Best LPN Programs in Indiana 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Indiana with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Indiana.
Cities in Indiana That Have LPN Programs
2026 Best LPN Programs in Indiana
Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN - Public 4-Year - vinu.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing, Practical, C.G.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vincennes University's Practical Nursing program provides comprehensive training for careers in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. Students benefit from expert instructors and small class sizes that foster personalized academic and practical skill development. The program is offered at both Vincennes and Jasper campuses with affordable tuition to reduce financial burden. Admission requires a criminal history check and drug screening, as outlined in the nursing handbook. Graduates are prepared to address critical healthcare needs, ensuring a fulfilling career path in practical nursing.
- Expert nursing instructors
- Small class sizes
- Affordable tuition
- Available at Vincennes and Jasper campuses
- Prepares for hospitals and nursing homes
- Personalized academic support
- Practical skills development
- Criminal history and drug screening required
- Detailed nursing handbook available
- Rewarding healthcare career paths
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ivy Tech Community College's Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing delivers a one-year, fast-track education for aspiring LPNs, emphasizing hands-on clinical and lab training. This campus-based program equips students with essential skills for diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals and home health, offering strong job prospects. It's an affordable option, with potential funding through Next Level Jobs, focusing on comprehensive career preparation without a specified concentration.
- One-year Technical Certificate
- Pathway to LPN career
- Clinical skills training
- Multiple healthcare job options
- Potential Next Level Jobs funding
Indiana LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into an LPN program in Indiana, applicants must typically hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some programs may also require applicants to pass a basic skills assessment or entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Additional requirements often include a background check, drug screening, up-to-date immunization records, and completion of prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology or anatomy. Many schools also require applicants to provide professional references and complete an interview as part of the admission process.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Indiana offer a structured curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Students study topics such as pharmacology, human anatomy, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric care. Clinical training is conducted in healthcare settings, allowing students to develop practical skills under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Accreditation is essential for ensuring that LPN programs meet state and national education standards. In Indiana, accredited programs are approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, and many also hold accreditation through national bodies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure in Indiana.
LPN Schools and Classes
Indiana offers LPN programs through community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes across the state. These institutions provide both day and evening class schedules to accommodate different student lifestyles. LPN coursework typically includes instruction in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, mental health nursing, and maternal-child nursing. Specialized labs and clinical experiences reinforce classroom learning by offering students hands-on patient care practice in real healthcare environments.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses in Indiana can pursue careers in a range of settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician offices, and home health care. The demand for LPNs in Indiana continues to grow, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. LPNs often experience a stable work-life balance with opportunities to work flexible shifts. According to labor market data, the state maintains a steady need for practical nurses as the population ages and healthcare needs increase, making the role of the LPN vital across diverse care environments.
LPN Program Length
LPN programs in Indiana are designed to be flexible, with full-time students typically completing their coursework in about 12 months. Part-time options may extend the duration to 18-24 months, allowing students to balance school with other responsibilities. Evening and weekend programs are also available at some schools and are ideal for working adults, though these formats may also require a longer commitment to meet clinical hour requirements. Regardless of the format, all programs must meet Indiana’s mandated minimum clinical and classroom hours
2026 Shortest LPN Programs in Indiana
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University |
|
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| Ivy Tech Community College |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Indiana generally ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of institution and program length. Community colleges tend to offer more affordable tuition, particularly for in-state residents. Additional costs include books, uniforms, supplies, licensure exam fees, and transportation for clinical rotations. Housing costs vary widely by location, but students in urban areas like Indianapolis may encounter average rental prices between $900 to $1,500 per month if living off-campus.
2026 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Indiana
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University |
|
|
| Ivy Tech Community College |
|
|
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Indiana cannot be completed entirely online due to the hands-on nature of nursing education. While some theoretical courses may offer online components, all clinical training and practical lab experiences must be conducted in person to meet licensure requirements set by the Indiana State Board of Nursing. In-person instruction ensures that students develop the necessary clinical competencies to provide safe, effective patient care in real-world settings.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Indiana
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Indiana, graduates of state-approved practical nursing programs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This computerized exam tests the essential knowledge and skills required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. Applicants must first apply for licensure with the Indiana State Board of Nursing and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) before scheduling their exam.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who are already licensed in another state. Applicants must provide verification of their current license, proof of graduation from an approved nursing program, and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN. Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are also required.
Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs holding a compact license from another NLC state to practice in Indiana without obtaining additional licensure. LPNs in Indiana who hold a multistate license may also practice in other NLC participating states without needing separate state licenses.
Licensure Requirements
The Indiana State Board of Nursing governs LPN licensure. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from a board-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and meet background check requirements. Foreign-educated nurses must also have their credentials evaluated by a recognized agency and pass an English proficiency exam if applicable. The Board issues licenses only after all documentation and exam results are reviewed and approved.
License Renewal
Indiana LPN licenses expire on October 31 of every even-numbered year. The license is valid for two years. To renew, LPNs must complete the renewal process through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and pay the renewal fee. As of current regulations, Indiana does not require Continuing Education (CE) hours for license renewal; however, licensees must report any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions on other licenses. Failing to renew on time, or practicing with an expired license, may result in penalties or disciplinary action.
Indiana LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average annual salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Indiana is $62,990, closely aligning with and slightly exceeding the national average of $62,340. This figure reflects a balance of regional economic factors. While Indiana's cost of living is below the U.S. average, which can sometimes lead to lower comparative wages, strong and consistent demand for LPNs helps keep compensation competitive. Factors such as the needs of an aging state population, particularly in the long-term care sector, and the specific dynamics of hospital openings or consolidations likely contribute to wages remaining on par with the national benchmark.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Indiana LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
10-12 months.
Credential Awarded:
Technical Certificate (TC) or Diploma in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrated, hands-on clinical skills and foundational nursing knowledge required for direct patient care as an LPN.
Average In-State Tuition in Indiana:
$8,000 - $15,000 (total program cost, excluding books and fees).
Best For:
Individuals wanting the quickest and most direct route to become a licensed LPN and enter the workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges (like Ivy Tech) and career/technical centers.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
The LPN option is completed after ~12 months within a 2-year RN program.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) upon full program completion. A Technical Certificate may be awarded if exiting after the first year with the LPN option.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN after successfully completing the first year of the ASN program.
Program Focus:
Broader scope including general education courses (English, math, sciences) alongside nursing theory, preparing students for the RN role.
Average In-State Tuition in Indiana:
$16,000 - $28,000 (for the full 2-year associate degree).
Best For:
Students who are certain their ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and want a seamless academic pathway.
School Types:
Community colleges and some universities (like Vincennes University).
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Speed to Employment: It is the fastest path to earning a license and starting work as a nurse, typically taking one year or less.
- Lower Initial Cost: The total tuition and fees are significantly lower than a full associate degree program, reducing initial student debt.
- Focused Curriculum: The program concentrates exclusively on the core skills and knowledge needed for the LPN role, without general education requirements.
- Workforce Flexibility: Allows you to work and earn income as an LPN while considering or saving for a future LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Direct RN Pathway: It provides a clear, uninterrupted path to becoming an RN, which offers greater autonomy, higher pay, and wider job opportunities.
- Greater Educational Mobility: The general education credits earned are easily transferable to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program later.
- Streamlined Process: It avoids separate application processes for LPN and then later for an RN bridge program, which can be more efficient for those with a clear goal.
- Broader Skill Development: The curriculum includes leadership, advanced critical thinking, and a deeper theoretical foundation beyond the LPN scope from the start.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Indiana
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $52,100 - $64,300 | 11-18 months | NCLEX-PN | 400-600 hours | $14,000 - $20,000 |
| MA | $36,800 - $47,600 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-220 hours | $7,000 - $18,000 |
| CNA | $33,500 - $40,100 | 4-8 weeks | Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation | 75 hours | $800 - $1,500 |
| DA | $39,700 - $57,900 | 9-12 months | DANB Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) Exam for radiography | 150-300 hours | $4,000 - $17,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $36,300 - $47,400 | 8-12 months | PTCB (CPhT) Exam | 150-250 hours | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $35,900 - $47,600 | 3-6 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 100-120 hours | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| OTA | $58,700 - $77,600 | 2 years | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640+ hours | $20,000 - $70,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
Ivy Tech Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- One-year Technical Certificate
- Pathway to LPN career
- Clinical skills training
- Multiple healthcare job options
- Potential Next Level Jobs funding
Vincennes, IN
Vincennes University
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing, Practical, C.G.
Campus Based - Website
- Expert nursing instructors
- Small class sizes
- Affordable tuition
- Available at Vincennes and Jasper campuses
- Prepares for hospitals and nursing homes
- Personalized academic support
- Practical skills development
- Criminal history and drug screening required
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