrees later enroll in a degree completion program, known as an RN-to-BSN program, to finish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Both associate and bachelor's degree programs typically include courses in diagnostic and assessment skills, as well as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and social sciences.

How to Get an RN License in Indiana

To apply for an Indiana RN license, students must register for the NCLEX-RN exam and submit an application to the PLA. Within the application, students must include the following:

• A $50 nonrefundable application fee
• A headshot
• Proof of completing an approved nursing program
• Proof of active licensure in another state (if applicable)
• Criminal background check
• Documentation of a legal name change (if applicable)

After the application is approved, an applicant may take the NCLEX exam. If the applicant passes the NCLEX, the RN license is awarded.

Once obtained, the Indiana nursing license is valid for two years. There are no continuing education requirements to renew an Indiana RN license. Failure to renew on time with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency is subject to a late fee.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

APRNs include several types of highly skilled nursing professionals, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. Depending on their work setting, APRNs may perform diagnostic exams and tests, analyze test results, formulate treatment plans, administer medications, and counsel patients on how to best manage their health conditions. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for APRNs is $117,670. There is tremendous demand for these professionals, with growth projected at 45% through 2030 — over five times the national job growth average across all occupations.

Educational Requirements

To become any type of APRN, nurses must complete a master's degree. Most Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs require 30-50 credit hours and a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Full-time students may be able to complete a master's degree in two to three years. Depending on the area of concentration, the lesson plans vary widely across MSN programs. Nevertheless, all instruction includes courses about advanced health assessments and pharmacology. Admission requirements into a master's program in nursing may include an active license and a minimum number of clinical experience hours.

How to Get an APRN License in Indiana

To apply for an Indiana APRN license, applicants must already have an RN license in the state and should have completed at least a master's degree in nursing. APRN hopefuls must include the following with their application:

• A $50 application fee
• A list of any other state licenses held or a license or certification in the healthcare services field (if applicable)
• A document verifying legal name change (if applicable)
• A completed Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) application
• Proof of having successfully completed a graduate-level pharmacology course
• Copy of the collaborative agreement between a licensed APRN and the primary practice where they work
• Criminal background check

Once obtained, an Indiana APRN license is valid for for two years. To maintain prescriptive authority, APRNs must have successfully completed at least 30 hours of continuing education, including at least eight hours in pharmacology.

Resources for Nurses in Indiana