Best Indiana LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Indiana’s LPN to RN programs provide a pathway for nurses to build upon existing skills. The curriculum covers advanced nursing practice, leadership, and patient care in diverse settings. Clinical training ensures readiness for RN licensure and effective practice as registered nurses.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN - Public 4-Year - indstate.edu
Associate - LPN/LVN to BSN Track
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana State University's online LPN/LVN to BSN Track provides a flexible route for licensed practical nurses to earn a bachelor's degree entirely through distance learning, with no campus visits needed. Clinical rotations are arranged in students' local communities, and the program accepts transfer credits to accelerate progress. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, though this is not specified in the provided data. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing licensure, enhancing career prospects in various healthcare settings.
- Fully online nursing program
- No campus visits required
- Clinical rotations locally arranged
- Transfer credits accepted
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Flexible for working adults
- Eligible for state licensure
Bachelor's - LPN/LVN to BSN Track
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tailored for working professionals, Indiana State University's LPN/LVN to BSN Track delivers a fully accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing, allowing students to complete clinicals locally without mandatory on-campus attendance. The program supports credit transfers and emphasizes faculty-led learning for NCLEX-RN readiness. For this bachelor's degree, entrance exams like ACT or SAT might be required, but details are not provided. Upon completion, nurses can advance to RN roles, opening doors to diverse healthcare opportunities.
- Fully online nursing program
- No required campus visits
- Clinicals in local community
- Transfer credits accepted
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Designed for working nurses
- Innovative faculty-led learning
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN - Private 4-year - sf.edu
Associate - Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne offers an LPN-to-ADN program that can be completed in as few as three semesters, providing an accelerated path for licensed practical nurses to earn an associate degree. Emphasizing a holistic, person-centered approach, the curriculum includes over 450 clinical hours and utilizes state-of-the-art simulation labs for hands-on training. As an ACEN-accredited program, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse nursing roles, with flexible full- or part-time options and strong partnerships with healthcare networks. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program.
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 450+ clinical hours
- State-of-art simulation labs
- Flexible full/part-time options
- ACEN Accredited Program
- Multiple clinical partner sites
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN - Public 4-Year - vinu.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing LPN to BSN Hybrid Degree
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vincennes University's LPN to BSN Hybrid Degree provides a flexible, accelerated pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with occasional campus visits, allowing completion in as little as three years. It prepares graduates for the RN licensure exam and diverse healthcare roles, with flexible enrollment to accommodate working professionals. Since it is a bachelor's level program, an ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission.
- Hybrid online/campus format
- Complete in three years
- Flexible enrollment periods
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Career advancement opportunities
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu
Associate - Nursing LPN to ASN Transition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ivy Tech Community College's Nursing LPN to ASN Transition program is tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses through a campus-based curriculum. It emphasizes hands-on clinical training alongside courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With flexible scheduling, this program supports working professionals in advancing their careers without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on comprehensive nursing care across diverse healthcare settings.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Flexible course scheduling.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Covers anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology course included.
- Focus on nursing care.
- For licensed practical nurses.
- Leads to RN credential.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
Indiana LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Indiana LPN to RN bridge programs build on your practical nursing education and work experience. While each college or university sets its own criteria, applicants can expect the following common requirements in Indiana:
- Current, unencumbered Indiana LPN license and graduation from a state‑approved practical nursing program
- Official transcripts showing prerequisite coursework completed with minimum grades, often including:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- General Psychology and Human Growth and Development
- College‑level Math such as Algebra or Statistics; some programs require Chemistry
- Minimum cumulative GPA as set by the program and completion of an LPN‑to‑RN transition course if required
- Standardized admission testing such as TEAS or HESI as specified by the school
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification, immunizations, TB screening, physical exam and ability to meet technical standards
- Criminal background check, drug screen and proof of health insurance before clinical placement
- Resume and, in some programs, verification of recent LPN work experience to award advanced standing
Working LPNs may receive credit for prior learning and clinical competencies through bridge or transition courses, skills validation, and standardized exams. Part‑time and evening/weekend options are available in some programs to accommodate work schedules.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
Indiana LPN to RN curricula expand your scope from practical nursing to professional registered nursing. Expect focused study in:
- Advanced adult medical‑surgical nursing and care of complex conditions
- Health assessment with lab, pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Maternal‑newborn and pediatric nursing
- Behavioral health and community/public health nursing
- Nursing leadership, delegation, quality and safety
- Evidence‑based practice and informatics; BSN tracks add research, population health and policy
Clinical learning occurs in hospitals, long‑term care, clinics and community settings, with simulation labs supplementing but not replacing required hands‑on patient care. Programs are designed to prepare you for the NCLEX‑RN and entry‑level RN practice across diverse settings.
In Indiana, RN programs must be approved by the state to qualify graduates for licensure. Many schools also hold national nursing accreditation, such as ACEN for associate degree programs or CCNE for baccalaureate programs, and institutional accreditation through regional accreditors. Accreditation and state approval help ensure educational quality, support transfer to BSN or graduate programs, and may be required for certain employers and financial aid. Prospective students should verify a program’s current state approval with the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Indiana, LPN to RN bridge pathways are offered by community and technical colleges, regional campuses, and universities. Options include LPN to ADN/ASN programs that lead to an associate degree and LPN to BSN programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree. Many providers maintain clinical partnerships with local hospitals, long‑term care facilities and community agencies.
Coursework typically includes:
- LPN‑to‑RN transition and role development
- Advanced medical‑surgical nursing across the lifespan
- Comprehensive health assessment with lab and simulation
- Maternal‑newborn, pediatrics and behavioral health
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology and IV therapy
- Leadership, delegation, ethics and interprofessional collaboration
- Community and population health; BSN tracks add research, statistics and evidence‑based practice projects
Expect a blend of classroom or online theory, high‑fidelity simulation, skills labs and supervised clinical rotations across multiple specialties to build critical thinking and clinical judgment for RN practice.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Indiana work in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long‑term care, home health and hospice, public health departments, schools and outpatient specialty centers. Schedules vary and may include 8‑, 10‑ or 12‑hour shifts, days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, with opportunities for full‑time, part‑time and per‑diem roles. Rural and urban regions across the state employ RNs, with ongoing demand driven by population health needs, chronic disease management and aging demographics.
Compared with LPN practice, RNs in Indiana carry broader responsibilities that include comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnosis within scope, care planning, patient education, care coordination and supervision of LPNs and assistive personnel. These expanded duties generally correspond to higher earning potential, wider specialty options and greater advancement pathways, including BSN completion and graduate study for advanced practice, education and leadership roles.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full‑time LPN to ADN/ASN: commonly 12 to 18 months after prerequisites and transition requirements
- Part‑time LPN to ADN/ASN: often 18 to 24 months, with lighter course loads each term
- Evening/weekend tracks: similar to part‑time duration, designed for working LPNs with labs and clinicals scheduled outside typical business hours
- LPN to BSN: approximately 2 to 3 years after prerequisites, depending on transfer credits and course sequencing
Total time to completion depends on prior coursework, placement testing, availability of clinical slots, and whether summer terms are utilized.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Indiana
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne |
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| Vincennes University |
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| Indiana State University |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution and degree level in Indiana. As a general guide:
- LPN to ADN/ASN at public colleges typically falls in the low five‑figure range for Indiana residents, excluding prerequisites
- LPN to BSN at public universities generally ranges from the high teens to the low‑to‑mid five figures for in‑state students, with private tuition higher
Additional expenses can include books and digital resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, background check and drug screening, immunizations, BLS certification, liability insurance, lab and testing fees, transportation and parking for clinicals, and state application and NCLEX‑RN examination fees after graduation.
Housing costs in Indiana are moderate compared with national averages, but vary by region. Students should budget for rent, utilities and commuting costs, with higher living expenses in larger metro areas and college towns.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Indiana
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College |
|
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| Indiana State University |
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| Vincennes University |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Indiana programs may offer online or hybrid delivery for didactic coursework, which can be convenient for working LPNs. However, all LPN to RN pathways require in‑person skills labs and supervised clinical experiences with patients at approved sites in Indiana or authorized locations. Simulation is commonly used to enhance learning but does not replace all required direct patient care.
Some programs provide hybrid formats with periodic campus intensives and local clinical placements, while others are primarily in‑person. Out‑of‑state online programs that place students in Indiana clinical sites must meet Indiana approval requirements for clinical education. Always confirm that any program you consider is approved for RN licensure eligibility in Indiana with the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Indiana
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Indiana LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Indiana. After you graduate, submit your RN licensure application to the Indiana Board, then register for the exam through the NCLEX program. The Board must determine your eligibility before you receive an Authorization to Test. You will schedule and take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Candidates who do not pass may retest after the standard 45-day waiting period set by NCSBN.
Indiana-specific steps typically include submitting an online application, paying state and exam fees, arranging for your school to send an official transcript that shows your RN degree and graduation date, and completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check after you apply. The Board provides instructions, timelines, and any temporary permit options for recent graduates. For national exam details, see the NCLEX program, and for state processes consult the Indiana Board of Nursing.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Indiana licenses RNs by endorsement if you hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or territory. Endorsement applicants must verify their original and current license status, show proof of graduation from an approved RN program, complete a criminal background check, and demonstrate that they passed the NCLEX-RN. The Board may offer a temporary permit so you can practice while your endorsement is processed if you meet the criteria. Indiana does not maintain separate one-to-one reciprocity agreements outside of the endorsement process.
Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If Indiana is your primary state of residence and you meet compact qualifications, the Board can issue a multistate RN license that allows practice in all other compact states. If you relocate to Indiana from another compact state, you must apply for Indiana licensure by endorsement; your multistate practice privileges are tied to your primary state of residence under Compact rules.
Licensure Requirements
The Indiana Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. Core requirements for first-time RN licensure by examination include:
- Graduation from a Board-approved RN program such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge program, with an official transcript sent directly from the school
- Online application and payment of state fees
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check completed through the Board’s designated process after you apply
- Registration for the NCLEX-RN and receipt of Authorization to Test once the Board determines eligibility
- Passing the NCLEX-RN
Applicants educated outside the United States may have to provide credential evaluations and meet English proficiency requirements as directed by the Board. The Board also outlines criteria and supervision requirements for any temporary permits available to exam or endorsement applicants.
License Renewal
Indiana RN licenses are renewed every two years. The renewal cycle for RNs ends on October 31 of odd-numbered years, with the online renewal window typically opening several weeks to months in advance. To renew, complete the online renewal, answer the required legal and practice questions, and pay the renewal fee by the deadline.
As of the latest Board guidance, continuing education is not required for routine RN license renewal in Indiana. The Board may require continuing education or additional steps for reactivation or reinstatement of a lapsed or inactive license. Always retain documentation for any continuing education you complete and monitor Board communications for any updates to renewal requirements or deadlines.
Average LPN State Salary in Indiana
$62,990
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically completed in as little as three semesters to 18 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Emphasizes the development of essential clinical skills and hands-on patient care to prepare for entry-level RN positions.
Average In-State Tuition in Indiana:
Varies by institution, with community colleges generally offering lower rates. For example, Ivy Tech Community College's tuition is approximately $178 to $215 per credit hour.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges and some universities, such as Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Saint Francis.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Can often be completed in approximately three years, with variations based on full-time or part-time enrollment.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides a comprehensive education that includes the clinical skills of an ADN program, supplemented with training in leadership, research, and public health.
Average In-State Tuition in Indiana:
Tuition is generally higher than ADN programs and varies by university. For instance, Indiana State University's in-state undergraduate tuition is around $4,726 per semester.
Best For:
LPNs who aim for leadership roles, career advancement, and a wider range of job opportunities, or who plan to pursue graduate-level nursing education.
School Types:
Universities, such as Indiana State University, Vincennes University, and Ball State University.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Workforce: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to an RN role.
- Lower Educational Costs: Community college tuition is typically more affordable than university tuition, reducing the financial barrier to becoming an RN.
- Focused Clinical Training: The curriculum is concentrated on developing the core clinical competencies required for immediate employment as a registered nurse.
- Option to "Earn While You Learn": Graduates can begin working as RNs and have their employer potentially help fund a future RN to BSN bridge program.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often preferred or required for positions in magnet hospitals, leadership, and specialized fields.
- Higher Earning Potential: RNs with a BSN often have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Foundation for Advanced Education: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum develops skills in leadership, research, and critical thinking, which are valuable in a variety of healthcare settings.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Indiana
Fort Wayne, IN
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
- Associate - Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 3 semesters
- 450+ clinical hours
- State-of-art simulation labs
- Ranked #2 Indiana Nursing
- Flexible full/part-time options
- ACEN Accredited Program
- Multiple clinical partner sites
Indianapolis, IN
Ivy Tech Community College
- Associate - Nursing LPN to ASN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Flexible course scheduling.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Covers anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology course included.
- Focus on nursing care.
- For licensed practical nurses.
Terre Haute, IN
Indiana State University
- Associate - LPN/LVN to BSN Track
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- No campus visits required
- Clinical rotations locally arranged
- Transfer credits accepted
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Flexible for working adults
- Eligible for state licensure
- Bachelor's - LPN/LVN to BSN Track
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- No required campus visits
- Clinicals in local community
- Transfer credits accepted
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Designed for working nurses
- Innovative faculty-led learning
Vincennes, IN
Vincennes University
- Bachelor's - Nursing LPN to BSN Hybrid Degree
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/campus format
- Complete in three years
- Flexible enrollment periods
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Career advancement opportunities
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