Top Indiana RN to BSN Programs
Significant reforms to the U.S. healthcare system combined with an aging population have caused the responsibilities of RNs to expand in recent years. As a result of these expanded responsibilities, healthcare employers increasingly want their nurses to have bachelor's degrees. In fact, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reports that by 2020, 80 percent of nurses will be expected to hold BSN degrees. So, to stay competitive in the job market, to enhance their future career prospects, and to increase their earning potential, forward-thinking RNs are headed back to school to earn their BSN degrees. Colleges and universities have responded to the increased demand for BSN-educated nurses by making it more convenient than ever before for an RN to go back to school and to earn their bachelor's degree. Today, nurses can earn their BSN degrees in just one to two years, entirely online, while they continue to work full-time. But with new RN to BSN programs springing up all the time, the process of finding a top program can be complicated. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in Indiana to help you in that process.
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Indiana
As a nurse, deciding which RN to BSN program you'll enroll in is a serious decision. During your search for the top programs in your area, consider the following:
- Acceptance rate
- Instructor experience
- Pass rate
- Total cost of attendance
- Class sizes
- Program accreditations, accolades, or awards
- Retention rate
- Cost of living in the immediate area
- Length of time the program has been operating for
- Student satisfaction rate
- Partnership with local hospitals or healthcare facilities
- Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
Testing and Certification
Since ADN-educated RNs have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam they are not required to take it for a second time upon completion of their RN to BSN program.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Indiana
1. Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest is a public university with two campuses in the cities of Hammond and Westville. PUN offers students an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in just sixteen months for under $11,000. In total, the program is comprised of 34 semester credit hours and includes courses like Health Promotion & Education, Professional Ethics, and Nursing Informatics, among others. PUN admits new students into its RN to BSN program three times each year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Franciscan Health Hammond
- Catherine Hospital
- La Porte Hospital
Tuition:
Students who enroll in Purdue University Northwest's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $10,200 plus additional fees.
2. Goshen College
Originally founded in 1894, Goshen College is a private liberal arts college located in the city of Goshen. GU offers students a 38 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be taken entirely online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Typically, the program can be completed in 18 months. During the program students will take courses like Philosophies & Theories of Nursing, Holistic Client Assessment, and Leadership in Nursing, just to name a few.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
Tuition:
Students who enroll in Goshen College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $17,480 plus additional fees.
3. Indiana University East
Indiana University East, located in the city of Richmond, is the regional campus of Indiana University. IU East offers an online RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete in 12, 18, or 24 months depending on whether the student is enrolled full or part-time. The program boasts a 96 percent retention rate while 98.6 percent of students from the last graduating class rated the quality of the nursing instruction as "good to exceptional". During the program, students will take courses like Health Policy, Nursing Ethics, and Nursing Management, among others.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Reid Health
- Ball Memorial Hospital
- Fayette Regional Health System
Tuition:
For current information on tuition and fees, contact the school directly at (765) 973-8208.
4. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian university located in the city of Marion. IWU offers students a 44 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in just 15 months. During the program, students will take courses like Health Indicators and Clinical Prevention, Leadership and Management in Nursing, and Evidence-Based Nursing, to name a few. New students are admitted 7 times per year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Marion General Hospital
- VA Northern Indiana Health Care System
Tuition:
Students who enroll in Indiana Wesleyan University RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $19,756 plus additional fees.
5. Marian University - Indianapolis
First established in 1851, Marian University is a private Roman Catholic university that's located in the city of Indianapolis. MU offers students a fully online RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in just 12 months. The three-semester, 30 unit program, focuses on the fundamentals of nursing as well as professional development. During the program, students will take courses like Health Assessment and Communication, Research and Informatics, and Gerontological Issues in Healthcare, among others.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- IU Health University Hospital
- Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital
- Vincent's Hospital
Tuition:
For more information on tuition and fees for Marian University - Indianapolis's RN to BSN program, contact the school at (317) 955-6000.
