How to Become an RN in Indiana (A Complete 2023 Guide)

Since every state has its own RN requirements, it can get quite confusing. 

This is why we made this guide focus solely on Indiana. 

So if you want to know how to become an RN in Indiana, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here, we’re going to give you all the steps, plus all the details of each step. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. 

So are you ready?

Let’s dive in! 

5 Steps to Becoming an RN in Indiana

For the 5 steps, we’ll be answering 5 questions. These are: 

• What’s your ideal scenario? 
• Which degree do you want to take? 
• Where are you going to study? 
• How do you get your RN license? 
• Where can you work? 

As we go through each question, you’ll see what you need to do to become an RN in Indiana. 

So let’s get into the details. 

What’s Your Ideal Scenario?

Before anything else, you need to plan your nursing career goal. This means deciding what kind of nurse you want to be.

Sure, you’ll always be part of a healthcare setting, but that doesn’t automatically mean a hospital. You can be a travel nurse, forensic nurse, or do case management.

Not only that, but if you have a future plan, you can start taking up subjects that qualify you to attend nursing school, asking for advice, and all that. 

Plus, this is a crucial step as it will help you answer the 2nd question. 

Which Degree Do You Want to Take?

In Indiana, there are 2 degrees that aspiring RNs can take. These are:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

More nurses in the state have ADNs rather than BSNs. According to the 2019 Registered Nurse License and Supplemental Survey Data, 43% of RNs have baccalaureates, while 49.2% have Associate Degrees.

That said, it’s up to you to decide which nursing program to pursue. 

Here’s a table to show you a side-by-side comparison.

Some hospitals prefer to have BSN nurses because it leads to better patient outcomes. The extra time BSN nurses spend in school results in better-prepared professionals who make more proficient diagnoses and interventions.

However, they say timing is everything. You’ll need to consider practicalities such as how much funds you have and how soon you need to start earning. 

Your answer to the first question we posed also comes into play. You need to have a BSN if you plan to specialize in public health or forensics. It’s the same if you want to someday work for one of the 25 Magnet hospitals in the state.

So keep all these things in mind before you pick which degree to take. 

Where are You Going to Study?

Nursingprocess.com ranked various nursing schools in Indiana. Here are their top 5 for 2023:

• Purdue University
• Indiana University — Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana
• University of Southern Indiana, Evansville
• Indiana State University, Terre Haute
• Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

If you don’t want to follow their list, then you can search for your own approved nursing school. 

Here are the things you should consider: 

Tuition fees and financial assistance

If you decide to get a BSN, you should know that it is going to be expensive. This is why it’s a good idea to check whether the school has financial support programs.

Even if you’re taking an ADN, expenses can quickly pile up when you’re in college. Any help when it comes to funding is an advantage.

Delivery options

Some schools offer online programs. If you have a busy schedule or have a side job, then this delivery format will be your best choice. 

Plus, it can lower your expenses since you won’t have to spend on transportation or housing.

However, if you feel you’ll thrive in a more traditional setting, then go for it! 

It’s good, though, to have a school that offers both options.

Teacher-student ratios

Smaller classes can result in a more personalized experience for nursing students. Teachers who deal with many students won’t be able to focus on all their students’ needs. 

NCLEX pass rates

What is the NCELX passing rate of that particular nursing school? 

Is it high?

Although success rates aren’t a make-or-break factor, it’s a confidence boost if graduates tend to pass on their first try. It tells you how well a school prepares nursing applicants for the NCLEX.

Post-graduation placement support

Eventually, we’ll all want to find a job. It’s possible to do the job searching independently, but if your school has a career placement program, it gives you a head start.

How Do You Get Your RN License?

We’re now in question #4. That means we’re almost there!

When you finish your ADN or BSN, you can now apply for an RN license. 

For first-timers, you need to undergo the NCLEX exam. 

But for those that already have a license from another state, you can get your RN license through endorsement.

Let’s go through each of them one by one. 

Licensure by Examination

First, you need to submit your license application. You can do this online or use a downloadable form. 

There is a $50 application fee. You can also request a multistate license at this point, but it’ll cost you an additional $25.

Now, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) must receive several supporting documents to process your application. 

• Name Change Documentation: To be submitted if any of your documents bear a different name. If you changed your name because you got married or divorced, include the necessary files proving it.

• Positive Response Documentation: The application form has several questions about your background and disciplinary history. A yes on any of these means you’ll have to explain the surrounding circumstances.

• Education: Indicate your high school on your application. If you have a GED, you must include a copy of your scores. What’s more, your nursing schools must submit a Certificate of Completion or your official transcripts directly to IPLA.

• CGFNS Certification Program: Only applies if you completed your nursing education outside the United States. They will take care of sending your certificate and CES report to the Board.

• Criminal Background Check: Whether you submitted an online or paper application, wait until you receive a prompt. For online applications, it’s after you see the receipt screen; for paper applications, you’ll receive an email.

• Verification of Licensure: The IPLA must receive verification for all licenses you’ve held connected to the health profession. It applies if you were a CNA, an EMT, or had a similar role.

Note: if you apply with the paper application, mail all documents to Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Attn: Nursing Board, 402 West Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

You also need to register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue. The exam fee is $200. 

Once your license and NCLEX application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson Vue.

Make sure to keep your ATT — it will contain your exam schedule and other instructions. 

Exam results are released 3 to 4 weeks after you take it. 

If you passed, you’ll receive your license number through email. If not, you will receive a notice letter and an application to retake the exam. 

So yes, if you complete all these steps, you’ll be able to hold your RN license in your hands. 

Licensure by Endorsement

The process for licensure by endorsement is almost identical, except applicants don’t need to take the NCLEX. Only RNs licensed in non-compact states or outside the country go through this process.

Also, when you complete the license application validation step, it will include your current nursing license, plus all previous ones associated with a healthcare profession.

Where Can You Work?

Now that you have your license, it’s time to look for work. 

Hospitals are the primary work setting for nurses — and it’s no different in Indiana. 55.9% of RNs in the state are employed in a hospital. However, there are other facilities where you can kickstart your nursing career. 

Here are just some things you can do when looking for a place to work:

Explore your environment

Check out potential facilities in your area. Finding a job should NOT be a shot-in-the-dark kind of thing. 

Consider your experience, preferences, and interests, then narrow the possibilities.

Use your connections

No, we’re not telling you to ask people to give you a job — you’ll experience a higher level of satisfaction if you got it on your own. However,  you can ask for help to know more about your shortlisted facilities.

And make no mistake — you have the connections! Leverage your network from nursing school or people you met during your clinical practice.

You can speak with your former professors or pick the brains of your physician. Remember, the more information you have, the better off you’ll be.

Search for opportunities

The next step involves doing some online research. Now is the time to check job postings on their websites. Find out what roles are available, the requirements, and whether you’re a potential fit.

Apply

Lastly, send in your application. Come up with a cover letter along with your CV. 

However, your resume can only bring you so far. You’ll need to prepare for an interview and sell yourself. Remember, you’ve studied this facility in-depth — use what you’ve researched to present yourself as an ideal candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

So that is how to become an RN in Indiana. 

But what if you still have some questions? Then let’s take the time to answer some of the most frequently asked ones. 

What roles do RNs typically hold in Indiana?

Most nurses in Indiana work as staff (65.8%). Other notable roles are as follows:

• 9.2% — Nurse Manager
• 8.8% — Advanced Practice Nurse
• 1.9% — Nurse Executive
• 1.6% — Nurse Educator (as part of faculty)
• 1.4% — Nurse Educator (as part of patient educator)
• 1.3% — Nurse Educator (as part of staff development)
• 1.3% — Consultant / Nurse Researcher

Besides hospitals, where else do nurses work in Indiana?

The most common facilities that employ nurses are outpatient clinics, nursing homes, assisted living, and extended care facilities.

How much do RNs earn in Indiana?

On average, Registered Nurses in the United States earn $89,432. As of April 2023, Indiana’s average salary for RNs fell 5% below this at $84,634.

Of course, how much you earn is affected by several factors such as years of experience and type of degree. In Indianapolis, ADNs make an average of $65,818 per year. In comparison, BSN nurses get $81,834.

How often do I need to renew my RN license in Indiana?

RNs in Indiana renew their licenses biennially. It expires on October 31st on even-numbered years. 

Although there are no CE requirements, you need to pay a $50 renewal fee. It’s crucial to complete the renewal process before your license’s expiration. 

You pay another $50 for a late renewal.

Helpful Resources for Indiana RNs

• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Website (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• Indiana RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Indiana PLA
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Indiana PLA

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Indiana

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Indiana PLA:

Visit the Indiana PLA website for updates.

List of Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) in Indiana

Here’s a list of BSN programs approved by the Indiana PLA:

Visit the Indiana BON website for updates.

In Conclusion

Whew! Those 5 steps are extensive!

Not to mention, the time, dedication, and investment it takes to complete each step. 

But, at least now you have a blueprint of what to do as you go through your nursing journey. 

Remember, begin with the end in mind. Envision your ideal career because every decision you make afterward should bring you closer to it.

That includes what degree to pursue, which school to pick, and where to work. 

So think about these questions and YOUR answers to them. 

And pretty soon, you’ll be able to practice your profession in the state. 

Good luck!