Best LPN Programs in Indiana

With the growing demand for nurses, entering the healthcare field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) couldn’t be more prudent. LPNs enjoy the rewards of helping others, while in an industry that’s poised to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects an 11% growth in the field through the year 2028. To join the ranks of LPNs in the state, you must first enroll in an accredited LPN program. LPNs in Indiana earn approximately $19.58 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $40,730. This is roughly $3,300 per year less than the national average.

Details on Indiana LPN Schools & Classes

Indiana is home to a variety of schools that offer LPN programs. From community colleges to vocational schools, prospective students in the state have a bounty to choose from. Both full-time and part-time program options are typically available, and most students can complete the program in 1-2 years. Indiana LPN schools consist of a mix of entry-level nursing courses and labs. Course titles may include:

• Medical Terminology
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

A properly accredited LPN program signifies quality and academic integrity. A good accrediting organization to look for when researching LPN programs is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, a national organization committed to nursing education excellence. Your school of choice may hold smaller regional accreditations as well. It’s also a good idea to see if your program is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

While each school will differ slightly on requirements, students who are serious about entering an LPN program in Indiana should ensure that they meet the following:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Must have completed any/all prerequisite courses
• Proficient level or higher on TEAS exam
• Must submit a completed application and pay any fees

Tuition and Costs

Thinking about paying for LPN school is enough to make some people break into a sweat, but it’s actually more affordable than you might think. Students are expected to cover the costs of tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks and other course materials, and more. For example on costs, in-state tuition and fees for the LPN program at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is approximately $6,600, with an estimated $1,800 additional needed for books and supplies. For students worried about paying for an LPN program, many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and other resources to those who qualify.

Indiana LPN Licensing Requirements

The first step to becoming an LPN in the state of Indiana is to attend a state-approved nursing program. After coursework is complete, the graduate must then sit for and pass the required NCLEX exam. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit the proper application along with a certificate of completion from their state-approved nursing program. Physical strength as well as endurance may be a factor in hiring in the state—physical abilities are not limited to lifting patients and machinery or standing and walking for extended periods of time. Indiana LPN licenses expire October 31^st every even year and do not require continued education for renewal. They do, however, require continued education in certain instances. Here is more information on licensure by examination in Indiana.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the exam that every student must take and pass in order to gain official licensure as a practical nurse. This test can be taken once a student graduates from an accredited LPN program. For more information about the NCLEX-PN exam, check out our guide here. It’s also a good idea for students to take an NCLEX-PN practice test to get an idea of what the real test is like.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Indiana is in the process of becoming a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Legislation is enacted with implementation starting July 1, 2020. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. LPNs from other states can receive an Indiana license by endorsement. Along with the endorsement application, the applicant must also submit:

• A professional headshot (passport-style photo) approximately 2 x 3 inches.
• $50 application fee payable to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
• Proof (verification) of license from another state.
• Documentation from completed state-approved nursing program.
• Criminal background check.

Applicants from foreign countries must submit his or her official school transcripts--both high school or equivalent as well as any nursing program attended. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools must perform a full course-by-course review and evaluate the credentials.

LPN Salary in Indiana By Area

The table below lists career information collected by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Indiana. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Indiana LPN to RN/BSN programs page.