Best LPN Programs in Indiana

Last Updated/Verified: Nov 5, 2023

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 a 9% growth in the field through the year 2029. To join the ranks of LPNs in the state of Indiana, you must first enroll in an accredited LPN program.

LPNs in Indiana earn approximately $26.85 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $55,850. This is roughly $10 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Indiana? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Indiana are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 20 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Indiana click here.

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 just over $2,000 per semester, including textbooks. For students worried about paying for an LPN program, many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and other resources to those who qualify.

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

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 31st 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 a member of the NLC, or Nurse Licensure Compact. 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.

Top Ranked Indiana LPN Programs

1

Ivy Tech - Sellersburg

Ivy Tech - Sellersburg, Sellersburg, IN 47172 - (812) 246-3301 - Visit Homepage

Ivy Tech Community College students at the Sellersburg campus are prepared to live, learn, and work in a diverse and globally competitive environment. Students are provided with professional, technical, transfer, and life-long learning educational options.

Overall Score: 99.68 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Ivy Tech - Fort Wayne

3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 - (260) 482-9171 - Visit Homepage

Ivy Tech Community College is the only full-fledged community college in Indiana with many campuses across the state. At Ivy Tech - Fort Wayne, nursing students are offered hands-on experience with some of the state’s most advanced technologies and training facilities.

Overall Score: 99.66 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Ivy Tech - Terre Haute

8000 South Education Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802 - (812) 299-1121 - Visit Homepage

Ivy Tech Community College in Terra Haute is part of the largest singly-accredited statewide community college system in the entire country. Ivy Tech offers students a range of associate degree and transfer programs, as well as career certification programs and workforce development programs.

Overall Score: 99.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Ivy Tech - Columbus

4475 Central Avenue, Columbus, IN 47203 - (800) 922-4838 - Visit Homepage

The Columbus campus of Ivy Tech is home to the same great practical nursing program offered at other Ivy Tech campuses throughout the state. Students learn the skills to become caring and competent practical nurses in just 3 semesters of study when they enroll in the program.

Overall Score: 99.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Ivy Tech - Evansville

3501 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710 - (888) 489-5463 - Visit Homepage

At the Evansville campus, Ivy Tech Community College students are pushed to excel to reach their highest potential. Ivy Tech delivers personal attention to students, offering a large number of programs including associates degrees, transfer education, career certification, adult learning, and workforce development.

Overall Score: 98.41 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Indiana

RankedProgramScore
#6 Ivy Tech - Bloomington
200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 332-1559
98.00
#7 Ivy Tech - Muncie
4301 S Cowan Rd,, Muncie, IN 47302
(888) 489-5463
96.93
#8 Ivy Tech - Valparaiso
3100 Ivy Tech Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-8514
95.99
#9 Ivy Tech - Gary
1440 East 35th Avenue, Gary, IN 46409
(219) 879-9137
95.82
#10 Ivy Tech - Anderson
104 West 53rd Street, Anderson, IN 46013
(765) 643-7133
95.71
#11 Ivy Tech - Lafayette
3101 S Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905
(888) 489-5463
95.55
#12 Ivy Tech - South Bend
220 Dean Johnson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 830-0375
94.77
#13 Ivy Tech - Kokomo
1815 E. Morgan St., Kokomo, IN 46901
(800) 459-0561
94.43
#14 Ivy Tech - Greencastle
915 South Zinc Mill Road, Greencastle, IN 46135
(765) 653-7410
91.80
#15 Vincennes University - Jasper
850 College Ave, Jasper, IN 47546
(812) 482-3030
90.45
#16 Vincennes University
1002 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591
(800) 742-9198
87.45
#17 Ivy Tech - Indianapolis
50 W Fall Creek Pkwy. N. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46208
(888) 489-5463
86.63

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Ivy Tech - Madison
3100 Ivy Tech Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-8514
Ivy Tech - Richmond
2357 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 966-2656
Ivy Tech Marion
261 S. Commerce Dr, Marion, IN 46953
(765) 651-3100

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional IN Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Indiana

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.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Indianapolis, Carmel, Anderson3,780$27.80$57,820
Fort Wayne1,100$25.80$53,670
Evansville640$25.92$53,910
South Bend, Mishawaka480$27.22$56,630
Lafayette, West Lafayette330$27.48$57,160
Terre Haute310$25.19$52,390
Muncie280$25.45$52,930
Elkhart, Goshen240$28.09$58,430
Bloomington230$25.93$53,940
Columbus130$24.21$50,360
Kokomo130$27.08$56,330
Michigan City, La Porte110$26.54$55,190

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)